December 23, 2002
LANSING - Governor-Elect Jennifer M. Granholm and Lt. Governor-Elect John D. Cherry today announced two nominees for department directors, continuing to fill out their Cabinet.
Steven E. Chester, 48, of Williamston is nominated to be director of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Lt. Colonel Tadarial J. Sturdivant, 47, of Plymouth is nominated to be director of the Michigan State Police.
Chester currently is a principal at Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone. He previously served in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under President Clinton as deputy director in the Office of Criminal Enforcement.
"Steven Chester has a strong track record in the fields of environmental enforcement and compliance," Granholm said. "I want a DEQ director who will crack down on polluters, but who will also work with companies to ensure compliance without threatening economic growth. Steve will strike that balance."
Currently, Sturdivant is deputy director of the Uniform Services Bureau for Michigan State Police. He has been with State Police since 1978, working his way up from a trooper stationed at the Ypsilanti Post. Sturdivant becomes the first African American to serve as the director of Michigan State Police.
"Michigan is blessed with a State Police department full of outstanding public servants," Granholm said. "It gives me great pleasure to promote from within the ranks of the men and women who protect our families every day. Tad Sturdivant has spent his career with the Michigan State Police and I look forward to working with this proven leader as he writes the next chapter in his work and that of the State Police." Granholm noted that among his many responsibilities, Sturdivant will play a critical role in advising on both her homeland security and safe communities initiatives.
"Today's appointments reflect our commitment to protecting and securing Michigan's future - both in terms of ensuring that our communities and our families are safe and that we're preserving our natural treasures for future generations," added Granholm.
Granholm also announced that Sherry Hicks, 39, of Lathrup Village, has been added to her senior staff as executive assistant to the Governor. Hicks previously served as Granholm's executive assistant in the Attorney General's Office.
"Sherry will be my right hand, keeping me on time and on schedule," Granholm said. "I appreciate that she will continue her service to the state in the Governor's office."
