Oxford Village Councilwoman Kate Logan made a surprise announcement at the end of a two and a half hour informal strategic planning session in the community room of the village offices on Jan. 27.
“I accepted a position with the Department of Defense,” Logan said.
The job is term-limited with a seven-month contract and will require her to relocate to Washington D.C. “Because of that time frame obviously that is going to impede my ability to stay on council,” she said.
She plans to submit her official letter of resignation to the clerk to put before the council by the next council meeting, Feb. 11.
Logan was elected to the council in 2018, so her term still has nearly three years remaining. According to village clerk

Tere Onica, the council has 30 days from receipt of resignation to fill her seat by appointment. The appointed person will hold the seat until the Monday following the next election in November. The official elected in November will then fill the seat for the term’s remaining two years, which expires in 2022.
“If the appointee wants to remain seated, they would have to be elected in November to complete the term.” Onica later told this reporter. In addition to the open seat, there are two regular four-year council seats up for election in November.
The Defense Department hired Logan as a strategic communications specialist to work with Vietnam War commemoration efforts and the 50th anniversary of that war. She will focus on messaging from the department, hosting events and building programs for Vietnam veterans.
“It’s definitely a generation of veterans who deserves the attention. I’m thrilled and honored to do it,” she said.
Logan is a veteran herself, who served in the Iraq War with the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division from February 2007 to April 2008. Following active-duty she served in the Army Reserve and the Michigan National Guard.
She has worked with veterans extensively. In 2014, as a veterans representative to the Oakland County Women’s Advisory Board, she cochaired ‘Operation: Success,’ a one-day job and networking fair for female veterans seeking access to resources related to career and employment opportunities.
Since 2015, Logan has worked as a regional coordinator for Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, helping veterans and their families gain access to services, benefits and resources across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
For these efforts, in 2016 she was named one of Oakland County Executive’s ‘Elite 40 under 40,’ an annual list that spotlights dynamic leaders under 40 who live or work in Oakland County.
Following her announcement, the council congratulated her on the new position.
“I’m extremely sad to see you go,” said Allison Kemp, “but I know it’s a wonderful opportunity for you and your family, and I know how passionate you are about working with veterans. I just want to thank you for everything, you’ve been a great mentor.”
“I’m a little worried that your plans might change,” said Dave Bailey, “I hope you come back. . . you’re just hitting your stride here on council.”
“Thank you for your service and thank you for your continued service to our country,” said President Joe Frost. “There’s a special place in all of our hearts for veterans. Congratulations and best of luck.”
“Thank you for this opportunity to serve with all of you,” Logan said.
Fulfilling her dream to work on the Hill, she will be “in an office right across the street from the Pentagon” and will be “testifying to Congress and committees and all that fun stuff.”
The position ends on Sept. 30. Logan noted it could be extended or turned into a permanent position, but she isn’t planning on it. “It’s definitely a great opportunity, something I’ve always wanted to do, so I’m definitely going to take it. But Oxford is my home.”
She’s not complaining about the timing, however.
“I am feeling a little bitter-sweet about leaving during the construction project,” she joked. “I will be in solidarity with you guys through that process from our nation’s capital.”
Once Logan makes her resignation official, the village will accept applications to fill her seat. Applicants must be 21 years or older, a resident of the village for no less than six months and registered to vote in this jurisdiction. Applicants should submit an application, resume and cover letter no later than noon on March 5. The new council member will be appointed at the village council meeting on March 10.