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As shown below, I have served on many boards and committees over the past 20 years that contribute to my qualifications for the vacant position on the MAC Board:

• President, Les Cheneaux Chamber of Commerce
• President, Les Cheneaux Islands Association
• Commissioner, Mackinac County, 10 years, presently chairman
• Chairman, Eastern Upper Peninsula Regional Planning and Development
• Vice Chairman, Michigan Works Board Presently Vice Chairman
• Member, UPCAP Board
• Chairman, Upper Peninsula Regional Materials Management Plan Board
• Board Liaison, Mackinac County Veterans Committee
• Member, Hiawatha Behavioral Health Board, 10 years
• Member, Hiawatha Behavioral Health Finance Committee
• Member, Hiawatha Behavioral Health Personnel Committee
• Member, Northcare U.P. Mental Health Board

My work experience includes 23 years as manager of Taylor Lumber Company in Cedarville, Mich.

On top of all the above responsibilities, I still enjoy spending time with my family and playing golf and boating. I am thankful for my wife Diane’s support and shared enthusiasm.

I am a dedicated Schoolcraft County commissioner with over 14 years of experience, actively engaged in both county and statewide efforts.

I’ve been a committed member of MAC. participating in nearly every committee and never missing a conference. Currently, I serve on MAC’s Health and Human Services and Finance/General Government Committees. I frequently travel to Lansing, representing groups like the Community Mental Health Association (CMHA) and advocating tirelessly for the Upper Peninsula.

With only 3 percent of Michigan’s population, our region’s needs are often overshadowed by the other 97 percent. I’m a vocal advocate, never hesitating to pose tough questions to lawmakers who know me well. Our unique challenges deserve attention, and I’m determined to keep them front and center. Joining MAC’s Board would provide another avenue to ensure the Upper Peninsula’s voice resonates loudly despite our small share of the state.

As a Delta County Commissioner (District 4), I am seeking the open Region 1 seat.

While my time on the Delta Board has only spanned one year, I have worked very hard to make an impact in my local community for many years. Both at the city of Escanaba and in Delta County levels, I have tried to be a positive light as a citizen, a small business owner (retired) and now as an elected official.

Commissioner John Malnar and I have been making a huge amount of progress in Delta County, and he has been my mentor for many years. I would love the opportunity to serve alongside him and the other members of this board to advance the objectives and goals of MAC.

While serving the city Of Escanaba as a volunteer, I held seats on its Planning Commission and Downtown Development Authority. I also held a seat on the Board of the Community Foundation of Delta County for several years.

For Delta County, I serve as Vice Chair of the Board and on our Airport Advisory Board, Planning Commission, EOC/LEPC, Opioid Task Force (Recording Secretary), Central Upper Peninsula Material Management Planning Committee (Chair), Personnel Committee (Chair), Union Negotiation Committee, Solid Waste Management Authority, Delta Conservation District (County Liaison), Superior Trade Zone (Representative) and UPCAP Board. I take my responsibilities very seriously and make my presence as a leader in these roles.

I am currently serving on MAC’s committees for Health and Human Services; Environment, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Tourism; and Transportation and Infrastructure.

I would appreciate your vote. This opportunity is one I would not take for granted, and I would put 100 percent into the job.

I have served on multiple committees for MAC and the National Association of Counties. I have served on the MAC Board as a director and as president. I currently serve on NACo’s Agriculture and Rural Affairs Steering Committee and on MAC’s Environmental, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Tourism Committee. I feel my involvement and experience in county government for the past 20 years would make me a good fit for leadership via the MAC Board.

I am seeking your support as I run for this open seat because I believe now is the right time to take the next step in service — not only to Berrien County, but to counties across Michigan.

Since first being elected as a Berrien County Commissioner in November 2020, and taking office in January 2021, I have committed myself to ensuring local voices are heard and thoughtful, effective policies are advanced.

