Former Deputy City Attorney Philip Strom Named Permanent Head of City Law Department

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Grand Rapids City Commission unanimously selected Philip Strom to serve as the next city attorney, marking the end of his interim tenure that began in September 2025.

Strom, who spent six years as deputy city attorney before taking on the interim role, will now lead the City of Grand Rapids' legal team in a permanent capacity. Contract negotiations between Strom and the city's Human Resources Department are currently underway, according to city officials.

Broad Background and Leadership Experience

Strom brings extensive experience to the role, having previously worked in Delta County as county administrator, chief financial officer, and prosecuting attorney before joining the City of Grand Rapids.

During his time at Grand Rapids, Strom oversaw three legal divisions, coordination of Freedom of Information Act operations, and management of major initiatives involving litigation, labor relations, citywide policy, and emergency operations.

"He has served as president-elect of the Grand Rapids Bar Association and, during his time as deputy, coordinated FOIA operations and managed major initiatives involving litigation, labor relations, citywide policy and emergency operations," WZZM reported.

Mayor David LaGrand praised Strom's qualifications, stating his background was "remarkably broad" and "uniquely prepared him for the work he's doing today."

Competition Among Three Finalists

The selection came after the city commission interviewed three finalists for the position:

• Philip Strom — Deputy city attorney and six-month interim head of the department
• Matthew Cross — A southwest Michigan native with municipal law attorney experience in handling legal matters at the city, county and public-sector levels
• Sarah Hartman — An attorney with the City of Grand Rapids since 2020, who directed the city's Civil Litigation Division and served as assistant city attorney III

Hartman has advised city leaders on a broad range of municipal, employment and civil rights matters during her tenure.

Strom's Commitment to the Role

"I'm deeply honored to be selected as city attorney for Grand Rapids. I'm incredibly proud of my service to this community over the past several years, both as deputy city attorney and during my time as interim city attorney," Strom said in a statement.

"I am committed to carrying forward the premier leadership that has been established by my friend and mentor, Anita Hitchcock. Looking ahead, I'm excited for the future of our department."

Strom added that he remains "committed to listening — to our community, to our clients and to our staff. Those principles have guided our work, and they will continue to guide me in this role."

Transition from Interim Role

The interim position Strom has held since September 2025 allowed the city to evaluate leadership options while maintaining continuity in the legal department's operations. His unanimous selection suggests the commission is confident in his ability to lead the department forward.

Strom's appointment represents continuity in leadership after months of interim management, and he will now focus on long-term strategy and development of the city's legal operations.

Sources

• FOX 17 Online — https://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/grand-rapids/grand-rapids-city-commission-moves-to-promote-deputy-city-attorney-to-lead-role
• WZZM-TV — https://www.wzzm13.com/article/news/local/philip-strom-named-city-attorney-grand-rapids/69-c8a38ea8-1fd7-4f1a-98fd-b49eda74359f