Kathy Schmaltz | State Rep. | 46th District

District

Rep. Kathy Schmaltz was first elected to the House of Representatives in November 2022. She represents the 46th House District, which includes the city of Jackson, Blackman and Leoni townships, and parts of Grass Lake and Summit townships in Jackson County, as well as the city of Chelsea and Sylvan Township in Washtenaw County.

Committees

Kathy serves as a member on the House Energy, Communications and Technology and Health Policy committees.

Education

Kathy attended Michigan State University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in communication arts.

Professional

During her time at MSU and after graduation, Kathy worked in radio for a few years, then was the 6 and 11 p.m. news anchor, a writer, and the associate news director of community relations at WILX-TV 10, the NBC affiliate in Lansing, for 14 years. She also hosted “In Focus,” a show discussing public policy with lawmakers and others. Then-Gov. John Engler appointed Kathy to the boards of the Michigan Education Trust and the Michigan Hospital Finance Authority.

Personal

Originally from Birmingham, Michigan, Kathy has lived in the Jackson area for more than 30 years. She is married to Patrick and has one son, Christopher, who is a teacher. Kathy is a big Detroit Tigers fan and is one of the original members of the Mayo Smith Society, made up of Tigers fans around the country.

Community involvement

Kathy has dedicated her time to helping young people and others in the community who need help the most. She has served on many non-profit boards, including Easter Seals of Michigan, Michigan Dyslexia Institute, United Way of Jackson, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Wendy’s Charity Classic for Adoption, Henry Ford Jackson Hospital Foundation, and Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea. She continues to serve on several others, including the Michigan Theatre of Jackson, 100 Women Who Care, and Good Shepherd Catholic Radio. Kathy chairs the Jackson Grand Slam for Kids.