My work on MAC’s committees on Health and Human Services and Environmental, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Tourism has given me a deeper understanding of the issues that affect both our region and the broader state. These committees have been a platform where I’ve worked to address real challenges — supporting local farms, improving community health outcomes, and protecting Michigan’s natural resources — through strong collaboration and advocacy.

From the beginning, MAC has been a guiding resource for me. Its County Commissioner Academy helped me build a strong foundation, and the connections I’ve made with other commissioners over the past four years have proven invaluable. I’ve learned that collaboration between counties strengthens all of us, and that’s a perspective I would carry forward into this role.

As a dedicated member of Counties United (formerly MACPAC), I also understand the critical role advocacy plays in securing the resources and policy changes our communities need. Through our PAC, we ensure our state legislators understand what counties are facing on the ground. I believe electing commissioners with experience, commitment and a strong working knowledge of local government is essential to keeping our priorities front and center in Lansing.

I live in St. Joseph and hold a bachelor’s degree in public administration as well as a master’s in business administration. My daughter currently resides in Munich, Germany, but my heart and efforts are grounded here — working for the people and communities of Michigan.

I am running for this open seat because I want to continue building on the work I’ve started, to be a strong advocate for counties across the state and to help shape policy that supports all Michigan residents. I would be honored to have your consideration and support.

I am a dedicated public servant and finance professional, currently serving as a County Commissioner for Clinton County. A graduate of Michigan State University with degrees in economics and finance, I bring a wealth of experience in financial management, accounting, auditing and public administration to my leadership roles.

With a solid background working for the state of Michigan as a Finance Manager, I have honed my expertise in budgeting, finance, grants management, policy planning and strategic financial oversight. My career has been marked by a commitment to transparency and efficiency, ensuring public funds are used effectively to benefit Michigan’s communities.

In addition to my technical financial skills, I have developed strong leadership capabilities through my participation in leadership academies, where I gained a deep understanding of governance, policy formulation and public service management. My certifications in white-collar crime, pensions and OPEB (Other Post-Employment Benefits) and process re-engineering further underscore my qualifications in managing complex financial systems and improving organizational processes.

As a Clinton County Commissioner, I am dedicated to addressing local needs through thoughtful policymaking and effective financial oversight. My role allows me to directly impact the community, focusing on initiatives that support economic development, infrastructure improvements and better public services for all residents.

My career is a testament to my passion for service, and I continue to use my extensive skills in finance and public policy to make a positive difference in his community and Michigan.

In my spare time, I enjoy time with family and friends, reading, traveling, hunting and playing sports, especially pickleball.

Now serving my second term, I have seen firsthand how state-level decisions directly affect the services, resources and opportunities available to our residents. Yet, despite being home to Michigan’s capital city, Ingham County has not had representation on the MAC Board for quite a while. I am asking for your vote to be that voice.

I earned my MBA and worked in a supervisory role at General Motors before transitioning to a sales career, where I learned to work effectively with people. For the past 15 years, I have actively participated in my community while raising six children and establishing a local agritourism farm called Schafer Raspberries. As my children gained independence, I redirected my focus towards giving back to my community and becoming a voice for my district as an Ingham County Commissioner.

I am one of only three Republican commissioners on a 15-member board in Ingham County. This dynamic has shaped my approach to leadership. I work across the aisle to address the needs of my district and the county as a whole; I believe that same spirit of collaboration is essential on MAC’s Board.

I currently serve on MAC’s committees for Environmental, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Tourism; and for Transportation and Infrastructure. These roles allow me to understand and advocate for issues that matter to my community, as well as communities of all sizes across Michigan. In Ingham, I serve on the Law and Courts and the Human Services committees, and I previously served on the County Services Committee.

If elected to the MAC Board, I will bring the same dedication, working together approach and results-driven focus that I have demonstrated in Ingham County — working to ensure every county’s voice is respected and that together we strengthen the role of county government in serving our residents across the entire state of Michigan.

I would appreciate your support and vote. I look forward to introducing myself to those whom I have not met yet and engaging to earn your support.

No statement provided.