The Oakland County Board of Commissioners celebrated its 4th annual Outstanding Older Adults Awards during a full Board meeting on May 22.
As part of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners’ celebration of Older Americans Month, ten residents over the age of 60 were recognized during the May 22 Board meeting. These Oakland County residents have made noteworthy contributions to their communities and demonstrate that aging with purpose is possible for everyone.
“Celebrating these Oakland County residents is an inspiration to all of us as they maintain their commitment to a full and purposeful legacy within their communities, said Chair.
David. T. Woodward (D-Royal Oak). “Each one of these individuals are challenging stereotypes with passion, purpose and vibrancy.”
The 2025 Outstanding Older Adult Award honorees are:
• Ruth Jordan, Pontiac – Currently a member of the Oakland County Senior Advisory Council (SAC), Ms. Jordan spent 40 years working in the Oakland County family court and youth assistance. She has helped raise $1.2 million over the last eight years for the Midnight Golf Program and the Lionel Jordan and Tommy Longest Memorial Scholarship to assist Pontiac high schoolers with their future college plans. Ms. Jordan volunteers in the Pontiac School District, reading to students and is an active member of Unity of Farmington Hills.
• Christopher Peal, Commerce Township – Mr. Peal serves as a member of Oakland County’s SAC, bringing his experience as a retired public school principal and teacher to that body. He is particularly interested in preventing senior isolation and connecting people in meaningful ways to their community and organizations. Mr. Peal is a volunteer with Meals on Wheels and the University of Michigan Event Management Team, working as an usher for numerous sporting events. He is also a member of the Olivet Nazarene University Alumni Board of Directors and works as the Reunion Coordinator for ONU’s Class of 1986.
• Pamela L. Carmichael, Bloomfield Hills – Ms. Carmichael is passionate about preserving local history and building community pride. Her efforts as a founding member and current director of the Bloomfield Historical Society include an ongoing collaboration with the Bloomfield Township Public Library to grow its local history collection and archive, leading the quest to preserve the historic 1859 Wing Lake Schoolhouse, and saving the Benjamin-Barton House and the Craig Log Cabin from demolition.
• Len Pokora, Highland Township – A part-time employee at Maher Feed and Pet Supply, Mr. Pokora is a proud Vietnam veteran who served his country bravely. After returning home, he built a lifelong career with General Motors while raising his children and caring for his wife, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and dementia before her passing. He is involved in his grandson’s shooting competitions and serves as coach and mentor for the team, helps his neighbors with snow removal, and even holds records for weightlifting in his age group.
• Loretta VanPelt, Southfield – Ms. VanPelt has owned and operated her own business for more than 25 years. She is a subject matter expert who provides training in the diversity, equity and inclusion space, working with Fortune 500 companies and many of the Top 50 companies recognized by Diversity, Inc. Her expertise has helped other businesses, communities and individuals grow their understanding of DEI initiatives across industries such as hospitality, automotive/manufacturing, health care, government agencies and more.
• Anthony WA! Pizza, Waterford – Mr. Pizza is living proof that aging doesn’t mean slowing down. Known for his boundless positivity and colorful style, he helps customers at the Oakland County Farmers Market load their cars and inspires younger generations with his energy and empathy. Mr. Pizza challenges every outdated idea of what it means to grow older by proving that this stage of life is not about retreating, it’s about re-engaging with purpose.
• Zakiya Hollifield, Oak Park – Ms. Hollifield is a trailblazer who remains busy after her retirement through tireless volunteer work in and around Oak Park. She serves on the Local Officers Compensation Commission and the Board of Review for property tax appeal, is an active member of her church, and has dedicated 20 years of service as a volunteer usher at the Fox, the Fisher, and the Detroit Opera House.
• Mark Kelly, Troy – An advocate for fellow older adults and active member of the Oakland County SAC, Mr. Kelly has more than 25 years of experience in senior planning services, including real estate options, advanced legal elder care and law planning. Mr. Kelly’s area of specialty is helping veterans, seniors and their families establish a blueprint that helps older adults achieve their lifestyle and financial goals. As a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs accredited agent, he also provides consulting on veteran benefits, social security, retirement pensions, long term nursing insurance and investment portfolios.
• Tina Caudill and Ken Muha, Hazel Park – For decades, Ms. Caudill and Mr. Muha have volunteered their time to improve the community and the lives of their neighbors. Mr. Muha serves on Hazel Park’s Zoning Board of Appeals and Environmental Sustainability Commission, while Ms. Caudill serves on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. As active members of the Lions Club, they provide free vision screenings for children at the annual Hazel Park Fire Department open house and raise money to help the visually impaired, end childhood cancer and aid in disaster relief. Further, Ms. Caudill helped adoptive parents through Lutheran Adoption and Bethany Christian Services and worked to pass legislation to open adoption records.
For additional information about the Board of Commissioners, visit OakGov.com/BOC.
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