David T. Woodward (D-Royal Oak) was reelected chair and Marcia Gershenson (D-Bloomfield Twp.) was reelected vice chair. The Board also welcomed one new commissioner.
“A new term is a new opportunity to be bold, think big and renew our efforts to build an economy that works for everyone,” Woodward said. “Investing in people, strengthening our local communities and lowering costs for working families is our formula for achieving greater prosperity for everyone.”
The meeting marked the implementation of a new bipartisan Michigan law that extended commission terms from the previous two years to four, beginning with the commissioners elected in November 2024. Additionally, Commissioner Robert Smiley (R-Wixom) is the newest member to the Board after winning election last November. The remaining members are returning incumbents. Commissioner Christine Long (R-Commerce Twp.) is the dean of the Board as the longest-serving member, beginning her 12th term.
Bishop William H. Murphy II of New Mount Moriah International Missionary Baptist in Pontiac delivered the meeting’s invocation and Clerk/Register of Deeds Lisa Brown gave the ceremonial oath of office. In addition, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard presented the U.S. and Michigan flags and a local high school student, Elena Recinto, sang the national anthem.
For the 2025-2028 term, the following commissioners were sworn in to serve these districts:
District 1: David T. Woodward (D-Royal Oak)
District 2: Penny Luebs (D-Clawson)
District 3: Ann Erickson Gault (D-Troy)
District 4: Brendan Johnson (D-Rochester Hills)
District 5: Michael Spisz (R-Oxford Twp.)
District 6: Michael J. Gingell (R-Lake Orion)
District 7: Bob Hoffman (R-Highland Twp.)
District 8: Karen Joliat (R-Waterford Twp.)
District 9: Angela Powell (D-Pontiac)
District 10: Kristen Nelson (D-Waterford Twp.)
District 11: Marcia Gershenson (D-Bloomfield Twp.)
District 12: Christine Long (R-Commerce Twp.)
District 13: Philip J. Weipert (R-South Lyon)
District 14: Robert Smiley (R-Wixom)
District 15: Gwen Markham (D-Novi)
District 16: William Miller (D-Farmington Hills)
District 17: Yolanda Smith Charles (D-Southfield)
District 18: Linnie Taylor (D-Southfield)
District 19: Charlie Cavell (D-Ferndale)
Caucus leadership positions were announced, including Commissioner Powell, Majority Caucus Chair; Commissioner Cavell, Majority Caucus Vice Chair; Commissioner Spisz, Minority Caucus Chair; and Commissioner Joliat Minority Caucus Vice Chair.
“It is always an honor to begin a new term on this Board,” said Commissioner Spisz, who was reappointed as the chair of the minority caucus for this term. “I welcome Commissioner Smiley who is joining us this term and congratulate Commissioner Joliat who was chosen to serve as our minority caucus vice chair. I am confident together we will find bipartisan solutions to issues which face residents and business owners across Oakland County.”
The Board established four standing committees at the meeting to conduct county business going forward. The standing committees are Economic Development and Infrastructure; Public Health and Safety; Finance; and Legislative Affairs and Government Operations.
For additional information about the Board of Commissioners, visit OakGov.com/BOC
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