New public administrator appointed in Berrien County

Published 11:34 am Friday, April 26, 2024

LANSING — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel today announced the recent appointment of Charles A. Grandy as Berrien County Public Administrator.

“I would like to congratulate Charles on his appointment as County Administrator to County Public Administrator,” Nessel said. “With his extensive background in estate planning, probate administration, and trust administration, I know he will serve the Berrien County community well.”

County public administrators have powers and duties primarily related to intestate decedent estates where there are apparently no known heirs, including managing the determination, collection, liquidation, and/or distribution of any assets in the estate.  Attorneys who serve in this capacity often also have private practice responsibilities that are separate and unrelated to their appointment as a county public administrator.

“County public administrators serve in a position of trust in Michigan’s Probate Court system and perform vital work on behalf of their respective communities,” said State Public Administrator Randi M. Merchant. “I am confident that County Public Administrator Grandy will be an outstanding addition to the team of talented and dedicated attorneys that serve in this role across the State.”

Grandy, from St. Joseph, earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, from Duke University and his law degree, Magna Cum Laude, from Duke University School of Law. In addition, he earned his Master’s degree in Educational Leadership in 2023 from Ball State University.

After working as an engineer for GE Aircraft Engines in Cincinnati and beginning his law career with Baker & Daniels (now Faegre Drinker) in Indianapolis, he served as corporate counsel with Eli Lilly and Company (most recently as its Associate VP, Assistant General Counsel for Human Resources) through 2022 before joining Jennings Law Office, PC, as Of Counsel in St. Joseph, MI. Grandy practices in the areas of estate planning, probate administration, trust administration, HR law (including employment law and compensation and benefits matters), mergers and acquisitions, business law, and general civil litigation.

He currently serves on the Boards of Directors of the OrthoIndy YMCA and Child Advocates and has previously served on the Boards of the American Benefits Council (Washington, DC), the In-House Benefits Council Network, and Traders Point Christian Academy.

Grandy is a member of New Hope Christian Church, coaches a variety of youth sports (including basketball and soccer), and serves his community in various other capacities. In 2024, Grandy was recognized as a Distinguished Alumni of St. Joseph High School.

Grandy was sworn in on April 23rd.