January 28, 2003
January 27, 2003
MARQUETTE – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that Upper Peninsula native Matt Johnson has been named to head the Governor’s Upper Peninsula office.
“Matt Johnson’s connection to the Upper Peninsula and his energetic work on behalf of Congressman Bart Stupak for the citizens of the Upper Peninsula make him an ideal choice,” Granholm said. “Matt understands the Upper Peninsula’s unique needs, and he will help me by adding his extensive knowledge of this special area of Michigan to my administration.”
Johnson brings eight years of experience dealing with public policy issues affecting northern Michigan to the Granholm-Cherry administration. Since 1994, Johnson has worked with Congressman Bart Stupak – first as a Congressional aide, then as his Upper Peninsula representative, and most recently as his district administrator. As district administrator, Johnson supervised nine district staff members and advised Stupak on various issues relevant to the Upper Peninsula, such as economic development, federal land issues, redevelopment of K.I. Sawyer and Kinchloe Air Force Bases, national parks and forests, and timber harvest.
“Matt will have a direct line to my office to make sure that we are in touch daily with the needs of the region,” Granholm said. “He will provide public policy advice and guidance as we forge a new relationship with the Upper Peninsula.”
Johnson earned his bachelor’s degree in public administration from Northern Michigan University where he is working on his master’s degree in the same subject. Johnson and his wife, Cheri, live in Skandia and have a daughter.
