 Serving all of Oakland County's 19 districts
MARCH 2025
Quick links to this issue's stories:
 Commissioner Yolanda Smith Charles, Jamar Bray, Commissioner Linnie Taylor, Camilla Rice, Commissioner Angela Powell and Dustin McClellan outside the Board of Commissioners Auditorium on February 11, 2025.
In the spirit of Black History Month, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners recognized three outstanding residents for their dedication to their communities with the Black Excellence Award during the February 11 Board meeting. It was the fourth consecutive year for the program.
The awards are a testament to the remarkable contributions made by Black residents in Oakland County. Commissioners Angela Powell (District 9), Yolanda Smith Charles (District 17) and Linnie Taylor (District 18) make up the selection panel who reviewed community-sourced nominations of Oakland County residents.
The Black Excellence Award Class of 2025 includes:
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Camilla Rice: A resident of Troy, Rice turned her personal struggle into a thriving skin care business, Green Olive Soaps. Inspired by her son's battle with eczema, Rice used her engineering knowledge to create a line of skin care products using only natural ingredients.
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Jamar Bray: Bray, a Southfield resident, founded the nonprofit Jamar's Jammies in 2018 to ensure underprivileged youth have warm and comfortable pajamas. Bray also works as a small business consultant for Oakland Thrive, helping local businesses improve their operations.
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Dustin McClellan: A Pontiac native, McClellan is the founder and CEO of the Pontiac Community Foundation, and he has utilized more than $10 million in investments to benefit the city. McClellan also holds leadership roles at several nonprofits and serves on various Pontiac city boards and commissions.
More information about the awards and the recipients is available on the Oakland County Blog.
In early February, the Board Auditorium was a whirlwind of excitement and education as the Board celebrated its annual Youth in Government Day! This event hosted more than 120 high school students from nine schools in all corners of the county, including AGBU Alex and Marie Manoogian School, Bloomfield Hills High School, Clarkston High School, Hazel Park High School, International Academy - Central, Notre Dame Preparatory School, Southfield Christian School, Southfield High School for the Arts & Technology, and Walled Lake Northern, for a day of hands-on activities and insightful discussions.
The day was facilitated by the Board of Commissioners staff and Michigan State University Extension 4-H educators, who led students through a series of activities designed to highlight the impact of local government on their lives. The students dove headfirst into these activities and had the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with county commissioners, including Board Chair David T. Woodward (District 1) and Commissioners Ann Erickson Gault (District 3), Brendan Johnson (District 4), Angela Powell (District 9), Bob Hoffman (District 7), Philip J. Weipert (District 13) and Robert Smiley (District 14, pictured above shaking hands with students).
Other officials representing the elected offices of the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner, Oakland County Treasurer’s Office, Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds; Oakland County Prosecutor's Office; and the Oakland County Sheriff's Office - shared insight into their roles in county government.
Students participated in a mock debate and group discussions, visited courtrooms of Oakland County Circuit Court Judges Jacob James Cunningham, Maureen H. Kinsella, Lorie N. Savin and Michael Warren, voted in a mock election and got a visit from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit. To read more about the day, visit https://bit.ly/YIGDay2025.
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The Board regularly recognizes residents, community members, organizations and businesses with proclamations and certificates in honor of special milestones, contributions or achievements. See the list below for recognitions from last month.
- The important community impact made by Pastor Andrea Ellis, both as a spiritual leader and an entrepreneur, was recognized – presented by Commissioner Angela Powell (District 9), Feb. 9.
- Local resident Blanche Dodson reached a remarkable milestone – turning 100 years old – presented by Commissioner Linnie Taylor (District 18), Feb. 16.
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Hawaii Fluid Art, a studio space for art workshops and events, opened its doors in Wixom – presented by Commissioner Robert Smiley (District 14), Feb. 20.
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Grasons Estate Sales of SW Oakland County and Organize You, Organize Me – presented by Commissioner Smiley, Feb. 20.
- Clarkston-based financial services provider Anthem Advisors of Raymond James commemorated its 20th anniversary – presented by Commissioner Karen Joliat (District 8), Feb. 26.
Below is a schedule of meetings open to the public this month at 1200 N. Telegraph Road in Pontiac. Full Board and standing committee meetings are livestreamed on the Board’s YouTube channel. Visit our website for any schedule changes and follow the Board on Facebook and LinkedIn for the latest updates.
Thursday, Mar. 6
Majority Caucus, 5 p.m.
Full Board, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Mar. 11
Legislative Affairs and Government Operations, 9 a.m.
Public Health and Safety, 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Mar. 12
Local Road Improvement Program, 8:45 a.m.
Economic Development and Infrastructure, 9:30 a.m.
Finance, 11 a.m.
Thursday, Mar. 18
Majority Caucus, 8:30 a.m.
Full Board, 9:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Mar. 26
Human Trafficking Task Force, 9 a.m.
In March, the Board is working to shine a light on the group of diseases related to an autoimmune issue that afflict 50 million Americans, 80 percent of which are women. At the March 6 Board meeting, a Troy resident representing the locally-based, national-reaching Autoimmune Association will accept a proclamation declaring March as Autoimmune Awareness Month in Oakland County. Further, we’ll be sharing more information about autoimmune diseases on our social media to help raise awareness.
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There’s a lot happening in Oakland County! Check out the latest news and upcoming events:
- Oakland County Parks is hosting the Great Marshmallow Drop on April 18 at 10 a.m. in Royal Oak at Worden Park (Lexington Boulevard and Crooks Road). A helicopter will drop 15,000 marshmallows at the park for participants to find and exchange for a prize. For more information about the event, visit the event page at OaklandCountyParks.com.
- Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter has appointed Kate Guzmán as the county's new health officer, where she will oversee nearly 350 employees. Guzmán has 18 years of experience across hospitals, nonprofit clinics and local public health departments and has been with the county since 2016. Learn more at OakGov.com.
- Summer employment and internship opportunities open April 1, a great opportunity for students to develop their professional networks. Positions in various departments, including Parks, the Health Division, Oakland County International Airport, the Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center, Circuit Court and the Water Resources Commissioner, with starting wages ranging from $12.71-17.89 an hour. These jobs, which generally last for 13 weeks, will be posted to the county’s HR website when available.
Was this message forwarded to you? Be sure to sign up for The Board Bulletin by visiting your commissioner's webpage at OakGov.com/BOC and clicking the "Newsletter Sign-up" button. You can also follow the Board on Facebook and LinkedIn for all the latest updates.
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