East Lansing City Manager Ted Staton will remain in the city's top position after not being offered a prominent position overseeing cities statewide.

Staton was one of three finalists for the executive director's position of the Michigan Municipal League.

"This means we get to retain a person who has helped to bring the city where it is today," said Deputy City Manager Jean Golden. "We get to face the challenges of the future together."

The Michigan Municipal League is a statewide association of cities and villages that provides assistance, such as conferences and training programs, to communities. The league is also responsible for keeping local governments informed of legislation that could be of potential use.

Staton has been in talks with the league since late October and was part of a pool of more than 100 applicants.

"I am sure he is disappointed to not have that opportunity," Golden said. "He knew that he would be able to do very important work in that job - not only to our city but cities around the state."

Obtaining the executive director's position would have allowed him to do his job on a larger scale, Staton said. This experience has allowed him to grow both as a professional and as a person, he added.

"Any time you embark on a process like this, it causes you to reflect on where you are," he said. "This has given me an opportunity to reflect."

To determine who would ultimately fill the executive director's position, the finalists were asked a series of questions by 15 board members, Staton said.

"I presented my case and credentials for why I was a good fit," he said. "I don't know what may or may not have impressed them."

Before serving as East Lansing's city manager for 10 years, Staton worked as an assistant city manager in Dayton, Ohio.

Although Staton will not advance in position, he still will be able to do some of the things he enjoys, such as spending more time with his kids.

"He is probably more involved than more dads that work less," said Melissa Adams, Staton's assistant. "He is totally involved - he takes his boys to music, swim and soccer."

Staton said he does not know what his future holds, but he would be glad to finish his career in East Lansing.

"It is a great place with many challenges," he said.

Golden, who is Staton's No. 2, said she is happy to remain serving the city with him.

"Ted is a man who is a brilliant and creative thinker," she said. "I can't think of anyone who is better prepared to lead us through challenges."