- Message from Mark
- Employee News and Accolades
- Celebrating employee milestones
- Employee Focus
- Retiree spotlight
- In Memoriam
- Volunteers needed for annual Macomb County Point-in-Time Count of homeless population
- For your benefit/ MSUE Corner
- HealthStyles
- Local businesses receive $10,000 in grants courtesy of 2025 Shop Local Macomb campaign
- Lend a helping hand
- Pawprint
Message from Mark
Hello and welcome to the final edition of Macomb Matters for 2025. It’s been another great year in Macomb County, and our hard-working teams and partners are at the core of that success. From Facilities and Operations to Macomb Community Action, Roads to Human Resources and Labor Relations --- each department and employee contributes to this outcome. We do this together. We do it as a team. We do it with a shared mindset of ‘Macomb with Everybody.’
This sentiment connects back to our recent State of the County address. The event, which was held on Dec. 3, covered a wide range of topics, with a focus on the county’s transformation since an executive form of government was enacted 15 years ago. This new structure — our structure — has allowed us to challenge ourselves, seize opportunities and plan for the future. Because of that, I believe Macomb County is today stronger than ever. We are stronger because we have built this movement with everybody. This is a powerful mantra, and I believe this is what continues to help us transform the community.
So, as we head into this holiday season, I want to thank you for all you do throughout the year making Macomb a great place to work and call home. I am proud to be a part of this team and to make a difference with everybody.
Wishing you and your family a safe, happy and restful holiday season.
Mark
Employee news and accolades
Macomb County employees honored as part of 40 under 40
The Macomb County Chamber has announced its honorees for the 2025 40 Under 40 Awards, including several Macomb County employees. This is the second year of the awards program, which is held in partnership with NextGEN Macomb. The awards celebrate people under the age of 40 who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation and impact within their respective fields and communities. “These honorees represent Macomb County’s rising leaders,” said Kelley Lovati, CEO and President of the Macomb County Chamber and Macomb Foundation. “Their energy, vision and dedication are making a positive impact across the county, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements.”
County honorees include:
- Angela Elsey – Dispatch Director, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office
- Andrew Fortunato – Director of Recipient Rights, Macomb County Community Mental Health
- Michael Howard – Commissioner, Macomb County Government
- Amanda Minaudo – Program Director, Macomb County Planning & Economic Development
Congratulations on this impressive achievement!
Emergency Management spearheads holiday toy collection
The Macomb County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) recently shared that 245 toys were collected this year in support of the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program.
The Angel Tree Program provides gifts, clothing, and essential items to children and families in need, ensuring they experience the joy and hope of the holiday season. Since 2020, LEPC members and partners have donated an incredible 1,191 toys to help brighten the holidays for families in our community.
Thank you to everyone who contributed—you’ve made a meaningful difference this holiday season.
HRLR hosts holiday luncheon for county retirees
Shoutout to the team at HRLR for hosting a fun and festive holiday luncheon for the Macomb County retiree community! This year’s event featured an ugly sweater theme – and guests made sure to come dressed in all kinds of apparel. It truly was a great time for all attendees. An event to remember!
Veteran appreciation luncheon honors service, sacrifice
This past November, the county marked Veterans Day by honoring the service and sacrifice of employee veterans. County officials and department leaders came together for a luncheon, inviting all who served and who currently work within our organization. Thank you to all who coordinated the event, and most importantly, thank you to all our veterans for their commitment to our country.
Employee focus: Meet the new director of Finance
As we welcome the new year ahead of us, we also open our arms to John Scanlon, the new Finance Director at Macomb County. John is a Michigander through and through and, recently, we were able to take the time to ask him a few questions on some of his interests, his background and the qualities that drew him to this position. Read on to learn more:
What is your current position and what do you do?
My current position is Director of Finance. In this role, I oversee financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and internal controls to support county operations.
What led you to this career and what are some of the challenges you face?
In college, I received an internship auditing municipalities, which ultimately led me into a career in municipal finance. Some of the key challenges I have faced include software transitions, shifting operational priorities during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the long-term management of pension and Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) liabilities.
What have you found most rewarding about your career? What attracted you to a career at Macomb County?
