Gary McDowell has dedicated his professional and public career to improving the quality of life in the Upper Peninsula and throughout Michigan. As State Representative for the 107th House District, Gary McDowell will continue working on behalf of others to better our state.
Work HistoryA native of Rudyard, Michigan, Gary McDowell has served for over 20 years as the Treasurer for McDowell Hay, Inc., a 1,000-acre hay farming and distribution company in Rudyard, which he owns with his brothers.
He also is a retired United Parcel Service driver, where he worked for 33 years (1970-2003).
Government ExperienceRep. Gary McDowell has an extensive and diverse history of government service.
He served on the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners for 22 years (1981-2002) and served as Board Chairman for the last four of those years (1998-2002). He was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in November 2004.
Gary also has served as a Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation Board Member for 17 years (1987-2004) as well as a Chippewa County War Memorial Hospital Trustee for 16 years (1988-Present). Rep. McDowell also has served on the: Emergency 911 Central Dispatch Board, Chippewa County Recycling Committee Member, the U.P. Planning and Development Agency Member, and as a Rudyard Township Volunteer Firefighter and EMT.
Gary is also a member of several community organizations, including: Rudyard Lions Club, Sault Area Chamber of Commerce, Sault Elks Club, Drummond Island Sportsman Club, Tri-County Wildlife Club, Eastern UP Wildlife Coalition, Rudyard First United Presbyterian Church and the Chippewa County Farm Bureau.
EducationRep. McDowell is a 1970 graduate of Rudyard High School and attended Lake Superior State College.
FamilyRep. Gary McDowell was raised in Rudyard, MI on the family farm, and is the oldest of 10 children. Gary and his wife, Carrie, have three daughters- Alivia; Emily; and Rochelle.