Contact:
Jessica Weirauch 
Michigan Municipal League  
[email protected], 734-669-6311  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 23, 2025

Ann Arbor, Mich. — City of Lapeer Mayor Pro Tem Joshua Atwood was named to serve as the Michigan Municipal League’s Board of Trustees president for the 2025–26 term. City of Wayland Mayor Jennifer Antel will serve as vice president for the same period. 

The League’s membership also elected five new members to join the 2025–26 board during its annual business meeting, held at the 2025 Convention in Grand Rapids. 

Josh Atwood has served on the 20-member board since 2021. In addition to serving as mayor pro tem and commissioner, he serves on Lapeer’s Planning Commission and was the youngest commissioner elected in the past fifty years. Atwood co-established the city’s first-ever Youth Council. Under his leadership, the Youth Council created the city’s first volunteer group, Lapeer City Superheroes. The group conducts city cleanups, plants flowers, and lends a helping hand whenever possible. Atwood holds a monthly event, “Coffee with a Commish,” which has been instrumental for public engagement. He has also been a leader in the growth of ecotourism in Lapeer. Atwood lives with his wife, Amber, and their two daughters, Zarah and Azelle, in Lapeer’s historic downtown business district. His term expires in 2026. 

“I’m thrilled to learn more about what Michigan communities are doing to improve economic vitality and downtown revitalization with the tools the League offers,” said Atwood. “I am looking forward to diving deeper into the housing shortage that many of us are facing, and having discussions on creating sustainable growth, attracting local talent, and driving community engagement and civic pride.” 

The first female mayor for the City of Wayland, Jennifer Antel has served on the council since 2005. After receiving her master’s degree in public administration from Grand Valley State University, she started her career as the Otsego DDA Director. She was the administrative assistant and then the assistant to the city manager in Kalamazoo. Antel currently works as the program manager for West Michigan Trails. A strong advocate for youth, she has stepped into various roles including Cubmaster, Girl Scout Leader, and founder of a youth swim club. She is an avid runner and is co-founder of Wayland Road Runners, and currently coaches varsity cross country and middle school track. Antel is in line to become president in 2026–27.  

“I am absolutely honored to serve as VP on the board for an organization that means so much to me,” said Antel. “The MML has been an invaluable resource to me as an elected official and to our community. I look forward to working for and with all the communities to help make Michigan a better place.” 

The new members are Delta Township Supervisor Fonda Brewer, Howell Councilmember Alex Clos, L’Anse President Pro Tem Leann Davis, Portage Councilmember Nicole Miller, and Saginaw City Manager Tim Morales. 

They join the other volunteers who remain on the board: Greenville City Manager George M. Bosanic, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley, Farmington Mayor Joe LaRussa, Rogers City Mayor Scott McLennan, Pontiac Deputy Mayor Khalfani Stephens, Hastings Mayor David J. Tossava, Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington, and Detroit Director of Government Affairs Stephanie Grimes Washington.   

“The League welcomes its new members and leadership,” said Dan Gilmartin, Executive Director and CEO of the League. “We are excited for the knowledge, skills, and energy they bring to the board, and look forward to a productive year working to help Michigan communities grow and thrive.” 

Gilmartin thanked the outgoing trustees for their service: Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Don Gerrie, Troy Councilmember Rebecca Chamberlain-Creange, Harper Woods Mayor Valerie Kindle, Grandville Councilmember Joshua Meringa, and Lake Isabella Village Manger Tim Wolff.  

For additional information, contact the League’s Jessica Weirauch, Director, Marketing and Communications, at 734-669-6311 or [email protected].   

Michigan Municipal League is dedicated to making Michigan’s communities better by thoughtfully innovating programs, energetically connecting ideas and people, actively serving members with resources and services and passionately inspiring positive change for Michigan’s greatest centers of potential: its communities. The League advocates on behalf of its member communities in Lansing, Washington, D.C. and the courts; provides educational opportunities for elected and appointed municipal officials; and assists municipal leaders in administering services to their communities through League programs and services. Learn more at mml.org. 

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