UPDATE: After initial publication of this release, Scio Township’s Board of Trustees voted on Oct. 12 to invite two candidates, David Rowley and Fred Schnook, back for a second interview at the end of October.
Release date: IMMEDIATE
Contact: Amy Cell, Founder & President (734) 657 - 0370
After a thorough review of 56 applicants, seven candidates have been selected as finalists in the search for Scio Township’s new Township Administrator. The Board of Trustees will interview the seven candidates from 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm on Wednesday, October 6th. Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting or watch the video link, available later on the Township’s website. Candidates will be interviewed at a public meeting on Wednesday, October 6, via Zoom. The schedule is as follows: 4:00 - Elle Cole 4:50 - Greg Elliott 5:40 - Marjorie Knepp 6:30 - Break 6:50 - Joseph Rheker III 7:40 - David Rowley 8:30 - Fred Schnook
Candidate Bios and Background
David S. Rowley
David S. Rowley has been a Government & Community Vitality Educator at Michigan State University Extension since 2017. Before his time there, he was the City Assessor of the City of Mount Pleasant for 21 years. His colleagues describe him as an enjoyable person to be around, and having a calm personality. Mr. Rowley earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Public Administration from Central Michigan University. Mr. Rowley authored numerous publications and presentations during his time working at Michigan State University Extension. Mr. Rowley has also been awarded the 2020 Gordon Guyer Collaborative Excellence award, the 2021 Excellence in Teamwork National Award, as well as many other awards. Mr. Rowley has been doing Civil War Reenactments for 45 years now, providing living history and education of American History to the public and school kids of all ages.
Elle Cole
Elle Cole is currently the Township Administrator/Deputy Supervisor for Sumpter Township. Mrs. Cole has an extensive background in finance and is a member of the Michigan Government Finance Officers Association and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Elle Cole describes herself as honest, brave, and a hard worker. Mrs. Cole earned a Bachelors of Arts in Accounting from Michigan State University, and is currently getting her Masters of Public Administration from Eastern Michigan University. Mrs. Cole hopes to bring her knowledge of finance, as well as her experience in the public sector, to help Scio Township to continue to grow and thrive.
Fred Schnook
Fred Schnook has served as the City Administrator for the City of Kewaunee, Wisconsin, since 2017. In his time working as City Administrator, Fred has accomplished a lot to help the City of Kewaunee; such as the creation of a Capital Improvement Plan and Fund, and leading the demolition and site restoration of the City’s old high school building . He was also awarded the Outstanding Performance Award, by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, every year from 1990 through 2006. Mr. Schnook earned a Bachelor of Science for Community Education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and an Associates of Arts degree from Milwaukee Area Technical College. Fred Schnook has also obtained a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and is currently getting his PhD in Urban Affairs from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He is described by friends and associates as hard working and honest.
Gregory Elliott
Gregory Elliott is a seasoned attorney, public manager, and community planner. Mr. Elliott has enjoyed great success in his career opportunities in Law and City Government Administration. During his five years with Pittsfield Charter Township, Mr. Elliott was able to make a positive impact on the community by adopting the first new comprehensive plan in over two decades and by overseeing the expansion of the Township’s water and sewer infrastructure. Currently, Mr. Elliott is the City Administrator and Director of Community Development at the City of Adrian. Mr. Elliott has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Alma College and a Master of Public Administration degree from Eastern Michigan University. Mr. Elliott also earned a Juris Doctor form Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University College of Law.
Joseph Rheker III
Joseph Rheker III has been a part of the United States Navy Reserve for nearly two decades, and was recently promoted to Captain. Through internships and various full-time positions, he has gained over a decade of experience working with local government administration. Mr. Rheker believes that with his experience in municipalities, his background with the Navy, and his personality, he will be able to help Scio Township overcome any obstacle. Mr. Rheker has a Bachelors of Science in Urban and Regional Planning from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Public Administration from Wayne State University as well as Human Resources Certificate from the Human Resources Certification Institute. Mr. Rheker is also Co-Chair of the Kendrick Area Neighborhood Watch and Chairman of the Lincoln Street Historic District Review Committee.
Marjorie Knepp
Marjorie Knepp has 20 years of experience in technology management. Ms. Knepp describes herself as a confident, innovative leader, who is energized by complex and unfamiliar situations. Ms. Knepp has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Women’s Studies and a Master of Science in Information Economics, Management and Policy from the University of Michigan. Ms. Knepp won first place in the Detroit Startup Weekend in 2014 and is a Committee Member of the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Board for Emerson School. Ms. Knepp also founded the company, Amdemar, LLC, with the goal of making scheduling and logistics for children’s activities easier for parents.
Amy Cell Talent is a full-service talent acquisition and human resources management firm located in downtown Ypsilanti, Michigan. Drawing from Michigan’s deep and diverse talent pool, Amy Cell Talent is adept at helping municipalities, non-profit organizations, start-ups, and corporations find well-sourced candidates.