About the Village Manager

The Village Manager, Mark L. Bender, also serves as the Police Chief. He is a Saginaw native who has has over 25 years of Law Enforcement experience. The Lake Odessa Village Council created the role of the Village Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Village.  As a liaison between the Village Council and Village residents, the Village Manager's goal is to ensure that Village services are provided to the citizens in a responsive and cost efficient manner. To that end, the Village Manager is also responsible for fostering economic development and long-term fiscal integrity to ensure an appropriate growth pattern for the Village.

Education

Mark is a high school graduate of Buena Vista High School in Saginaw County. Mark Continued his education at Delta College where he earned his Associates Degree of applied Science in Law Enforcement. Soon after receiving his Associates Degree, Mark continued his college education at Saginaw Valley State University where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree, (Magna cum Laude) with a major in Public Administration with a minor in Criminal Justice. In addition to the formal college degrees, Mark has attended countless educational courses, seminars, and symposiums and formal training on a wide range of disciplines ranging from Management, Investigations, Grant Writing and human resources.

Work Experience

Mark started his career with a profession in dedicated Law Enforcement starting as a patrolman, Sergeant, Police Chief and former Undersheriff in Saginaw County. Marks administrative experience and education paved the way for him to be offered the chance as serving the dual role of City Manager and Police Chief in his previous position before coming to Lake Odessa, a practice that is frequent but occurs sporadically when the right set of circumstances and opportunity presents itself for both the municipality and the potential Police Chief/Manager.

Office Hours 

The Manager's Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. 

 

Village of Lake Odessa
Page Memorial Building
839 Fourth Avenue
Lake Odessa, MI 48849
Phone: (616) 374-7110
Fax: (616) 374-0040