Introducing Wayne’s new city manager

Diane Webb selected as Wayne’s next City Manager pending council approval of her employment agreement.

By Sarah Shurge – The city of Wayne is excited to announce its new city manager, Diane Webb.
Effective Thursday, August 31, 2023, Lisa Nocerini resigned as Wayne city manager after eight years of serving the community.
“I know Lisa and I know she did a phenomenal job,” said Webb. “She did a lot of heavy lifting and she helped get things moving in the right direction, but there is still a lot of work to be done. I know I have big shoes to fill and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
On Tuesday, September 5, 2023, the city council voted 7-0 in favor of Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong being interim city manager. The council also agreed to hire the Michigan Municipal League to do a search for a new city manager.
During a meeting Tuesday, December 5, 2023, the city council narrowed down the candidates from seven to the final three: Chief Strong, Ken Marten, and Webb. The council voted unanimously to conduct a second round of interviews with the three finalists.
“I think the competition was tough,” said Webb. “I really have a lot of respect for the police chief and I’m glad I’ll have the opportunity to work with him.”
On Tuesday, December 19, 2023, the council selected Webb as the new city manager.
“It felt fantastic to be selected,” said Webb. “I really liked the interview process and I appreciated the opportunity to talk to the department head. They shine a light on issues in an operational way that I’m used to. That made a big difference to me and made me even more excited about the job.”
As city manager, Webb, and the department head will be working closely together.
“I’m very encouraged by the quality of the team. You can tell they’re very invested in the community and dedicated to their jobs,” said Webb.
Webb has a long and diverse career that has centered around the city of Wayne.
“I’ve been plugged into Wayne for most of my career,” said Webb. “My first job was in Wayne and hopefully my last job will be in Wayne. I’ve come full circle. All roads keep leading me back to Wayne.”
For the first 18 years of her career, Webb worked in the private sector. She was a technician in Wayne, she did customer service management, project management, and community relations.
“The private sector prepared me for public service,” said Webb.
Webb served four years as a city councilwoman in Garden City, 11 years on Wayne County Commission, and did government relations with Wayne representatives.
“The city manager job is a culmination of everything I’ve ever done with jobs,” said Webb. “When I saw the ad, I researched the city and I thought there was a great alignment between Wayne’s challenges and my skill sets, and that there were exciting opportunities there.”
Webb is coming into this position with a game-plan ready.
“Priority one is to learn the culture of the community and how the city operates internally, and then assimilate my style into their culture,” said Webb.
She is also excited to work with the Wayne Downtown Development Authority (DDA).
“We’ve got a great director with Lori Gouin,” said Webb. “There’s great groundwork for us to do some really fun things.”
Most importantly, Webb is ready to serve the people of Wayne.
“We’re going to be looking for people’s input. That is a vital part in the solutions and growth,” said Webb. “What is their vision for Wayne? What do they love about it and how would they like to see it grow or improve?”
Webb stated she will have an open door and be holding forums, probably monthly, with the community.
“Everything we do, we’re doing for them. So it’s important they have an opportunity to give input,” said Webb.
Webb was born and raised in Garden City. She has a 23 year old son, parents aged 88 and 90 years old that have been together for 71 years.
“I love the people in Wayne. They’re down-to-earth, hard-working people,” said Webb. “I feel comfortable there and I’m thrilled to work there.”
Welcome Webb as Wayne’s new city manager!