Chief Andres was born and raised in Newaygo County and grew up on an organic dairy farm in

Fremont with her nine brothers and sisters. She chose to work in the law enforcement field as

a way of giving back to her community, beginning her career as a corrections officer in the Newaygo County Jail. After completing the Police Academy, Andres wanted to continue to work in the community in which she was raised and applied to the Newaygo Police Department. On

December 5, 2000, she was hired as the Newaygo PD’s first female police officer. In June of 2003, she was promoted to sergeant and became the first female to serve in an administrative role in a Newaygo County law enforcement agency. On January 8, 2015, she was sworn-in as Newaygo’s fifth Chief of Police and the first female chief in the county. A certified MCOLES police officer, Chief Andres completed her Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice at Ferris State University. She is well known for her community engagement events, positions on multiple coalitions and boards, and her ability to bring new and futuristic programming to the PD and community. She has also been a driving force behind the implementation of Hope Not Handcuffs and Families Against Narcotics in Newaygo County. Chief Andres serves as the District 9 representative for the Michigan Association for Chiefs of Police and serves on the State of Michigan Mental Health Board.

Bio coming soon.

Kristi Farber is a Licensed Master Social Worker and has been practicing social work for approximately 25 years. The Clinical Manager at the Arbor Circle in Newaygo, she is licensed in clinical and macro social work, has a vast knowledge of community resources, and experience working with various populations. Kristi has worked in the fields of trauma, autism, crisis response, mental health, substance use disorder, school social work, hospital social work, and administration. She also assists with the police social work initiative and has multiple certifications and credentials. Kristi has a deeper understanding of the culture and immediate needs of Newaygo County residents, as she has worked and lived in the community for the vast majority of her life. Her passion is to create change and bring forward a healthy and safe community for the residents within.

Tim Rodwell is the Chief of Police for the City of Fremont. Chief Rodwell has been in law enforcement for 25 years, leveraging values of constitutional and community policing. Serving the Fremont community since 2020, Chief Rodwell is excited to bring solutions to community challenges. 

Bio coming soon.

Kevin McLaughlin is a person in long-term recovery, celebrating 20 years. He was born in the West Michigan area, moved throughout the country, and ultimately settled in the Grant area. After years of being in the food industry, Kevin attended and graduated from Grand Rapids Community College with an Associate’s Degree in the Culinary Arts in 2002. He worked at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health services for 13 years as the residential food coordinator and group facilitator for adolescence and addictions, combining his love for teaching and food service. In 2013, Kevin became the Executive Director of Recovery Allies of West Michigan, which is a Recovery Community Organization. Their mission was to educate, advocate, and celebrate all things Recovery. A recovery coach, recovery coach trainer, and owner of ART of Coaching Inc., Kevin provides trainings for peers in the workforce nationally. He and his wife currently own a food truck called Sober Eats, which once again combines Kevin’s love of food service and addiction advocacy. Kevin and Joyce have five boys, a dog, a pony, six goats, and seven chickens.