The Tim Doyle Fund was established in 2009 by Deb Doyle in loving memory of her husband, Tim, and in recognition of his deep commitment to public service, local government, and elected officials’ education.
Tim Doyle was a longtime resident and community leader in Durand. He served on the Durand City Council, the Durand Zoning Board of Appeals, the Shiawassee County Solid Waste Committee, and the Michigan Municipal League’s Economic Development Committee. He also served on the board of directors of the Michigan Municipal League’s Elected Officials Academy (EOA), completing all three levels of the program, which is the highest level of achievement available.
Throughout his life, Tim believed strongly in the value of education and training for elected officials. In addition to his public service, he was a graduate of Kettering University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Management summa cum laude and pursued graduate coursework in management information systems, managerial accounting, and manufacturing management.
Tim’s commitment to his community extended well beyond elected office. He was involved with St. Mary’s Church, the Knights of Columbus, the Durand Eagles, the Durand Sportsmen’s Club, the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Durand Union Station, the Marching Railroaders, and the Athletic Boosters. He was also a dedicated volunteer and supporter of numerous community organizations.
Following Tim’s passing in early 2008, Deb chose to honor his legacy through an educational fund that supports elected officials who are pursuing further training and education through the Elected Officials Academy. Thus, with the full support of the EOA Board, the Tim Doyle Fund was established to help local elected officials participate in the Elected Officials Academy.
The Academy provides practical education in the roles and responsibilities of elected office, financial management, organizational leadership, planning, and zoning. Through the Tim Doyle Fund, numerous elected officials have been able to attend the EOA Core Weekender at a subsidized cost.
Deb herself devoted many years to supporting local government and public-service education. A past president of the Michigan Municipal League Board of Trustees and a former EOA board member, she also graduated from all three levels of the EOA program and has served on numerous League committees and boards. Deb has been an active member of various League committees, on the Michigan Association of Mayors board, and has graduated all three levels of the EOA program.
She is the recipient of the Jim Sinclair Award which is given to individuals who embody Jim’s legacy of personal dedication, passion, and commitment to the League and its mission. Like Jim Sinclair, she is a “tireless worker and promoter of local government and a fervent believer in education and training for elected officials. Deb was awarded an MML Honorary Life Membership in 2012.
Her leadership reflects the same dedication, passion, and commitment to public service that defined Tim’s life.
We invite you to help continue Tim’s legacy by contributing to the Tim Doyle Fund. Your support helps local leaders gain the knowledge and skills they need to serve their communities effectively.
You can also honor the spirit of the Tim Doyle Fund by establishing a fund of your own to support education and leadership development for local officials in your community. If you are interested in this opportunity, please reach out to Helen D. Johnson at hjohnson at mml dot org.
