Oakland County Board swears in commissioners, elects Dave Woodward chair and Marsha Gershenson vice chair

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners opened its 2025–2028 session with a swearing-in of commissioners and a series of organizational votes, electing Dave Woodward as chair and Marsha Gershenson as vice chair.

The board conducted the oath of office for commissioners, after which it approved procedural items including the minutes of the Dec. 12, 2024 meeting and the formal closing of the 2023–24 journal. The board adopted temporary rules, appointed a temporary chair, then elected permanent leadership and named members to the Legislative Affairs and Government Operations Committee.

Woodward won the vote for board chair after Commissioner Angela Powell nominated him and Commissioner Miller seconded the nomination. The clerk reported a tally of 17 yeas and 1 nay, and Dave Woodward was announced as chair. “I love this ceremony because it gives us an opportunity to welcome new faces,” Woodward said after the election, adding that he looked forward to working across the county and “rolling up our sleeves” to get to work.

Marsha Gershenson was nominated for vice chair by Commissioner Lenny Taylor and seconded by Commissioner Penny Luebbs. The clerk reported the same 17–1 tally in favor and the board confirmed her as vice chair.

Before leadership elections, the board approved a motion to adopt temporary rules. The clerk prompted a recorded electronic vote that resulted in 18 yays and 0 nays. The board also approved a motion to approve and close the journal for the 2023–24 biennial session; that vote was recorded on tablets as 18 yays and 0 nays. The minutes for the Dec. 12, 2024 meeting were approved by voice vote earlier in the meeting.

As part of the organizational business, the board appointed members to the Legislative Affairs and Government Operations Committee. The appointment motion named Brendan (Brennan) Johnson as committee chair; Anne Erickson Galt as majority vice chair; Joe Joliet as minority vice chair; and commissioners Penny Luebbs, Lenny Taylor, Kristen Nelson, Marsha Gershenson and Bob Hoffman as committee members. The motion to approve those appointments was moved by Commissioner Penny Luebbs, seconded by Commissioner Bob Hoffman, and carried by voice vote.

Several newly sworn commissioners introduced themselves and family members to the chamber. Robert Smiley, identified as commissioner for District 14, said he previously served nine years on the Wixom City Council and thanked colleagues and family for support. Anne Erickson Galt, sworn in for District 3, and Lenny Taylor, sworn in for District 18, also offered brief remarks and introduced guests.

The board recessed after completing organizational items so several committees could meet to finalize their internal rules and return for full-board approval. Refreshments were offered in the lobby following the session.

Actions recorded during the meeting included approval of minutes, adoption of temporary rules, formal closing of the 2023–24 journal, appointment of a temporary chair, election of the permanent chair and vice chair, and committee member appointments. Where recorded vote tallies were given, they are stated in the article; when the transcript records only a voice vote, the result is recorded as adopted by voice vote.