Chief Georgia Andres was born and raised in Newaygo County and grew up on an organic dairy farm in Fremont alongside her nine siblings. She began her law enforcement career as a corrections officer at the Newaygo County Jail and, after completing the Police Academy, joined the Newaygo Police Department. On December 5, 2000, she became the department’s first female police officer.

In June 2003, she was promoted to sergeant—becoming the first woman to serve in an administrative role in a Newaygo County law enforcement agency. On January 8, 2015, she was sworn in as the City of Newaygo’s fifth Chief of Police and the first female chief in the county. Chief Andres is a certified MCOLES police officer and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University.

Throughout her career, Chief Andres has contributed to a variety of regional and state-level initiatives. She has supported the introduction of programs such as Hope Not Handcuffs and Face Addiction Now in Newaygo County. In addition, she represents District 9 for the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police and serves on the State of Michigan Mental Health Board.