Dr. Nancy Quarles

Oakland County Road Commissioner
​
Nancy Quarles is an Oakland County Road Commissioner and has served as State Representative and Oakland County Commissioner.

She is an active member in the National Congress of Black Women, Women Impacting Public Policy, and the National Foundation for Women Legislators. Nancy was the founding chairman of the Michigan House Women’s Leadership Caucus. Nancy has served as President of the Southern Oakland County NAACP Branch, held the position of First Vice Chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party, and served on the Democratic National Committee (DNC).

Nancy Quarles has received numerous awards and commendations, including the Michigan Legislature Black Caucus, Pioneer Trail blazer Award; Michigan Democratic Party, Martin Luther King, Jr. Award; Omega Psi Phi Public Citizen of the Year; Oakland County’s Business Advocate Award as well as Associate of the Year in the Association of American Businesswomen’s Business Associate. She has been inducted into the Pi Sigma Alpha, Inc. National Political Science Honor Society as an honorary member. As a keynote speaker, she has delivered speeches at several commencements and to a variety of political associations. 

Nancy grew up in Detroit. Nancy’s parents taught her the importance of living a life based on grounded principles and values. She has carried these teachings throughout her life whether as an account executive with IBM, co-owner of a 7/Eleven convenience store, small business owner of Yogurt and Salads Deli or serving as an advisor fellow at the Center of Progressive Leadership (CPL).
 
After graduating from Central High School, Nancy pursued a Bachelor of Science degree at University of Detroit and Master of Science at George Washington University, and she received a Ph.D. from Western Michigan University where she was also a Thurgood Marshall fellow.
 
She is currently on staff at Central Michigan University. Nancy teaches political science and public administration courses. She is active in the community, civic organizations, Democratic Party, host of other organizations, and her church. She attends Triumph Church, where she serves on the Political Information Ministry.