Grand Traverse County Chief Deputy Clerk Sam Gedman has been selected to serve as the new county clerk, taking over for Bonnie Scheele when she steps down effective June 19.

Scheele had previously announced her resignation, triggering a Michigan constitutional process to fill her vacancy through an appointment overseen by the Thirteenth Circuit Court judges. The judges selected Gedman, who has served as the county's chief deputy county clerk and elections manager for the past six years.

Gedman has administered elections in Mississippi, North Carolina, and Michigan and has been a professional public administrator for over fifteen years. He holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of Mississippi as well as an M.P.A. from Eastern Michigan University. He is the board
secretary as a trustee for the Traverse Area District Library and was formerly treasurer for the City
of Traverse City Youth Football Association. He lives with his wife and two children in Traverse City.

Gedman will serve the rest of Scheele's term through December 31, 2028. He will be sworn in by Thirteenth Circuit Court prior to June 19.