Deputy city manager retires, takes new job

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Tweet Jean Golden says she's off to find bliss.

After serving as East Lansing's deputy city manager for seven years, Golden is ready to retake control of her life.

"I'm going to be 60 years old — I've been working hard since I was 16," she said. "An opportunity came up, and I decided to take on some new challenges."

Taking a position at East Lansing-based MediaBalance, Inc., Golden says she'll work less hours, have a flexible schedule and still have the ability to help people.

MediaBalance is a behavioral rehabilitation clinic that uses technology to help people overcome physical and emotional obstacles.

"I had a chance to meet with the president of MediaBalance. We had a discussion and kind of hit it off," Golden said. "When you are on the right path, you get put where you are needed."

Working with Golden was a fulfilling experience, City Manager Ted Staton said.

"She brought a breath of fresh air to the city," he said. "She did not come from a municipal government background, and I think that is why she was picked in the first place. Her experience in the nonprofit and health-care sectors proved valuable."

Golden said her work to improve employee health care and increase relations with MSU are her proudest accomplishments. A "frontline" nurse for 20 years, Golden said she has a knack for giving people what they need.

By working with the employee unions in the city, Golden helped produce a new cost-effective health plan, East Lansing Mayor Sam Singh said.

Golden is also responsible for encouraging positive interactions with several other people in the community, Singh added.

"It's been a real pleasure to work with Jean over the years," he said. "Jean had a lot of things to do with the city, especially our relationships with our regional partners. She was the head of a lot of the work we did with the university — she's been helping to build that relationship."

It hasn't been decided whether Golden's position will be filled, Staton said.

"I'll still be an East Lansing citizen and still be involved," Golden said. "Who knows, maybe I'll run for the City Council in the future."

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