Programs
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.
To be nominated, volunteers must:
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Be a resident of Macomb County with service anywhere in southeastern Michigan or perform service work that benefits Macomb County citizens/communities;
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Be at least 18 years of age;
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Not have been recognized by this program in the past 5 years;
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Complete at least 150 hours of service during the previous year.
2026 Volunteer Recognition Program
The exceptional stories of Macomb County’s most devoted volunteers were celebrated at the 2026 Macomb County Volunteer Recognition Reception, held at the Italian American Cultural Society. This was the 37th year for the Macomb County Volunteer of the Year Program.
The 2026 Volunteers are as follows:
District 1 (Commissioner Ken Goike)
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Dennis Marcath – Armada Agricultural Society
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Molly Mazei – MSU Extension Master Gardeners
District 2 (Commissioner Phil Kraft)
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Florence Hayman – New Baltimore Lions Club
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Dawn Magnuson – Lac Ste. Claire Kiwanis, St. Clair Shores Baseball Softball Association
District 3 (Commissioner Sylvia Grot)
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Theresa Toia – Friends of Foster Kids
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Shirley Medlin – Kiwanis Club of Shelby Golden K
District 4 (Chair Joe Sabatini)
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Anne Gacki – Macomb Autism Connect
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Donna Isbell – MIP & Macomb Foster Closet
District 5 (Commissioner Don VanSyckel)
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Donna Rust – Stevenson Athletic Booster Club
District 6 (Commissioner Joseph V. Romano)
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Zeina Faour – Sterling Heights Youth Advisory Board, American Islamic Community Center
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Daniel Zajac – Community Food Bank of Macomb
District 7 (Commissioner James M. Perna)
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Joseph Warne – Neighbors United
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Lynne Perryman – American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Clinton Township and Southeast Macomb County
District 8 (Commissioner Antoinette Wallace)
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Elizabeth Darga – Turning Point
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Michelle Weiss – Mount Clemens Santa Parade
District 9 (Commissioner Barbara Zinner)
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Thomas Gastmeier – Trinity Lutheran Church
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Karen Bourgeois – Henry Ford Health
District 10 (Vice Chair Harold L. Haugh)
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Laura Lesich – Fraser First Booster Club
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Nancy Garcia – Anton Art Center
District 11 (Commissioner Lisa Wojno)
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Brianna O’Brien – City of Warren Animal Control
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Michael Riley – Warren CERT
District 12 (Commissioner Michael Howard)
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Veronica Miazga – Together We Save
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Jeffrey Matheus – South Warren Community Garden, Urban Seed
District 13 (Commissioner Sarah Lucido)
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Patricia Hogan – St. Vincent De Paul
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Robert Roscoe – Lift Up a Child
