2025 Volunteer Recognition Recap

2025 Volunteer Recognition Program

Organized by the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, this program pays tribute to those who have generously contributed their time and energy to make a lasting, positive impact on their community. Through their inspirational endeavors and invaluable services these volunteers promote unity and resilience among the residents of Macomb County. Each year, Commissioners select publicly nominated individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Macomb County. These nominees are acknowledged for their generosity, commitment, and dedication of their time.

This year, in celebration of “National Volunteer Recognition Month” in April, the Board of Commissioners will honor outstanding volunteers who reside in, or whose volunteer efforts benefit, Macomb County at the 36th annual Volunteer Recognition Program ceremony in April.

2025 Volunteer Recognition Reception Recap

The exceptional stories of Macomb County’s most devoted volunteers were celebrated at the 2025 Macomb County Volunteer Recognition Reception, held at the Italian American Cultural Society. This was the 36th year for the Macomb County Volunteer of the Year Program. This program takes place annually in the Spring, in conjunction with National Volunteer Month.

The 2025 Outstanding Volunteers are as follows:

District 1 (Commissioner Ken Goike)

• Ken Melton – Bruce Township
• Richard Beringer – Romeo Historical Society

District 2 (Commissioner Phil Kraft)

• Carl Sobolewski – Warren Concert Band
• Phillip Ramirez – Henry Ford Macomb Transportation Department

District 3 (Commissioner Sylvia Grot)

• Art Huge – Veterans of Foreign Wars “Old Settlers” Post 4659
• Melanee Roelandt – Shelby Township Beautification Committee

District 4 (Chair Joe Sabatini)

• Dave Pieper – Macomb Township Historical Commission
• Barbara Campau – St. Isidore Church, American Red Cross

District 5 (Commissioner Don VanSyckel)

• Stephanie Bahorski – MSU Extension Master Gardeners
• Diana Bledsoe – Sterling Heights African American Coalition

District 6 (Commissioner Joseph V. Romano)

• Michale Mazur – CommUNITY Alliance
• James and Rose Lotito – St. Blase Parish, MCREST, Knights of Columbus

District 7 (Commissioner James M. Perna)

• Bob Ochmanski – Meals on Wheels
• Tony Rubino – Thrilla at the Villa, Henry Ford Hospital Philanthropy Board, Friends of Foster Kids, Families Against Narcotics, Athletes with Disabilities

District 8 (Commissioner Antoinette Wallace)

• Rick Moroni – Local 58 IDEW
• Philesha Gough – Henry Ford Hospital Community Health Fairs

District 9 (Commissioner Barbara Zinner)

• Diana Vario – Big Family of Michigan
• Kathleen Rubino – Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, Mount Clemens Care House, Odd Fellows

District 10 (Vice Chair Harold L. Haugh)

• Stephanie Kisell – Macomb Foster Closet
• Michelle Ward – Covenant Missionary Temple

District 11 (Commissioner Lisa Wojno)

• Terry O’Neill – Meals on Wheels
• Kris Westphal – I Heart Dogs Animal Haven

District 12 (Commissioner Michael Howard)

• Olive Papasian – The Papasian’s Library for Equality and Inclusion, Macomb Foster Closet, Warren’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration, Women of Warren, Period Poverty Project
• Michelle Davison – Metro Equity Collaborative, We the People Michigan, Macomb County Black Excellence, Black Business Association

District 13 (Commissioner Sarah Lucido)

• Margo Pennefather – MSU Extension Master Gardeners
• Chineva Early – The Bettye Harris Foundation