Frederick Thorsby, who has been Flushing Charter Township (Genesee Co.) supervisor since 2016, has taken the next step to further enhance the effectiveness of his township by completing the Michigan Townships Association’s (MTA) Township Governance Academy (TGA). Through his participation in the intensive education program, Thorsby was able to learn enhanced tools and decision-making processes that can help positively impact Flushing Charter Township for years to come.
Thorsby was among the members of the Academy “Graduating Class of 2024,” and was recently honored during a recognition ceremony before nearly 1,000 of his township peers at the Association’s Annual Conference. The TGA program helped to provide Thorsby with a strong foundation of the government closest to the people and the critical services that townships offer to residents.
“I strive to provide our residents with the best service we can provide,” he said. “The TGA program makes me a better township official.”
Before his election as supervisor, Thorsby was a police officer for 30 years, including 16 as police chief. He is a member and chair of the Nominating Committee and 911 Committee of the Genesee County MTA Chapter, Kiwanis International member since 1992, chair of the Genesee County 911 Board since 2022, and a member of the Flushing Area Community Fund Board.
TGA is a voluntary credentialing program intended to provide township officials and leaders with cutting-edge knowledge and expanded skills needed to assist in making more effective decisions for the benefit of their township. The Academy, which challenges candidates to tie together learning and practical experience, consists of 11 courses and includes a requirement for elective credits. Created and administered by MTA, this program is designed to professionally challenge township leaders by offering new ideas, sharing best practices and providing a hands-on approach to dealing more effectively with everyday issues that the township may face.
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The Michigan Townships Association advances local democracy by fostering township leadership and public policy essential for a strong and vibrant Michigan.