SAGINAW, MI -- After seven years serving as Saginaw's city manager, it appears that Darnell Earley will soon be leaving to take a new job serving as Flint's emergency manager.

Gov. Rick Snyder plans to announce Earley's appointment to replace current Emergency Manager Mike Brown during a press conference in Flint Wednesday morning, Sept. 11, according to Synder's staff.

Earley is expected to replace Brown after a one-month transition period, according to Press Secretary Sara Wurfel.

Follow along with Mlive.com reporter David Harris at the press conference in Flint

Saginaw Mayor Greg Branch said he rece

ived via email this morning a letter from Earley announcing his retirement. That retirement will be effective Oct. 11, Branch said.

He said it is unclear how the replacement process will go, though he said he would expect an interim city manager would be appointed while a new permanent city manager is sought.

"I'd kind of like to get that search underway," Branch said."We may try to fast-track that as much as we can."

Earley has been Saginaw's city manager since 2006, and has twice served on emergency manager review teams, once through Gov. Jennifer Granholm in Benton Harbor and, more recently, through Gov. Rick Snyder in Flint.

He also worked as a city administrator in Flint from 2001-04, part of that time serving as the city's chief executive officer in the role of "temporary mayor."

In his career, Earley served as the State House of Representatives director of policy and research, and also served as the Deputy County Controller for Ingham County.

Darnell Earley through the years 18 Gallery: Darnell Earley through the years

Mark Tower covers local government for MLive/The Saginaw News.

Contact him at 989-284-4807, by email at mtower@mlive.com or

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