Appointments made to Grand Valley State University board of trustees

LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Mary Kramer, of Detroit, and John Russell, of East Lansing, to the Grand Valley State University board of trustees.

The eight-person board is the governing body of the university.

"In these roles, I am confident Mary and John will effectively serve and support Grand Valley State University's faculty, staff and nearly 25,000 students," said Snyder.     

Kramer is publisher of Crain's Detroit Business and corporate vice president of its parent company, Crain Communications Inc. She joined the business newspaper in 1989 as editor and was named to her current position in 2005. Kramer is a member of the Detroit Regional Chamber board of directors and the Skillman Foundation board of trustees. She holds a bachelor's degree in arts and media from Grand Valley State University and a master's degree in integrated marketing communications from Eastern Michigan University. Kramer replaces Kate Pew Wolters.

Russell is president and chief executive officer of CMS Energy and its principal subsidiary, Jackson-based Consumers Energy. With the company, he has held various leadership positions, including chief operating officer and senior vice president of electric transmission and distribution. Russell serves on the boards of the Edison Electrical Institute, American Gas Association and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Michigan State University and completed Harvard University's Management Development Program. Russell replaces Noreen Myers.   

Appointees will serve eight-year terms that expire Dec. 31, 2020, and their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

#####