The Jackson County Board of Commissioners elected Commissioner James Shotwell as chair and Commissioner Corey Kennedy as vice chair during its organizational meeting on Jan. 2, 2025. The board also confirmed committee leadership and a series of appointments to county boards and independent authorities, and moved to adopt updated board policies.

The newly elected chair, Commissioner James Shotwell, will preside over the board for 2025, and Commissioner Corey Kennedy will serve as vice chair. Commissioners also approved standing committee designations: Public Safety and Transportation, General Government, and Human Services were identified as the boards three active standing committees; the board named committee chairs and vice chairs during the meeting.

The board confirmed a long list of appointments to county boards and authorities including the Airport Board (Corey Kennedy to continue as commissioner representative through 2027), the FEMA Local Board (Darius Williams through calendar 2025), Michigan Works Southeast (Darius Williams and Ray Snell as the countys representatives), and the Parks and Fair Board (Marjorie Walls appointment noted). Several other appointments and committee assignments were presented and approved during roll-call votes.

On procedural items, the board approved a 2025 meeting schedule that retains alternate/secondary dates for July and September meetings to preserve calendar flexibility; the motion passed on a 6-1 tally. The board also adopted its board rule and policy package (Board Rule/Policy 4000 series) after discussion; that adoption passed by recorded vote (6-1). The board approved the countys 2025 attorney list and other routine organizational items in recorded votes (attorney list tally 6-1). The board adopted Resolution 012501 (waiving a specified administrative and interest fee for senior citizens, as entered in the meeting packet) unanimously.

Several commissioners noted they would review particular policy paragraphs and follow up with the county Administrator/Controller for additional edits or clarifications. Chair Shotwell and other commissioners said they would continue policy work with administration after the meeting.

Votes at a glance
- Election of Chair: Commissioner James Shotwell elected chair. Outcome: approved (roll call recorded; motion passed).
- Election of Vice Chair: Commissioner Corey Kennedy elected vice chair. Outcome: approved (roll call recorded; motion passed).
- Committee designations: Public Safety & Transportation; General Government; Human Services. Outcome: approved (voice/roll call as presented).
- Airport Board representative: Commissioner Corey Kennedy confirmed to continue through 2027. Outcome: approved.
- FEMA Local Board representative: Darius Williams confirmed through 2025. Outcome: approved.
- Parks & Fair Board: Marjorie Walls (seat noted through 2028). Outcome: approved.
- Adoption of board rules/policies (Board Rule/Policy 4000 series): Outcome: approved, recorded vote 6-1.
- Attorney list for 2025: Outcome: approved, recorded vote 6-1.
- Resolution 012501 (waive administrative/interest fee for seniors as listed in packet): Outcome: approved unanimously.

Why it matters: The boards organizational votes set leadership and committee structures that determine what items move forward in 2025 and which commissioners lead priority oversight areas. The policy adoptions define meeting practices and procedural expectations for board business throughout the year.

Whats next: Commissioners and staff said they will continue to review and refine specific policy paragraphs (several commissioners flagged Policy 4110/Paragraph 5 and other items for administrative review). Chair Shotwell said he and the Administrator/Controller will follow up on revisions and housekeeping changes.