CASS COUNTY COUNCIL - Key Persons
Carol is a Finch Lake resident and Carol and her husband Jim own Cass County farms that were long-time properties of the Churchill family. She earned an Associate degree from Southwestern Michigan College, and went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts Degree and Master of Arts Degree from Western Michigan University. She has had leadership roles at several colleges in Michigan including Southwestern Michigan College and Macomb Community College, and was most recently president of Mid Michigan Community College. She has been involved with a number of organizations including United Way and Hospice.
Connie Gill has been a Home Care Aide for about a year and a half. She is a bundle of energy and good cheer and a delight to her clients. Connie was one of the original employees to receive a "Caught in the Act" award for going above and beyond with her clients. She also brings a great attitude to everything she does and loves to spread her joy.
Cynthia is a resident of Village of Cassopolis and has worked for the Internal Revenue Service. She is a graduate of Ross Beatty High School, and earned her bachelors in Accounting and masters in Finance both from WMU, along with a secondary education teaching certificate from WMU. She has been the treasurer and trustee for the Village of Cassopolis and started the Christmas in Cassopolis event.
Dan is a resident of Howard Township. Dan had a career in program development, customer service, the security and safety of healthcare systems. His career took him from Chicago to New Hampshire, but when he retired, he wanted to be closer to family in Chicago and relocated back to Michigan. Dan has been involved with the American Cancer Society, Crisis Intervention Hotlines, a Fire and Emergency Response Training center, and helps parishes plan retreats. Now that he has moved to Cass County, he is looking to get more involved in this community
Janet Amberg became part of the COA family back in December of 2016. Prior to that, she volunteered at the Lowe Center front desk. The moment a position opened up to work in that spot, she jumped at the chance to meet and greet people three days a week. Janet says that interacting with all the positive people that come through the door really brightens her day.
Jim is an active participant in several COA programs including Meals on Wheels and the Etiquette Workshop.
Katherine Wilson is the Hostess for the Front Street Cafe in Dowagiac. She is a native to Southwest Michigan and has previously volunteered at the Cass County Animal Shelter.
Katherine is an animal lover and has 3 animals at her home; a leopard gecko, a spotted python, and a dog.
Outside of work, Katherine enjoys learning about astronomy and watching all the constellations.
Ken Bradfield works in our nutrition department helping deliver meals to our congregate lunch sites and keeping all of our dishes clean.
While not at work, Ken enjoys spending time with his wife of 43 years, his children and grandchildren. He loves to take the grandkids hiking at Dr. Lawless Park and hang out on Paradise Lake in Vandalia where he resides.
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- Vice President of the COA Board
Mary is a retired teacher and a resident of Ontwa Township. She is involved with Our Lady of the Lake Church in Edwardsburg and the Edwardsburg Museum. She has helped with various philanthropic and fund raising projects such as Dismas House, St. Margaret's House, and the Women's Shelter. Mary also contributes to local Cass County causes such as the Edwardsburg Sports Center and the Operation Kickstart program for Cassopolis Schools.
Job Titles:
- Treasurer
- Treasurer of the COA Board
Ron is a resident of Marcellus Township. Ron retired from a career helping people with Disabilities and Special Needs. Ron grew up in Marcellus and his career took him to Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. But upon retirement, he returned to Marcellus. Ron has been involved with Special Olympics, Rotary, youth league coaching, and church service. He and his wife Marcia currently volunteer for the COA's Meals on Wheels program.
Sadie Watson has been a Home Care Aide since June 2016. She is a dedicated, hard worker who cares deeply about the clients she serves. If any issues or concerns arise, she is quick to report them.
Job Titles:
- President
- President of the COA Board
Sue is a resident of Penn Township. She is the editor and publisher of On and Around the Water. Prior to purchasing the newspaper, Sue worked for IBM for 33 years, progressing from an entry level position to senior management in marketing. Sue has taken part in a number of COA activities, both as a volunteer instructor and as a participant. She is also active with other organizations in the community, including the board of Cass County CASA.
Tawana Washington is an essential team member of the Nutrition Department. She has worked in almost every position in this department and managed the kitchen at Front Street Crossing for several years.
While not at work, Tawana enjoys spending time with her beautiful daughter and family. Tawana's easygoing personality makes her a joy to work with. She is always willing to jump in and help wherever and whenever needed.
Thank you, Tawana, for the years of dedication and hard work you have given to the COA!
Job Titles:
- Member of the COA Board
- Secretary
Tom is a resident of Silver Creek Township. Tom has a B.S. from Eastern Michigan in Economics and Labor Studies and an MBA from Indiana University South Bend in Organizational Behavior. The first 17 years of his professional life were devoted to managing Human Relations departments and industrial production. His second career started when he was recruited to teach classes at Southwestern Michigan College, where he ultimately became Dean of the Division of Workforce Education. After 25 years at SMC, he moved to Kalamazoo Valley Community College as Dean of Instruction, Business, Industrial Trades, and Public Services. Now retired, Tom has volunteered with Big Brothers/Big Sisters in Niles, the Cassopolis / Vandalia Chamber of Commerce, and the Dowagiac Area History Museum.
Tracey Maleski began working at the COA in 2009. She enjoys spending her evenings as security in the Lowe Center. Tracey is very pleasant to everyone she encounters, and she has a great personality to brighten anyone's day. If you are ever afraid to workout in the evening, have no fear because Tracey is here.
Walter "Coach" Swann is a resident of Pokagon Township. He had a long career in the Navy, serving in many locations both here and abroad. After retiring from the Navy, he and his wife, Alice, ended up in Dowagiac, where he served as the coach of the Police Athletic League boxing program for 10 years. Now retired, Coach is active with his church, ACTION Ministries, and the food pantry.