Mark Hackel is the first-ever Executive of Macomb County, committed to providing innovative, non-partisan leadership while delivering the services citizens and businesses expect. His unique experiences serving Macomb County for decades coupled with his community-focused leadership approach, provided a dynamic foundation to transform the way residents and businesses engaged with county government.

Since his leadership began in 2011, Macomb County has become a model for responsible financial management with structurally balanced budgets, a healthy fund balance that includes a fully funded retiree and healthcare system and continually maintaining the highest standards of municipal financing.

Hackel began his career with Macomb County in 1981 as a Dispatcher in the Sheriff’s Office. Over the next 30 years, he worked his way up through every rank in the department and was elected County Sheriff in 2000. Throughout his tenure in law enforcement, he obtained several decorated accreditations and attended the F.B.I. National Academy and the U.S. Secret Service Dignitary Protection School.

Hackel earned an associate degree from Macomb Community College, a bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan University.

Message from Mark

Welcome to the May edition of the Focus Macomb newsletter. I’d like to begin this message by recognizing Memorial Day, which we just marked on Monday, May 27. The long weekend has a tradition of barbecues and outdoor gatherings, but Memorial Day has a deeper purpose - honoring the military men and women who lost their lives while serving our country. To do this, American flags are placed at the half-staff position, people lay wreaths or flowers at cemeteries and memorials and parades are held in towns and cities across the country. 

I marked the occasion at the St. Clair Shores Memorial Day Parade – and I was proud to see so many of you lining the streets to show your appreciation and pay respects to our fallen soldiers. It really was a special day.

This month we also saw several notable events here at the County. On May 18, we marked the 60th anniversary of Macomb Community Action with a family fun gathering at the Verkuilen Building in Clinton Township. Our teams were thrilled to welcome so many of you and to share information about the services we can provide. That same day, we also hosted the 34th annual Walk for Warmth, an initiative that raises funds to support individuals and families with heat emergencies during the winter months. It was incredible to see our community show up for such a great cause. 

Earlier that week we also gave the public one final opportunity to tour a portion of the existing Macomb County Jail, an historic landmark, before it undergoes demolition. Visitors were able to walk through the original maximum security area, a facility built in the 1960s that somewhat resembles Alcatraz. Stay tuned for more news on the jail, as it will help transform criminal justice in our community.

Finally, on May 9, the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development hosted the Macomb Business Awards. You can read more about the winners later in the newsletter – but I just wanted to note, they truly are outstanding local businesses and organizations. 

Now, this week I’ll be up in Mackinac attending the annual Mackinac Policy Conference with the Detroit Regional Chamber. This annual event features some of the state’s top business and community leaders, and we’ve got a great team together representing Macomb County. During the conference, we plan to share several ideas and initiatives that are important in our community. For instance, we’ll discuss how our jail update will address issues that correctional institutions are seeing across the country, particularly with mental health and substance use. We’ll also promote Selfridge Air Force Base and its planned Northern Border Coordination Center, which will demonstrate its leadership and ability to protect our borders and our freedoms. Together, these topics showcase how Macomb County is leading the way when it comes to public safety, and we are proud to share our work so other communities can follow in our example.

That’s all for now. As always, I encourage you to visit www.makemacombyourhome.com, where you’ll find ideas and inspiration for the summer months ahead. You can also find us on Facebook. And we even have a special events page with all the details and information you need for attending local festivals, gatherings and more.

So have a great start to the summer season, Macomb County. Take care and stay safe,

Mark