Vicksburg Village Manager Jim Mallery has announced he intends to retire at the end of 2026.
While some municipal leaders might have suspected this would be Mallery’s last year, his intentions were made official during an optimistic and emotional seven-minute speech at the council’s Jan. 5 meeting.
Reading from a prepared statement, Mallery touched on a number of key issues and high points the village has experienced since he stepped into the municipality’s highest non-elected position in 2016.
“After considerable thought and reflection of the past 35 years of public service, I want to publicly announce that I do not intend to seek extension of my current employment agreement beyond December 31, 2026,” Mallery said.
Mallery’s professional career started in 1991 with Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. He retired after 25 years with the agency before accepting the village manager’s job in Vicksburg.
He referenced the fact that January marked his 10-year anniversary with the village. The milestone, he said, was conducive to reflecting on the state of the village when he started and where it stands now.
“Ten years ago, the village was facing significant financial stress, our reserves were strained, difficult decisions were required and long-term stability was far from guaranteed,” Mallery said. “Those challenges were real. Through discipline, transparency and an unwavering commitment to financial responsibility, we changed that trajectory. Today, the village stands on solid financial ground.”
Mallery said Vicksburg has achieved a level of stability that once seemed out of reach. As an example, he noted it managed to pay the cost of a new, $2.7 million municipal building with cash on hand rather than finance its construction.
That accomplishment on its own, he said, speaks volumes about the financial stewardship of the council and dedication of village staff.
“Beyond the balance sheet, we transformed the very heart of our community: the complete makeover of our downtown streetscapes reshaped not only the look on Main and Prairie streets, but how our community gathers, celebrates and connects,” he said, a reference to the popular ‘Burg Days of Summer. “None of this happened because of one person. I have been incredibly fortunate to lead a talented, committed and resilient team (of) village staff, who care deeply about this community, and consistently go above and beyond.”
Mallery, who turned 58 on Jan. 20, acknowledged village council members past and present. He said they offered trust, partnership and a willingness to make hard decisions in the service of Vicksburg’s long-term good.
Mallery assured the council that, despite his end-of-year retirement, he vows to stay committed to his job every day through Dec. 31.
“We have important work ahead (and) I want to be very clear that my focus remains firmly on the future of Vicksburg,” Mallery stated. “We’re in the process of administrating more than $8 million in federal and state grants that will be invested directly into critical infrastructure projects. Projects that will strengthen our utility systems, build a new downtown municipal parking lot, protect taxpayers and position the village for continued success for decades to come.”
He added that the coming year isn’t about winding down. Rather, it’s about delivering results.
Mallery concluded by acknowledging his family, pausing to regain his composure before recognizing his wife of more than 32 years, Stephanie.
“Public service asks a great deal not only of those who serve, but of those who stand beside them,” he continued. “Her patience, encouragement and steady support have made it possible for me to give my full energy to this role and this community.”
Village President Tim Frisbie said a candidate search to secure Mallery’s successor is a high priority and will start later in the year. He invited Mallery to take part in the process.
