June 2, 2005

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following recent appointments to the Michigan Forest Finance Authority Board of Directors:

Paul J. Eisele of Saline, consultant to Masco Corporation, the largest kitchen cabinet and plumbing product manufacturer in the United States.  Mr. Eisele is appointed to represent the wood products manufacturing industry for a term expiring May 31, 2006. 

Shawn P. Hagan of Toivola, director of forest operations for The Forestland Group, LLC Great Lakes Region.  Mr. Hagan is appointed to represent commercial logging contractors for a term expiring May 31, 2007. 

Garrett M. Johnson of East Lansing, chief conservation officer for The Nature Conservancy, Michigan Chapter.  Mr. Johnson is appointed to represent hunters, anglers, and other outdoor recreation interests for a term expiring May 31, 2006. 

Karen L. Potter-Witter of Haslett, professor for the Michigan State University Department of Forestry.  Ms. Potter-Witter is appointed to represent individuals from a college or university in the state with knowledge and expertise in forest management for a term expiring May 31, 2008. 

Kelvin P. Smyth of Escanaba, government and community affairs manager for MeadWestvaco Papers Group.  Mr. Smyth is appointed to represent the forest products industry within the state for a term expiring May 31, 2008. 

Warren H. Suchovsky of Stephenson, co-owner of Suchovsky Logging, LLC.  Mr. Suchovsky is appointed to represent an owner of nonindustrial, private forestland for a term expiring May 31, 2007. 

The Michigan Forest Finance Authority Board of Directors manages the financing of forest management operations, implements a system of forest management, issues bonds or notes, and contracts for timber cutting rights.   
 
These appointments are subject to Article V, Section 6 of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963.  They stand confirmed unless disapproved by the Senate within 60 days.