McDowell, Gary (D)
Agriculture and Rural Development
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POLITICAL CAREER
Director McDowell was appointed to lead the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, effective Jan. 1, 2019 by Gov Gretchen WHITMER.
WORK EXPERIENCE
McDowell served three terms in the Michigan House from 2005 through 2010.
He owns and operates a family business with his brothers, McDowell Brothers Farm and McDowell Hay Inc., and brokers hay sales from the Eastern Upper Peninsula.
McDowell served for 22 years as a member of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners and was a delivery driver for UPS for 30 years.
EDUCATION
McDowell attended Lake Superior State University.
PERSONAL
He is married to Carrie, the couple has three daughters.
CIVIC ACTIVITIES
He has served as a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician for 18 years.
Additional Information
MDARD Director Hopes COVID-19 Impacts Will Pave Way For Local Farmers (06-16-2020)
Census Completion Connected To Combating COVID-19 (04-01-2020)
Michigan Cases Rise To 2,856; 60 Deaths Reported; 'A Few Weeks Out' From Apex (03-26-2020)
Coffee Shops, Movie Theaters Among Businesses Swept Into Gov's Closure (03-16-2020)
Press Releases
Let’s Continue to Feed Kids This SummerRep. Yaroch calls for federal investigation into Michigan’s nursing home COVID decisions; seeks end to governor’s ‘hush money’ dealsAdditional statement from Mayor Mike Duggan on Johnson & Johnson vaccinesPHOTOS: Peters Visits with Michigan National Guardsmen Deployed to Protect the U.S. CapitolStatewide Headlines
Over 2,000 Michigan businesses setting standard for COVID-19 workplace safety compliance*Michigan opens vaccines to more people, but frustration grows for those still struggling to book appointments*
More than half of Kent County residents ages 65 and older are partially vaccinated
Defense attorneys argue men accused in Whitmer kidnap plot never had a plan
Don't be 'picky' about COVID vaccine options, Michigan health officials plead*