February 23, 2007

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the appointment of Kimberly Trent as director of the governor's Southeast Michigan office. Trent will begin her duties starting March 5.
 
"Kim's knowledge and dedication to Southeast Michigan will be critical as we work to revitalize the economy and attract jobs and investments to the area," Granholm said.  "Her incredible work ethic will help her to serve the community with knowledge and enthusiasm.  We are excited to add her considerable skill to our team."

The governor's Southeast Michigan office is located in Detroit and serves as the governor's liaison for the counties of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, St. Clair, Livingston, and Washtenaw.

Prior to becoming director of the Southeast Michigan office, Trent was the manager of Senator Debbie Stabenow's Detroit regional office where she handled community relations outreach and constituent services.  Trent also has extensive communications background, having served as the communications director for Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick and as Senator Stabenow's press secretary during her successful bid for the U.S. Senate in 2000.  Prior to her work in the public sector, Trent was a city hall reporter for the Toledo Blade and the Detroit News. 

Trent, 37, is also active in the Southeast Michigan community and, among other activities, has served on the United Way of Southeastern Michigan Local Coordinating Council, as a trustee of the Rosa Parks scholarship foundation, a board member of the Detroit Institute of Arts' Friends of African and African American Arts, and a board member of the National Congress of Black Women Metro Detroit Congress.
 
Trent received her bachelor's degree in journalism and Africana studies from Wayne State University and is a 2002 graduate of the Detroit Regional Chamber's Leadership Detroit program.