Hawkins Elected Mayor, Marzolf Mayor Pro Tem

Last night’s city council meeting in Auburn Hills was a combination of somberness and celebration. The new city council took their seats for the first time following the November 4 election, which included the addition of two new members, Ron Moniz and Greg Ouellette. Moniz returns after serving nearly a four-year term from 2017 to 2021 and has earned a new four-year term. He is also joined by returning City Councilmembers Eugene Hawkins III and Jack Ferguson, also earning four-year terms. The city council paid tribute to Greg Ouellette with a presentation of his service to the community. Sadly, Ouellette died on election day.

There was much to celebrate in Auburn Hills as Mayor Pro Tem Eugene Hawkins III was selected among the city council to be the city’s new Mayor. He essentially switched roles with Brian Marzolf who is now Mayor Pro Tem. A longtime resident of Auburn Hills, Hawkins has served on City Council since June of 2021 when he was appointed to fill an unexpired term. Subsequently, he was elected to a four-year term in November of 2021 and has served as Mayor Pro Tem since November of 2023, enabling him to bring significant experience and deeply rooted commitment to his new role as Mayor. Hawkins is a small business owner, operating his own State Farm Insurance Agency. He has strong community ties with dedicated volunteerism with the Rotary Club, Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, and youth assistance programs, which makes him uniquely positioned to understand and champion the needs of the residents of Auburn Hills. He also proudly serves as a reserve deputy with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department.

Hawkins’ election marks a proud moment for the city as he becomes the first African American Mayor of Auburn Hills. His culmination of education, business experience, elected leadership, and community service will serve him and the community well.

Thomas A. Tanghe, City Manager