Garfield Township’s first-ever township manager says he’s ready to get to work

TRAVERSE CITY — Garfield Township announced the addition of their first township manager, Chris Barsheff.

Barsheff is currently on the Garfield Township board of trustees and previously had a career in law enforcement. He’s currently also the Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Office jail administrator but said he’s looking forward to his career change.

“I’m excited to open up new possibilities and new challenges for myself,” said Barsheff.

Garfield Township will still have a part-time elected township supervisor, but Barsheff’s job will be to oversee day-to-day tasks with the township and the board of trustees.

“It’s important at the township that we understand what our challenges are. For instance, housing, traffic, in that we try to figure out creative solutions to deal with those,” said Barsheff. “I just hope that my experience, knowledge, especially in law enforcement as relates to traffic, will be beneficial towards that effort.”

Barsheff emphasized the importance of community feedback for leadership to implement the township’s goals.