American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America (by Colin Woodard – 2011)

Social Studies Secondary Education

I am changing careers to secondary education social studies teacher. I have meet the qualifications for State of Indiana Career Specialist Alternative License. In World/US History I scored 192 of 200 on the teacher qualification test. In Geography I scored 191 of 200; and in Government/Civics I also scored 191 of 200.

St. Joseph County Courthouses, South Bend, Indiana

Area Plan Commission of St. Joseph County

I was a planner for St. Joseph County (sjcindiana.com – Division of Planning & Zoning), Indiana – the county in which South Bend is located. I started there in August of 2019, focusing on planning, zoning, code enforcement, MACOG TTAC (macog.com – About), and special projects. I became the Interim Executive Director of the Area Plan Commission/County Zoning Administrator with the retirement of the previous one on March 27, 2020, until a new person came onboard August 3, 2020.

1909 Daniel Burnham's Plan of Chicago — 1909 Daniel Burnham’s Plan of Chicago

AICP certified planner

I am an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certified planner. This certification is through the American Planning Association (planning.org). As a certified planner I follow the AICP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (planning.org/ethics) – a pledge to uphold high standards of practice, ethics, and professional conduct. AICP Exam Study Guide.

June 27, 2018 – Napier Avenue meeting at Southwest Michigan Planning Commission

Southwest Michigan Planning Commission

I previously worked three years as an associate planner for the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission (swmpc.org), focusing on economic development, transportation, and community planning. Please see my Top Accomplishments at SWMPC page for more information about my time with them.

City of Bangor, Michigan

I have also been city manager for the City of Bangor, Michigan (harborcountry-news.com). Please see my Top Accomplishments in Bangor page for more information about my time with them.

May 20, 2011: Pokagon Fund Appreciation Day – City Manager Michael Mitchell, Pokagon Fund Executive Director Mart Dunbar, and Assistant to the City Manager Ryan Fellows

City of New Buffalo, Michigan

I was also the assistant city manager for the City of New Buffalo, Michigan (cityofnewbuffalo.org/fellows). Please see my Top Accomplishments in New Buffalo page for more information about my time with each city.

Southwest Michigan experiences

Here are some of my top professional experiences serving Southwest Michigan since 2007, at the City of New Buffalo, City of Bangor, and Southwest Michigan Planning Commission:

1. - Dredging management for New Buffalo Harbor
  - Passenger rail service improvements for New Buffalo
  - Harbor Country Hike and Bike Plan implementation
  - Galien River Watershed Management Plan implementation
  - Safe Route to School grant application
  - The Pokagon Fund Board of Directors board member
  - Assisted in designating the first Michigan portion of the Lake Michigan Water Trail (the Appalachian Trail of paddling)
  - Assisted in locating the West Michigan Pike historic marker in New Buffalo
  - Assisted in planning to connect Michigan to the Marquette Greenway (continuing the Burnham Plan of Chicago.)

Four Flags Area Apple Fest, Downtown Niles

About Me

I earned my B.A. with a major in political science and minor in history from Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan.

My wife, our two dogs, and I proudly live in beautiful and historic Niles, Michigan.