Charleston Township (Kalamazoo Co.) Supervisor Jerry Vander Roest has been elected to the Michigan Townships Association (MTA) Board of Directors, serving as director of MTA District 19, which encompasses Allegan, Barry and Kalamazoo Counties. Serving Michigan’s 1,240 townships, MTA is the largest municipal association in the state and one of the largest in the nation. Vander Roest was sworn in to his new position on the MTA Board at the Association’s 2025 Annual Educational Conference & Expo, held March 31-April 3 in Grand Rapids.
Vander Roest has a long history serving Michigan residents, including 23 years serving as township supervisor, and nine years as township constable. He spent four years serving in the state House of Representatives, including holding the position of majority whip, and was chief of staff for more than 20 years, serving four state senators. These experiences have led Vander Roest to understand the need to safeguard local government authority to grow and develop in a manner that best fit residents’ wants, needs and vision for the future.
“We must work together to keep the Michigan Townships Association strong, with the goal of keeping local control,” Vander Roest said.
Vander Roest, who was named “Legislator of the Year” by both MTA and the Michigan Municipal League, served the Galesburg-Charleston Township Fire Department for 21 years, and is a former equalization director for St. Joseph County. A former 35-year certified assessor, Vander Roest also served on the Michigan Boundary Commission, and is a part-time farmer who volunteers with the Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame.
###
The Michigan Townships Association advances local democracy by fostering township leadership and public policy essential for a strong and vibrant Michigan.