Deputy City Attorney Philip Strom Named Permanent City Attorney

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The Grand Rapids City Commission unanimously selected Deputy City Attorney Philip Strom to become the next city attorney, continuing his leadership of the City's Department of Law.

Strom has been serving as interim city attorney since September 2025, when Anita Hitchcock retired from the position. The decision came at a special meeting on Wednesday, April 1.

Three Finalists, One Winner

Strom was chosen out of three finalists who advanced to final interviews for the role:

• Philip Strom -- Deputy City Attorney
• Sarah Hartman -- Director of Legal Affairs for the city
• Matthew Cross -- Municipal law attorney from Traverse City

Commissioners agreed that all three candidates were highly qualified for the job. However, Strom was ultimately viewed as having the most prior work experience that aligned with the city attorney role and the city's values.

Greg Nelson, of Mosaic Public Partners, the search firm hired by the city to lead the search, said Strom was viewed as having well-rounded experience in areas of municipal law, as well as strong institutional knowledge of Grand Rapids.

Strom's Background

Strom has 17 years of legal experience, including 15 years working with local governments. He has eight years of supervisory and management experience.

Before joining the city of Grand Rapids as deputy city attorney in 2019, Strom worked as county administrator and chief financial officer for Delta County. He also served as Delta County's elected prosecuting attorney from 2011-2018, where he managed civil and criminal litigation for the county and its health department.

Strom received his bachelor's degree in political science from Western Michigan University, and his JD from Cooley Law School. He is president-elect of the Grand Rapids Bar Association.

Leadership Approach

Strom has been in every city commission meeting he can think of since he started, with the exception of one: when COVID was happening. He has been in top management, advised pretty much every department and board the city can think of. In those six years and the last seven months have been on-the-job training for this position.

Strom described his management style as leading by example.

"I've had almost any job that you can think of, from riding on the back of a garbage truck to pumping gas at a gas station," he said. "So, if you aren't willing to do the work then I don't think you can expect anybody else to do it. So, you have to know the work before you delegate it."

Mayor's Comments

Mayor David LaGrand praised Strom's selection:

"Phil brings an exceptional blend of commitment, experience and leadership to this role," LaGrand said. "His background before joining the City was remarkably broad, and it uniquely prepared him for the work he's doing today. I was especially struck by the way he talks about leadership. He truly sees the Department of Law as an extension of his professional family. His deep connection to Grand Rapids and to our legal community is a real asset. His service as president of the Grand Rapids Bar Association helps elevate the prestige of our organization, which is important as we work to attract talented attorneys. Above all, I appreciate how Phil engages with each of us individually. He listens, he understands our different styles, and he's committed to working with the entire Commission in a thoughtful and collaborative way."

Looking Ahead

Strom has been selected to carry forward the premier leadership that was established by his friend and mentor, Anita Hitchcock. He is committed to supporting and strengthening the Department of Law team so they can continue delivering high-quality legal services to Grand Rapids residents.

The Commission's unanimous vote followed a robust public engagement process that included community submitted questions, a public forum, finalist interviews and open deliberations.

The public forum on Monday evening covered a wide range of legal themes including ensuring constitutional standards in policing and balancing public safety with First Amendment rights during protests.

Strom's Vision

As the city's top legal advisor, Strom views his role as providing all the information that city officials need to make a decision so that they can balance the law with justice for the Grand Rapids community.

"The law department in this city previously and in many other cities is the department of 'no,'" Strom said. "Anita (Hitchcock) and I have worked really hard to be more of an advisor, giving the city commission a menu of options, but being really specific about the risks associated with each option."

Strom also talked about wanting to expand the city's diversion programs to move first-time or low-level offenders away from formal prosecution and incarceration into community service or alternative sentencing.

"If we can be a partner to help somebody be better when they leave the criminal justice system, I think it builds our reputation as a city, it advances justice," he said.

Commissioners said some of the top characteristics they were looking for in a finalist were transparency, communication and intention for longevity.

Strom said he was "deeply honored" to be chosen for the position and is committed to listening -- to the community, to clients and to staff. Those principles have guided his work, and they will continue to guide him in this role.

Employment Negotiations

The Commission authorized the Human Resources Department to begin negotiation of an employment contract satisfactory to both parties. Strom thanked his wife, children, extended family, friends, co-workers and neighbors for their support.

He also thanked the City Commission for its thorough selection process, saluting his two other candidates for their commitment to the process.

"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. I am committed to carrying forward the premier leadership that has been established by my friend and mentor, Anita Hitchcock," Strom said.

Strom resides in Eastown with his family and is active in professional and community organizations.