Mr. Abent began his public service career in 1978 and has spent nearly 30 years in Michigan State Government.
Mr. Abent spent 12 years with the Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency, a non-partisan agency of the Michigan Legislature, first as a Fiscal Analyst and subsequently as Chief Analyst for Education and Economic Development budgets. In March of 1997, Mr. Abent was recognized in a special tribute by the Michigan Legislature and then Governor John Engler for his "dedicated, outstanding service."
Later that year, Mr. Abent was appointed to the Michigan Department of Natural Reources (DNR) as Chief of the Budget and Program Support Division and during that time was a principal in re-engineering administrative services in the DNR. From 1998 until 2002, Mr. Abent served as Chief of Finance and Operations Services for the DNR.
In 2002, Mr. Abent became the first Director of the Michigan Department of Transportation's Multi-Modal Transportation Services Bureau. His responsibility included oversight of public policy related to aviation, rail passenger and freight, public transportation, marine and intercity services.
In 2005, Mr. Abent was awarded a "Certificate of Tribute" by Governor Jennifer Granholm for the successful effort to consolidate state aviation services in Michigan.
In 2006, the Multi-Modal Transportation Services Bureau was reorganized into modal components and Mr. Abent was appointed Director of the Bureau of Aeronautics and Freight Services.
Mr. Abent received his Bachelors Degree from Michigan State University (MSU) in 1977 and his Master's degree in Public Administration from MSU in 1984. In 2004, Mr. Abent was recognized by the Michigan State University Graduate Program in Public Policy and Administration as "Outstanding Alumnus" for his achievements in the public policy arena.
Mr. Abent is a life-long resident of Michigan and resides with his wife Susan in Lansing.