What I find most rewarding about my career is the opportunity to make a positive, direct impact on my community and help improve it over time. Macomb County attracted me because it offered the chance to continue doing that work on a larger scale, while staying rooted in local government service.
Where did you receive your education/who was your Alma Matar?
I received my Bachelor of Professional Accountancy from Saginaw Valley State University and my Master of Business Administration from the Broad College of Business at Michigan State University.
(Editor’s Note: Go Green!)
Tell us a bit about your family (pets count too! Always).
My wife, Lauren, and I were married in 2014. We have three children, one girl and two boys, and another baby girl on the way due in February. We also have a dog named Cooper.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Spending time with my family is what I enjoy most. Outside of that, I really enjoy Detroit sports and golfing.
What are you passionate about, or what philosophy do you embrace? Is there a topic that matters greatly to you?
A quote I often turn to is, “Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.” To me, it’s a reminder that we need to clearly define our goals to make sure our efforts are applied in meaningful and intentional ways.
Retiree spotlight
For this edition of retiree spotlight, the Macomb Matters team is highlighting three employees from our Finance Department. Thank you for your service to your community and for your years of dedication to the county.
Stephen Smigiel - Hire Date: June 4, 1990
What will you miss most about working for Macomb County?
I will miss the great people that I have had the pleasure of working with both internally and outside the County. The staff in the Finance Department have been very kind to me over the years.
What are you most proud of in your career with Macomb County?
I am proud to have been an integral part of maintaining the County’s strong financial position and credit rating and am particularly proud of shepherding the County through issuing the bonds to fund the retiree health care liability.
Post-retirement plans?
More time to enjoy golf and travel. My wife and I both want to work a few more years so I will find something in the accounting arena.
Any words of advice?
Work hard, be willing to learn, take pride in your work and maintain a healthy work/life balance and you will succeed.
Dave Stiteler - Hire Date: 04/03/89
What will you miss most about working for Macomb County?
In my 35+ years of service to Macomb County I have had the privilege to meet so many good people, quality individuals I respect, across every county department. Many of these I have come to call friends. It is this interaction I will miss the most.
What are you most proud of in your career with Macomb County?
With a long career comes many highlights and things to be proud of. My favorite career accomplishment would have to be my part in the implementation of the first ERP system, Insight, after Y2K and the Macomb County moved on from an old mainframe financial structure (ARMS) to its first attempt at an ERP system after the turn of the century.
Post-retirement plans?
I am very much looking forward to traveling across the United States as well as abroad. Ireland is one destination on my bucket list. Konnie and I will have lots of time to work on house and yard projects as well as time to exercise and live life to its fullest. I still plan on maintaining those friendships I have made along the way.
Konnie Stiteler - Hire Date: 11/09/1987
What will you miss most about working for Macomb County?
I will miss all the people that I have worked with over the course of my career. From Martha T Berry to the Health Department and then the Finance Department, I have met and maintained some long-lasting friendships that I cherish to this day. Macomb County has a great group of workers, and I have been fortunate to work with some of the best that there is. I plan on keeping in touch with many friends and coworkers after I retire.
What are you most proud of in your career with Macomb County?
There are many things that I am proud of such as helping transition my position in payroll to what it is now. When I first started working in payroll the processing was more clerical in nature. Now many background processes exist that are crucial to the accuracy of payroll. This, along with troubleshooting errors that might arise became an integral part of payroll. Implementing a new payroll system was a challenging undertaking, and I am happy that I was able to be a part of that process.
Post-retirement plans?
Along with Dave, I am very much looking forward to traveling both here and abroad. I intend on continuing to maintain my friendships and spend as much time with them as possible. I look forward to self-care and establishing and accomplishing my to-do list.
Congratulations to all Macomb County employees who recently retired. Thank you for your service. We wish you the best in your next chapter.
Click here for the most recent list of retirees.
In memoriam
Susan Zammit
HRLR recently shared with a heavy heart that Susan Zammit passed away on November 21, 2025. Susan joined the Office of Senior Services (OSS) in July 2022 and worked as a food service aide.
Nicole Urban, program manager at OSS shared: "Susan was a bright light who was devoted to serving seniors. Her positivity and enthusiasm was contagious. She will be dearly missed by those she served and her peers. She went above and beyond to spoil her seniors."
