The Michigan Civil Rights Commission (MCRC) has appointed its former chair, Kelvin W. Scott, as director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR).

"With the appointment of Kelvin Scott, Michigan will continue to have a strong civil rights advocate," Granholm said. "Kelvin is a skilled leader with a diverse background and a strong work ethic. I look forward to working with him as part of my Cabinet."

Governor Granholm appointed Scott to the MCRC in 2004. He has served as chairman of the commission for the past two years. Scott previously served as vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary for Plastech Engineered Products, Inc. He also formerly worked as associate corporate counsel for Masco Corporation, a litigator with the firm of Kienbaum Opperwall Hardy and Pelton, an assistant United States attorney with the U.S. Attorneys office for the Eastern District of Michigan, and an associate attorney and partner with the law firm of Dickinson Wright. He received a juris doctorate degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 1987 and a B.A. from Michigan State University in 1984.

"Scott's diverse background in corporate, civil and criminal law as well as his volunteer work on behalf of the disadvantaged demonstrates a consistent commitment to the ideas and practices of diversity, equal opportunity, and protecting those who may be unable to protect themselves," said Matt Wesaw, acting commission chair. "Having worked on the commission for the past five years, he has gained an intimate knowledge of the Department of Civil Rights, and in these critical times, a balanced source of experience will be critical to fulfilling the mission of the Department of Civil Rights and allow Mr. Scott to hit the ground running."

Scott is a past president of the Wolverine Bar Association, one of the largest organizations of African American attorneys in the country, and former chairman of the board of the Eastside Emergency Center, a homeless shelter and transitional housing development for single mothers in Detroit. He served on the board of directors for the Barristers of the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association and received its Distinguished Service Award. He is past president and former state representative of the Detroit chapter of the National Black Prosecutors Association.

Scott replaces Linda V. Parker who was appointed last month by Governor Granholm to the 3rd Circuit Court in Wayne County.