About Ken Nelson
Ken Nelson and his family have proudly called Sterling Heights home for over 37 years.
Ken holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Before earning his degree, Ken served nearly seven years in the United States Air Force, including a tour in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971 as a Weather Equipment Technician. After his military service, he continued to serve his country, working as an Electronic Technician with the National Weather Service for twelve years, where he held various supervisory roles.
Following his public service, Ken spent eight years at AT&T as both a Systems Consultant and Sales Executive, managing AT&T’s largest National Account—General Motors.
In 1995, Ken joined his brother in starting Key Property Services of Michigan, a Real Estate Brokerage and Association Management Company serving Subdivision and Condominium Associations. In 2002, Ken became the sole owner of KPS. As CEO and CFO, he worked directly with elected Boards of Directors, serving as a City Manager for up to 40 different Associations. Ken proudly led KPS for 24 years before retiring in 2019. Today, his daughter owns and operates the family business.
Ken’s commitment to Sterling Heights goes beyond business. While working at AT&T, he served on the Sterling Heights Beautification Commission for a year and then on the Board of Zoning Appeals for three years, two of which he served as Chairman. In 1996, Ken was elected to the Sterling Heights City Council, serving two terms until 1999.
Now retired, Ken is ready to put his leadership and experience back to work for the people of Sterling Heights.
About Our Council-Manager Form of Government
How it’s Supposed to work!
The Council-Manager form is the system of local government that combines the strong political leadership of elected officials in the form of a governing body (the City Council) with the strong managerial experience of an appointed local government manager. The Council-Manager form establishes a representative system where all power is concentrated in the elected council and where the council hires a professionally trained manager to oversee the delivery of public services. In Council-Manager government, the mayor and council members are the leaders and policymakers elected to represent the community and to concentrate on policy issues that are responsive to citizens' needs and wishes. The manager is appointed by the governing body to carry out policy and ensure that the entire community is served.