Vergennes Township welcomes Cheryl Richmond — better known as Sherry — as the new township treasurer. With deep roots in the community and a wealth of experience, she is poised to bring both dedication and expertise to her role. We connected with Richmond to learn more about her background, vision, and aspirations for the township.
Richmond’s connection to Vergennes Township runs deep. “I grew up in Vergennes Township and graduated from Lowell High School and Adrian College,” she shares. She now lives on a picturesque centennial farm with her husband, Mark, and their four children: Grace, Mya, Sophie, and Anthony. Additionally, she has two stepchildren, Brice and Mallorie, who reside out of state.
Richmond’s journey to the treasurer’s office was driven by a desire to serve her community. “I was excited about joining the board as treasurer to serve and be a part of the community. My kids are teenagers, and I felt this was a good time to try something new,” she explains. Her professional background is diverse, encompassing bookkeeping, general office work, and running her own business, Flat River Embroidery, for the past 20 years.
As treasurer, Richmond’s primary objective is to fulfill the duties of the office and assisting wherever needed. She is mindful of the township’s growth and development. “Vergennes is a great community to live in so it’s understandable that there is a lot of growth,” she notes. “I’m thankful that the growth is controlled and managed through the zoning ordinances.” In her role, Richmond is committed to making decisions that best serve the residents.
Richmond acknowledges the financial challenges that lie ahead but is optimistic about the opportunities they present. “I plan to continue conservative spending and wise stewardship of what has been entrusted to the township to manage for the residents,” she says. Her focus is on maintaining a strong financial position while building relationships within the community.
Transparency and accountability are cornerstones of Richmond’s approach. She encourages residents to attend the monthly board meetings held on the third Monday at 7 pm. “It is a great way to meet the board, learn about the township, and be current on issues and events that are taking place in our area,” she emphasizes. By fostering open communication, Richmond aims to ensure that residents are well-informed and actively involved in financial decision-making.
Effective communication is key to Richmond’s strategy. The township’s biannual newsletter, which is mailed with tax bills, serves as a valuable resource for information on taxes, current issues, and updates. Additionally, the township’s website provides extensive information, and the treasurer’s report is available at monthly meetings.
Looking ahead, Richmond has set her sights on becoming a Michigan Certified Professional Treasurer (MiCPT). “During my four-year term, I hope to take classes to become a MiCPT,” she shares. “It is a three-year program offered through the Michigan Municipal Treasurer’s Association.”
This commitment to professional development underscores her dedication to the role and to the township’s financial health. “The township is in a great financial position. I value that and will protect and work to further strengthen it.”
For Richmond, serving as the township treasurer is more than a job—it’s a calling deeply rooted in family and community. “Our family has been deeply rooted in the community for many generations. I’m excited to give back and work for the community where our families chose to raise their children many years ago,” she reflects. Her genuine desire to serve and make a positive impact shines through in every aspect of her work.
As Richmond steps into her role as township treasurer, Vergennes Township can look forward to a period of responsible stewardship and community-focused growth. With her at the helm, the future looks bright.
No photo of Sherry Richmond?
No, she preferred not to have one included.