Susan had a beautiful heart and lived to love others. More information about her can be found via her obituary. Please keep her family, friends and her OSS work family and seniors in your thoughts and prayers.
Volunteers needed for annual Macomb County Point-in-Time Count of homeless population
Macomb Community Action is currently seeking volunteers for its Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, an annual census of those who are experiencing homelessness in Macomb County. Volunteers can elect to participate in the 2026 Point-In-Time Count in either of two shift options -- the late-night shift beginning on the night of Wednesday, January 28 from 9 p.m. – midnight, and the early morning shift on January 29 from 2 – 5 a.m.
The Point-in Time Count is a requirement of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and is intended to provide a better understanding of Macomb County’s homeless population and help direct resources to those who need them most.
“We’re encouraging residents across Macomb County to come together for this important event,” said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. “The Point-in-Time Count provides essential data that helps guide our efforts to address homelessness, but it also reminds us of the real people behind those numbers. By volunteering, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbors who need our support.”
Volunteers gather data on those encountered, including gender, race and ethnicity for all persons. Additional data will be gathered if the person interviewed voluntarily provides the information. This could consist of veteran status, age, whether the person is “chronically homeless” or if the person is experiencing homelessness due to domestic violence, disability status, HIV/AIDS or those who have a substance use disorder.
Groups of three to four volunteers per vehicle will canvass the County in search of those who, during the PIT count hours, are found outside unsheltered. The volunteers will be provided a geographic portion of the County to monitor. “Hot spots” - where homeless people are known to be - will be provided. Volunteers will complete forms on those they encounter to ensure data is collected appropriately. A bag of items will be provided to everyone they meet along with a sheet of resources including shelter information, health care information, etc.
"Homelessness remains one of the most important challenges facing our society today,” said Andrew Cox, Director/Health Officer of Macomb County Health and Community Services. "We use the PIT Count to engage our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness, learn more about them, and share information and resources that they might find helpful. I encourage community members to join us to help address this important issue and work toward solutions.”
“Getting a better understanding of homelessness on a local level helps us be more effective in our efforts to address this important issue,” said Edward Scott, Director of Macomb Community Action. “We hope Macomb County residents will once again turn out to be an important part of the solution.”
Those interested in volunteering with Macomb Community Action for the night of the PIT Count must complete an online registration form and attend volunteer training. Those unable to volunteer, but still wishing to contribute, can make donations for fast food gift cards that are distributed during the Point-In-Time Count.
For more information, interested individuals can send an email to Kristin.DeFranco@macombgov.org, or you can call Kristin at 586-817-2049.
To register to volunteer for the Point-in-Time Count, visit https://bit.ly/47TFJVX
For your benefit/ MSUE Corner
Planning to retire in 2026? Here’s how to start off strong!
If you're preparing to retire in 2026, congratulations! This is an exciting time to reflect, reset, and reimagine your lifestyle. Whether you're looking forward to more free time, new hobbies, or simply slowing down, MSU Extension has a lineup of free and low-cost virtual classes to help you ease into retirement with confidence, health, and financial stability.
Here are some key things to consider—and classes to support you:
Staying active & healthy walk with ease – A self-paced series
The Arthritis Foundation Walk With Ease Program is an exercise program that can reduce pain and improve overall health. If you can be on your feet for 10 minutes without increased pain, you can have success with Walk with Ease. This class is a free class and includes a book.
Learn twelve healthy behavior practices that encourage optimal aging throughout the life span, and how the use of technology can impact our health and well-being positively.
Got a packed schedule? No problem! MSU Extension’s got you covered! Just email Carolyn.Doak@macombgov.org, and she’ll sign you up for their free digital program guide. Each month you’ll receive a complete lineup of upcoming classes and programs—including registration links—directly to your email. Your inbox will become your favorite “wintertime destination” for programs that inspire, educate and enhance everyday living . . .and you won’t have to leave the warmth of your house or the comfort of your home to learn something new!
From everyone here at MSU Extension – we wish you the very best this holiday season!
