Rochester Hills

Webber named one of Elite 40 in county

By Linda Shepard
C & G Staff Writer

ROCHESTER HILLS — City Council Vice President Michael Webber is one of the 2013 Oakland County Elite 40 Under 40, honored by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson.

Patterson created the list of men and women who are looking to the future and provide strong leadership and improve the quality of life.

“The Elite 40 Under 40 provides for a future full of hope and promise,” Patterson said at his State of the County address Feb. 7. “There were 350 applications for the top 40. We know our future by looking at these individuals.”

Patterson aims to recognize young leaders and trailblazers who live or work in Oakland County and are under the age of 40. The Elite 40 program is dedicated to impacting the future of Oakland County. Finalists demonstrated a passion for their industry and a love for their community. 

Webber was nominated by Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett, who was a member of the Oakland County Elite 40 under 40 in 2012. “Michael has shown strong leadership at the city level,” Barnett said. Webber has been a member of the Rochester Hills City Council since 2008.

“I am very excited,” Webber, 34, said about his spot on the Elite 40 list. “And honored to be a part of it. This group of individuals comes from all over Oakland County: young leaders and entrepreneurs. I hope to collaborate with them and continue to bring jobs to the county — jobs that keep people in Michigan.”

Webber is an insurance agent who previously served as chief of staff for state Rep. Marty Knollenberg.

The top spot on the Oakland County Elite 40 Under 40 list went to Erica Coulston, co-founder and president of Walk The Line to SCI Recovery Inc. in Southfield, a spinal cord injury recovery program that uses emerging techniques and research.

In 2001, when she was 23, Coulston suffered a spinal cord injury that left her paralyzed from the chest down, with limited use of her arms and hands.

“Often, people view my situation as tragic, but the last decade has been a continuing process of growth, both physically and personally,” Coulston said in a statement. “I want people to believe they can craft their own destiny. The mind is a powerful thing, and with determination, you create opportunities where others see misfortune.”

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Linda Shepard at lshepard@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1065.