Created by statute, the Michigan Parole Board is the sole paroling authority for felony offenders committed to the jurisdiction of the Michigan Department of Corrections. The Board also acts in an advisory capacity to the Governor for all executive clemency matters.

On April 15, 2011, Executive Order 2011-3, established the Board membership to ten full-time, non-Civil Service employees who are to be appointed by the Director of the Michigan Department of Corrections. Their diverse backgrounds include law enforcement, law, corrections, ministry, social work and public service.