HealthStyles
The Healthstyles committee is pleased to host to following events for our employees in 2026:
Lunch & Learn
January 15
Cooking Demo with Amy Ervin, MPH, RDN of HCS - Healthy dips for game day
Assembly Room in Verkuilen building
Noon - 1:00 pm
American Red Cross Blood Drive
February 25
Employee blood drive
Admin building lobby
9 am - 3 pm
Sign up to give blood
Local businesses receive $10,000 in grants courtesy of 2025 Shop Local Macomb campaign
Three local businesses have been announced as recipients of grants totaling $10,000 from the 2025 Shop Local Macomb campaign. The initiative, which is organized by the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development (MCPED), encourages shoppers to give business to independently owned and operated establishments during the holiday season for the chance to win one of three $350 gift cards provided by First State Bank and a grant for the business they supported. In all, there were more than 1,000 entries. A drawing was held Monday, December 8 with organizers selecting gift card winners and grant recipients. Winning businesses include:
- $5,000 grant recipient: Liv a Little at Home – New Haven
- $3,000 grant recipient: Whistle Stop Hobby & Toys - St. Clair Shores
- $2,000 grant recipient: Boater City Marketplace - New Baltimore
“Macomb County spearheads this campaign because we know retail has a major impact on our economy,” said Vicky Rowinski, director, MCPED.
The following data points demonstrate this impact:
- Macomb County's retail industry sees $6.9 billion (in 2024) in total annual sales.*
- About 55% of the total sales are made by Macomb County residents ($3.9 billion in 2024). This spending adds $5.88 billion to the greater countywide economy. It also adds $2.153 billion in earnings to the bottom lines of Macomb County workers. Additionally, that spending is responsible for 42,383 jobs - many of those in retail (28,784), but some in transportation and warehousing (1,623), real estate (2,773), professional services (1,181), and construction (767) as well.*
- Notably, shopping local provides more than $245.2 million in local tax revenue.*
*Note: Data is sourced through Lightcast from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) and Lightcast's Input-Output Model.
“Outside of job numbers and spending figures, we also know that local businesses are a part of what makes our community unique,” Rowinski continued. “From small storefronts in our downtown cores, to hidden gems in our large shopping districts, Macomb is home to a variety of independently owned and operated businesses offering specialty products that can only be found here. So as we continue to get ready for the holidays, remember to visit our small stores and show your support.”
Shop Local Macomb is coordinated by the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development with support from area chambers, including Connect Macomb, the Macomb County Chamber of Commerce, the Eastside Community Chamber, the Northern Macomb Regional Chamber and the Anchor Bay Chamber of Commerce.
For more details visit makemacombyourhome.com.
Lend a helping hand
Macomb County Meals on Wheels is in need of volunteers – and you can help.
Although the holidays are full of family, fun and cheer, some of our fellow residents may be alone and will need assistance during the season. The Meals on Wheels program serves homebound, older adults who can no longer prepare meals for themselves by providing them with locally prepared hot meals daily. Around late December and early January, is when Macomb County seniors may need this care the most. After all, it is not only about providing a nutritious meal, but also connection and community.
For those interested in volunteering, more details on how you can help are listed on the Meals on Wheels volunteer page.
Paw Prints
Pet safety tips for a happy holiday
The holiday season brings joy, decorations and gatherings, but it can also introduce hidden hazards for our pets. Here are a few thoughtful precautions that can help ensure this season will stay merry and safe for every member of the family, including furry loved ones.
Start by securing your Christmas tree and decorations. Make sure the tree is stable so it cannot tip over, and avoid tinsel, which can cause serious digestive issues if swallowed. Keep ornaments, hooks and other small decorations out of reach to prevent choking or injury.
Be especially mindful of holiday plants and foods. Popular decorations such as poinsettias, lilies and holly can be toxic to pets. Common holiday foods like chocolate, grapes, alcohol, turkey bones and anything containing xylitol should be kept well away from curious noses and paws.
Holiday gatherings can be exciting but also overwhelming. Provide your pet with a quiet, comfortable space to retreat to if things get noisy or busy. As much as possible, stick to their regular feeding, walking and play routines to help reduce any excess stress.
Finally, watch for open flames, electrical cords and candles, and make sure guests know how to safely interact with your pet.
With a little extra awareness, you can enjoy a safe, peaceful and happy holiday with your pets by your side.
Are you interested in adopting? Visit MacombAdopts.org to see who is taking up temporary housing at our shelter.
