Kathy Angerer, Director of MDARD, presented the Michigan Christmas Tree Association with a certificate of proclamation at the Trees for Troops loading event at Tannenbaum Farms. | Michigan Christmas Tree Association/Facebook
Kathy Angerer, Director of MDARD, presented the Michigan Christmas Tree Association with a certificate of proclamation at the Trees for Troops loading event at Tannenbaum Farms. | Michigan Christmas Tree Association/Facebook
A new acting director for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has been chosen by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI).
According to a news release from the governor’s office, Kathy Angerer will lead MDARD where she is currently serving as the deputy director while replacing Director Gary McDowell.
“It has truly been my honor and privilege to serve as MDARD director,” McDowell said in the release. “As a lifelong public servant, leading this agency is a capstone moment in my career working alongside some of the most dedicated staff I’ve ever worked with. I’m impressed daily with their knowledge, professionalism, and commitment. It gives me confidence that whatever comes, they will rise to the challenge. It has been a pleasure to serve Michiganders for the past four years. MDARD’s work and mission is foundational to every person who lives, works, invests, and plays in Michigan. Our food and agriculture industry are an economic powerhouse, and I can’t wait to see what success the future holds.”
Among McDowell's accomplishments was expanding Michigan’s food and agriculture economy highlighted by the 470 million state-of-the-art cheese and whey plant in St. Johns. The project brought 260 new jobs to the area and $25 million in water quality improvements in the Western Lake Erie Basin.
Prior to working with MDARD, Angerer was a state representative for five years, executive director of government affairs at AT&T Michigan and Hamtramck’s city manager.
She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and attended Monroe County Community College.
“Michigan’s rural communities and agriculture sector are crucial for the success of our state, and we appreciate the hard work happening every day at the department to grow the rural economy,” said Chuck Lippstreu, president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association. “We also appreciate Governor Whitmer’s efforts to grow agriculture and invest in the future of our small towns. The department has been, and will continue to be, led by people who have our best interest at heart and can deliver results for rural Michigan.”
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