In December, 2022 Capt. Jillian Macey became Genesee County’s first female Corrections Administrator, the latest on a list of impressive achievements in her 16-year law enforcement career.
The Flint area native and Bendle High School grad had chosen a path toward a degree in early childhood education when her husband Michael, an officer with the Montrose Township Police Department, encouraged her to pursue a position with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. She decided to put college on hold and take a chance on a job she never envisioned herself doing.
Becoming a deputy in 2008, Macey was first assigned to the county jail’s female housing unit. While she had settled into her job with the GCSO, the goal of earning her education degree remained. She returned to her studies in 2016 and a year later, earned a bachelor’s degree from Ferris State University.
In 2016, Macey was promoted to sergeant and under former Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell, was assigned to the first ever elder abuse-dedicated victim service team in a law enforcement agency – GRACE (Genesee County Response and Advocacy to Crimes against Elders). Promoted to lieutenant in 2021, Macey continued to oversee the Elder Abuse Task Force and the following year was promoted to captain and her current role in Michigan’s fifth largest sheriff’s office. She oversees the entire Corrections Division that includes 150 personnel and a minimum of 580 jail inmates under their direct supervision.
Macey has found her career with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office to be both challenging and rewarding, and is grateful for the opportunity to be a promoter of women’s empowerment in Greater Flint.
We thought you’d like to learn a little more about this community leader – what is her most prized possession? Her least favorite task? Read on!
1. What was your very first job?
I started taking babysitting jobs at 12 – I think I did that all through high school. My first tax-paying job was as a cashier at the old Swartz Creek Grain Elevator. I worked there for two years stocking shelves, running the cash register and carrying out heavy purchases for customers.
I learned a lot about how to treat people – and take care of farm animals!
2. What does your average weekend look like?
By most people’s standards, my weekends are pretty lame! For me, it’s about self-care. As a working mom, I focus on relaxing, recovering and getting ready for the next week. Making sure I get exercise and meal-prepping are usually the top priorities. If the weather cooperates, I’ll get outside and soak up some much needed sunshine.
3. What task do you most often procrastinate about doing?
If we’re talking about my job, I’d say filing paperwork. It’s such a simple task, but I put it off until I have a huge pile and my desk is a disaster. If we’re talking about home, that would be laundry … It’s the devil!
4. What makes you laugh the most?
That’s a tough one! Honestly, when my sister Jacque and I get together, we are a trip – always laughing at each other, ourselves, our daughters or the world in general. (Probably a coping mechanism we developed to get through the struggles of our younger years.)
5. What is your most prized possession?
My family, my career and my health – cheesy, I know; but I wouldn’t be who I am today without any of it. My husband of 16 years has been the most stable part of my life and is a partner in every way. He encourages me while
“As for the ‘advice’ part: Think outside the box. Believe in yourself. You’re stronger than you think.”
keeping me grounded. Without his support and encouragement, I never would have considered a job at the Sheriff’s Office. Our nine-year-old daughter Charleigh gives me purpose and a reason to be the best version of myself. I want her to be proud and know that she can do anything she puts her mind and energy into. I’m so honored to have the opportunities that have come my way at the Sheriff’s Office. Hard work and a good attitude really do pay off! To be in the position I am and have the opportunity to give back to the community is a blessing. I thank God every day for my health and strength. I take being “fit for duty” very seriously and I don’t just mean physically. Taking care of yourself has to be a priority; otherwise, you can’t care for and support others.
6. If you had a “warning” label, what would it say?
I have a sweatshirt that I love to wear when I travel. It says “Naturally Introverted, Selectively Extroverted.” There’s probably no better “label” to describe me! Also, I’m not a fan of drama –
it’s so unnecessary and exhausting.
I’ve been known to use the phrase, “Don’t start none, won’t be none”
a time or two!
7. What advice would you give to your younger self?
In school, I was quiet and non-confrontational. I’m pretty sure there’s not a single teacher or classmate who would have pictured me doing what I am now. When I graduated from high school, I made it a point to change my perspective. I knew that to get where I wanted to be in life, I’d have to grow a backbone and go after it – no one was going to do it for me! Growing up, everyone called me Jill; either because it was simple or because I didn’t have the courage to tell them I preferred my full name, Jillian. When I entered the work world, I made it a point to use my full name. I had no intentions of being that simple, boring, scared little girl anymore and had to symbolize it some way. I’m still pretty adamant to this day; unless we’re close friends, I prefer you call me Jillian. As for the “advice” part: Think outside the box. Believe in yourself. You’re stronger than you think.
