Count of Discovery Ridge
His Lordship, Michael Stolarczyk, the Count of Discovery Ridge and former High Commissioner of Westarctica, has been an active citizen of Westarctica since December 2020. From 2021 - 2025, Michael served as the CEO and Executive Director of Westarctica, Inc.
| His Lordship The Count of Discovery Ridge | |
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| Baronet of Alenroux Knight Commander in the Order of the Snowflake
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| In Office | 2 November 2021 - 12 February 2025 |
| Predecessor | Paul Rush |
| In Office | 14 March 2021 - 16 February 2022 |
| Predecessor | Office Created |
Early career in Westarctica
The count first joined Westarctica as a common citizen, before being granted the peerage title Baronet of Alenroux in recognition of his support of the nation. He first proposed the creation of a government office devoted to transportation and logistics in an email to Grand Duke Travis on 16 December 2020. At the time, the proposal was taken into consideration, but no action was taken on creating the ministry.
Minister of Transportation
On 14 March 2021, the Ministry of Transportation was finally created with the mission of "ensuring long-term transportation and logistics sustainability, and creating positive environmental developments." Michael was immediately appointed to the post of Minister of Transportation and given broad authority over his office.
His first task was to reach out to the University of Wisconsin-Madison to discuss a partnership with their existing field operations in Antarctica. Specifically, he proposed that Westarctica sponsor one of the university's automatic weather stations located on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. Michael's efforts led to the Grand Duke personally speaking with representatives from the university's Antarctic program, although they were unable to reach an agreement on how best to proceed with a joint project.
As a result of his service as Minister of Transportation, Michael was granted the title Count of Discovery Ridge, so-named for Discovery Ridge in the Ohio Range. The count continues to hold the Baronetcy of Alenroux as a subordinate title.
High Commissioner
In November 2021, as part of the 20th Anniversary Honors and Appointments list, Michael was appointed to the post of High Commissioner of Westarctica, an advisory role on the Royal Council that reports directly to the Grand Duke. He transitioned out of the Minister of Transportation role the following February.