Seeterlin leaving Waterford post for job in Dearborn

After nearly 23 years of serving the community, Waterford Township Human Resources and Finance Director Rob Seeterlin has made the tough decision to move on and take a new position with Dearborn Public Schools.

“Dearborn Schools is the fourth-largest school district in the state with over 2,000 employees and 18,000 students,” he explained. “The pay is better, as well as the opportunity for advancement.”

Seeterlin, who also sits on the Waterford School District’s Board of Education, may be changing jobs, but not his address and will therefore retain his seat on the board.

In his new position as Assistant Director of Human Resources and Chief Negotiator, Seeterlin said the post offers “a better opportunity within a bigger organization.”

Seeterlin was recruited by the Dearborn Schools Superintendent Brian Whiston, a former resident of Waterford.

“The collective bargaining piece will make it an exciting position and, with my abilities, I’m looking forward to making things happen in education reform,” he said.

Seeterlin was deputy township supervisor from 1989 to 1995, at which point the Board of Trustees eliminated the position.

“I was the first and only Deputy Township Supervisor and when they moved me to director, it was eliminated,” he said.

In retrospect, Seeterlin said his departure is bittersweet.

“It’s a little weird to leave because 22 years is a pretty long time, but times change and because of downsizing and cuts, this works out personally and professionally for me,” he said. “It’s getting more difficult to do public service.”

Seeterlin’s last day with the township is Aug. 26.

According to Supervisor Carl Solden, Seeterlin’s duties will most likely be split between experienced staff members to avoid hiring a replacement.

“We’re strapped revenue and expenditure-wise,” Solden said. “Rob’s leaving a big hole because he contributed so much, but we will depend on others with knowledge and keep everything in-house.”

Solden added that Seeterlin took on more than his share of the workload each day.

“He had a full plate with fiscal and human resources responsibilities,” Solden said. “He did a great job and will be missed, but anytime something bad happens, we must make the best of the situation.”