SUD Oversight Policy Board

Educational Background: WMU – Kalamazoo, Michigan

Professional History: Family Service Advisor for Putnam Funeral Home

Interest in serving: Mental Health is in the news a lot now, I want to help the people who need it!

Commissioner Matthew M. Saxton has had a distinguished career in law enforcement and corrections over the last 32 years. He joined the Homer Police Department in 1993, before beginning his career with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office that lasted from 1994 to 2020. Commissioner Saxton served in the following roles with Calhoun County before being elected Sheriff in 2012, Corrections Deputy, Law Enforcement Deputy, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain. Commissioner Saxton retired from the Sheriff’s Office in April of 2020 to become the CEO/Executive Director of the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association. Commissioner Saxton was elected 6th District Calhoun County Commissioner in November of 2024.

During his career Commissioner Saxton has represented law enforcement and corrections at the state level with his appointments to the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards, Michigan Sheriffs’ Coordinating & Training Council, and the Governors Traffic Safety Advisory Commission.

Commissioner Saxton has built a reputation as a result driven law enforcement and corrections professional who demonstrates stellar leadership qualities and experience in law enforcement, corrections, administrative services, strategic planning, and financial management. During his time as Sheriff, he has proven success in budgeting, community and media relations, management of human capital, and the development of a law enforcement/corrections entity highly respected throughout the county as well as the state of Michigan.

Commissioner Saxton graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Corrections from Lake Superior State University in 1993. Sheriff Saxton is also a graduate of the Northwestern University, Center for Public Safety, School of Police Staff and Command, the FBI National Academy #230 in 2007 and the New Sheriff’s Leadership Institute, provided by the Michigan Sheriff’s Association.

Educational Background: Undergraduate degree from Alma College along with U.S. Senator Gary Peters who asked me to assist him in the selection of his nominees to the Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and West Point.

Professional History: Retired Statistics Professor
President, Bloomingdale Communications
Attended White House Conference for Michigan County Commissioners 2017
Wings of Hope Hospice Board
Have served on numerous other Boards and Committees throughout Michigan as appointed by various elected officials and private organizations.