Norvell Township (Jackson Co.) Supervisor Bill Sutherland has been appointed to the Michigan Townships Association (MTA) Board of Directors, as director of MTA District 24, which encompasses Hillsdale, Jackson and Lenawee Counties. Serving Michigan’s 1,240 townships, MTA is the largest municipal association in the state and one of the largest in the nation.
Prior to being elected supervisor in 2020, Sutherland served on the township planning commission for three years, including as chair. He has also served as township deputy supervisor, and on the township zoning board of appeals (ZBA), as chair and as planning commission representative to the ZBA. He is chair of the Greater Irish Hills Inter-Municipality Committee, and is recording secretary and past chair of the Leoni Regional Utility Authority.
Sutherland looks forward to his new role helping to guide the Association on behalf of Michigan’s townships. “I want to actively contribute to an organization I deeply respect—one that provides critical support, education and advocacy for townships across Michigan,” he said. “As a district director, I will serve as an advocate for the needs and priorities of the townships within my district, ensuring their voices are heard and represented at the state level.”
Strengthening MTA and empowering township leadership are among Sutherland’s goals on the MTA Board of Directors. “Achieving results requires active participation, thoughtful leadership and collaboration,” said Sutherland, who is also an active participant in—and advocate of—lifelong learning. “I bring a strategic, solution-oriented mindset—balancing long-term goals with practical action—and a grounded perspective shaped by diverse experience. I am committed to working constructively with fellow Board members to make decisions that are effective, equitable and in the best interest of the organization and its stakeholders.”
###
The Michigan Townships Association advances local democracy by fostering township leadership and public policy essential for a strong and vibrant Michigan.