Valarie Handy
Valarie Handy was re-elected in June 2025 to serve a three-year term through 2028.
Handy is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) and works for USDA Rural Development as the Deputy State Director, overseeing all program operations in Michigan. She is also a graduate of Cherryland’s inaugural Emerging Leaders Program.
Her career with the USDA gives her a unique perspective on the issues rural communities face across the country and she puts that to good use as an active member of multiple local organizations. Handy has served as board chair for Commongrounds Cooperative, and as committee chair for Traverse Connect Young Professionals in the past. Handy currently works with the City of Traverse City to Chair Election Precinct #1 as well as regularly volunteering on the production crew at Kensington Church.
Director bios are updated annually in June.
