All About Macomb MARZ

John Paul Rea

President
Deputy County Executive, Macomb County

John Paul Rea, Deputy County Executive for Macomb County works alongside County Executive Mark Hackel with a particular focus on economic development.  Rea holds a Bachelor of Science in political science with a minor in public administration and a master’s degree in public administration with an emphasis in urban and regional policy and planning from Grand Valley State University. Rea is a member of the American Institute of  Certified Planners, represents Macomb County on the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transit board of directors, sits on the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority board of commissioners, is the Treasurer of the Automation Alley Board of Directors, and is involved in the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments.  JP lives in Washington Township with his lovely wife Roberta and their two wonderful kids Amelia and Danny.

Vicky Rowinski

Vice President
Director, Macomb County Planning and Economic Development

Rowinski is the director of the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic  Development. She helps oversee the overall strategy for the department and helps implement the economic development action plan. This is accomplished through five distinct program areas:  Economic Development; Parks and Natural Resources; Community Planning, GIS and Data Services; and Marketing, Communications, and Outreach. Her focus areas for Macomb County include growing targeted industry sectors and fulfilling the workforce pipeline in automotive, aerospace, defense, robotics, and cybersecurity.

Vicky earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from Baker College and received her Masters of Science in Administration degree with a concentration in Leadership from  Central Michigan University. She also obtained a master’s certificate in  Government Contracting Administration from George Washington University in 2010 and is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD).

Luke Bonner

Secretary  
CEO Bonner Advisory Group

Luke Bonner is the founder of Bonner Advisory Group located in Ann Arbor, MI. Luke has almost  20 years of economic development experience in the public and private sectors. Over that time, he has supported over 250 corporate projects in which the companies have committed to nearly  10,000 jobs and over $3 billion in new investment in Michigan communities. Luke has authored over 35 tax increment finance and development plans that brought public financing to private development projects. He’s also written dozens of tax abatements and state incentive packages. 
Luke was a 4-year letter winner for the University of Michigan Baseball team, winning two Big  Ten championships and graduating with a degree in Psychology. After graduating, Luke played minor league baseball with the Cleveland Indians, and eventually returned to receive a Masters in  Liberal Studies and Public Administration from Eastern Michigan University.

Jennifer Kook

Treasure
Assistant Controller of ITC Holdings Inc.

Jennifer Kook is the Assistant Controller of ITC Holdings Inc. and has been with the company for 9 years. She oversees SEC and statutory reporting, accounting systems, consolidations, internal control and fixed asset accounting. Prior to this she worked at Ally Financial Inc. in various accounting roles. She also was an auditor at Ernst & Young from 2001 to 2005. Jennifer earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in accounting from Grand Valley State University. She is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

James O. Sawyer IV, Ed.D.

Director  
President, Macomb Community College

Jim Sawyer is Macomb Community College’s sixth president and took office on July 1,  2017. Prior to his appointment, he was college’s provost and senior vice president for the Learning  Unit and had 15 years of experience at Macomb.  
As provost, Sawyer led Macomb’s cultural transformation from focus on student access to focus on student success. He has also been the principal investigator on two successful National Science  Foundation Grants, and has led a number of academic program modifications and student success initiatives. His previous positions at Macomb were as vice provost for Career Programs and as dean of Engineering and Advanced Technology.  
Prior to joining Macomb, Sawyer spent 17 years in business and industry, with leadership positions in engineering, quality, and operations at Chrysler, Dana, Ancor, and New Haven Foundry. He is an American Society for Quality Certified Quality Engineer.  
Sawyer earned a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from Lawrence Technological  University, and a master of science in administration, and a doctor of education in educational leadership from Central Michigan University.  
Sawyer serves on a number of boards, including St. John Providence Hospital, Macomb/St.  Clair Workforce Development, Leadership Macomb, Advancing Macomb, Michigan Design  Council and the American Society of Body Engineers Foundation.

Mr. Michael DeVault

Director  
Superintendent of Macomb ISD

Macomb Intermediate School District Superintendent Michael DeVault has been with the district since 1991. DeVault came to the district as Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and  Employee Relations and became Superintendent in 1993. Before coming to the MISD, he held administrative positions in curriculum, special education, personnel, finance, operations, and secondary school leadership with Utica Community Schools, Mason Schools, and a district in the Kalamazoo area. Following his service in the military, DeVault started his career as a  teacher and coach in the Port Huron Area. He received his bachelor’s degree in business and master’s degree in education from Western Michigan University.