Savannah Cavanaugh, Hayes Township (Clare Co.) deputy treasurer, has taken the next step to further enhance the effectiveness of her township by completing the Michigan Townships Association’s (MTA) Township Governance Academy (TGA). Through her participation in the intensive education program, Cavanaugh was able to learn enhanced tools and decision-making processes that can help positively impact Hayes Township for years to come.
Cavanaugh was among the members of the Academy “Graduating Class of 2024,” and was recently honored during a recognition ceremony before nearly 1,000 of her township peers at the Association’s Annual Conference. The TGA program helped to provide Cavanaugh with a strong foundation of the government closest to the people and the critical services that townships offer to residents.
“Enrolling in TGA, I expected to dive into rules and laws,” Cavanaugh said. “But it also provided practical tools for conflict resolution, connecting with the public, and understanding laws within our township. I’m truly grateful for this enriching experience and can’t wait to apply these lessons to better serve and uplift our community.”
While Cavanaugh, who is running for the treasurer position in November, has been deputy treasurer for just one year, she has been actively involved in various community organizations for over a decade. Since 2014, she has volunteered with the Harrison Area Chamber of Commerce, assisting in orchestrating community events, while also working at a local community financial institution. For the past two years, she has also supported the City of Harrison’s Downtown Development Authority in their annual street fair.
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.