ESCANABA TOWNSHIP — Escanaba Township Clerk Theresa Chenier has completed the Michigan Townships Association’s (MTA) Township Governance Academy (TGA).

Chenier was among the members of the Academy “Graduating Class of 2022” honored on stage during a recognition ceremony held April 27 at the Association’s Annual Conference in Lansing.

Thanks to the program, “I can put into practice the skills I have learned to enhance and enrich our community,” she said. “This important education will serve our community, and our board, by making good, informed decisions. Education is empowering, especially if shared with others. The TGA program has provided usable skills and information to enhance my statutory duties as a board member. I’d like to thank my fellow board members and community for this opportunity to grow as a township official.”

TGA is a voluntary credentialing program intended to provide township board members and other local leaders with cutting-edge knowledge and expanded skills needed to assist in making more effective decisions for the benefit of their township. The Academy, which challenges candidates to tie together learning and practical experience, consists of 11 courses and includes a requirement for elective credits.

Chenier began serving the township as clerk this year, after two years as trustee. She was appointed to the township planning commission in January 2020. She earned her Citizen Planner award from Michigan State University Extension in 2020, and her Master Citizen Planner award in 2021. She has been a registered nurse for OSF Healthcare St. Francis Hospital and Medical Group for the past 33 years, receiving the health care organization’s Nursing Excellence Empowerment Award, Women’s Services in 2017, and was a candidate for Exemplary Professional Practice Award in both 2018 and 2019. She spent eight years as a Cub Scout leader, and volunteered as a health care volunteer for four years for the local high school athletic sports physicals.