WCRC announces retirement and hiring of new managing director
Sheryl Soderholm Siddall (left) and Matthew F. MacDonell
submitted by Washtenaw County Road Commission
It is with mixed emotions that the Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) announces the retirement of Managing Director Sheryl Soderholm Siddall.
Siddall has served as managing director of WCRC since 2018. During her tenure, she assisted in the development and continued success of the four-year county-wide road- and non-motorized millage, which has passed overwhelmingly by voters since 2016. Siddall also led the 100th-anniversary celebration of WCRC in 2019 and guided the WCRC board during its expansion from three to five road commissioners. Siddall’s leadership during the global pandemic continued to catapult WCRC to the status of an agency looked at for its innovation, talent, and commitment.
“Sheryl’s legacy at WCRC will have long-lasting effects in the future of transportation in Washtenaw County,” says Barbara Fuller, chair of the Washtenaw County Board of County Road Commissioners.
“My time at the Washtenaw County Road Commission has been rewarding, especially working with a team of people who care about their community and strive to provide top-notch service to Washtenaw County,” says Siddall. She is active in the County Road Association of Michigan where she serves as chair of the nominating committee.
Sheryl Siddall is the first woman to hold the managing director position. She continues to be a staunch advocate for the agency on the state and local levels. “I believe transparency is the key to building trust about our decision-making to provide a safe and efficient road system for the traveling public,” adds Siddall.
Prior to her appointment, Siddall served as the Washtenaw County Road Commission’s County Highway Engineer/Director of Engineering. As county highway engineer, Siddall oversaw countless road improvements, including building the Jackson Road boulevard from Baker Road to the Honey Creek and Carpenter Road from Textile Road to Ellsworth Road. She worked her way up through the engineering department, beginning her career at WCRC in 1997 in traffic and safety.
Sheryl Soderholm Siddall’s last day will be Wednesday, December 27, 2023. As her replacement, the Washtenaw County Board of County Road Commissioners has named Matthew F. MacDonell as the new Managing Director of the WCRC.
“Matt brings a deep knowledge of Washtenaw County roads and has built strong relationships with our township partners. He is well prepared to take WCRC forward,” says Fuller.
“I am excited to embark on this new journey as Managing Director of WCRC, and I am ready to listen to WCRC staff, residents, and local leaders while sharing ideas and leading this organization into the future,” adds MacDonell.
Currently, MacDonell serves as the County Highway Engineer and WCRC Director of Engineering, a position he has held since 2018. He joined WCRC in 2006 as a supervisor in the Engineering Department. MacDonell has been integral in strategy and planning to bring multiple projects, the millage plan, and the WCRC asset management plan to fruition, which ultimately provide a safe and efficient road system for Washtenaw County. He oversees the Engineering Department, which includes design and construction, permits, traffic and safety, and geographic information systems.
MacDonell has been active in the County Road Association of Michigan for many years. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Michigan Technological University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan.
The City of Dexter resident will transition into his new role as Managing Director in October.
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