Delta Charter Township, MI – The Michigan Townships Association (MTA) has named Maple Valley Township (Montcalm Co.) Clerk Andrea “Andi” Knapp as a 2026 Robert R. Robinson Memorial Scholarship recipient. The annual award aims to encourage students and other individuals to pursue or further a career in public service.
Knapp is continually seeking ways to learn and grow as a public leader. A graduate of MTA’s Township Governance Academy and Red Book Ready program, she earned the Michigan Professional Municipal Clerk designation in March 2025 and will receive her Certified Municipal Clerk designation through the International Institute of Municipal Clerks this month. She is 2024 graduate of the inaugural class of the Michigan Municipal League’s Women’s Elected Leadership Intensive program and is working toward becoming a Michigan certified assessing technician.
Now, with the support of MTA’s Robinson Scholarship, Knapp is taking her passion for continuing education and development even further, and plans to enroll in the Saginaw Valley State University Michigan Certified Public Manager Program. The program includes coursework focused on public management, leadership, government operations, public service and applied local government administration.
“My goal is to continue strengthening local government through practical, consistent and transparent township operations,” Knapp said. “I want to build systems that help township boards make informed decisions, preserve institutional knowledge, support succession planning and protect local decision-making. Completion of the [public manager program] will help me improve my leadership, public management skills and ability to serve not only Maple Valley Township residents, but also other township officials and communities through my regional leadership roles.”
Knapp has been clerk since 2022, and previously served on the township planning commission. Appointed to MTA’s Board of Directors as MTA District 16 director in 2025, she is also president of the Montcalm County MTA Chapter and previously served as chapter vice president. In addition, she is a member of the Montcalm County Community Advancement Committee and is the township liaison to the Montcalm County Road Commission.
Knapp’s commitment to public service and to continued learning made her an ideal candidate for the Robinson Scholarship. “MTA created this scholarship to honor the legacy of long-time township advocate and past MTA Executive Director Robert Robinson by fostering local leaders,” said Joan David, Scholarship Committee chair and Newfield Township (Oceana Co.) supervisor, who also serves as MTA District 11 director. “Andi has demonstrated a strong commitment to both her professional development and to serving Michigan’s townships. We are proud to honor her as a 2026 Robinson Scholarship recipient, and look forward to her continued contributions to her township and service to Michigan local governments.”
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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.