After more than 30 years serving the residents of Antrim County, County Administrator Pete Garwood retired on December 16, 2022. In his capacity as administrator, Pete served on the board of the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance from when Antrim County joined in 1985 it was known as the Antrim-Charlevoix Growth Alliance) to 2022. In addition to providing consistent, thoughtful insight on numerous economic and community development issues facing the region, Pete oversaw the creation of Northern Homes Community Development Corporation in 1997, served as Board Chair from 1999 to 2001, and fostered partnerships with North Central Michigan College and Char-Em ISD to name just a few major projects. These valued partnerships remain in place today.
David Emmel, President of the Economic Alliance noted; “When I began my role as the fourth president of the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, Peter was one of the first people to not only welcome me but also to open the door to a relationship which has provided me great insight to the organization and steadfast guidance in navigating the complexities and challenges of leading our public-private partnership.”
During his time with the NLEA, Pete brought his “…vast knowledge of government to the group, he also kept things in perspective and understood fully that as a multi-county organization with many partners both formal and informal; both teamwork and compromise were critical to success,” according to Andy Hayes, NLEA President from 2005 to 2020. NLEA board members and staff often looked to Pete for guidance due to his long tenure on the board. Jim Rummer, NLEA board member and 2022 Board Chair, recalls “the historical perspective he was able to give our board regarding countless situations over the years was invaluable.”
Beyond his professional contributions to the NLEA, Pete’s fellow board members describe him as a “pleasure to work with” and a “gregarious individual who wears a smile wherever he goes.” On behalf of NLEA board and staff, past and present, we wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to Pete Garwood for his leadership and support over the years and wish him the best as he begins this next chapter in life.
Antrim County, our greater region, and the NLEA are better today as a direct result of Pete’s diligence, vision, and hard work to bring people together to support and enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Northern Michigan.
