March 19, 2003
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the appointment of former State Representative Lynne Martinez as Michigan’s Children’s Ombudsman.
“Lynne’s depth of compassion and her dedication to serving Michigan’s children are immeasurable,” Granholm said. “I know that she will keep a close watch over our children and continue her life’s mission to protect and care for them.”
Martinez, 54, of Lansing, currently serves as the Executive Director of the Capital Area Youth Alliance and the Commission for Lansing Schools Success. As a State Representative from 1994 to 1999, she was a member of the House Appropriations Committee and the subcommittees on K-12 Education and the Family Independence Agency. In addition, Martinez was vice-chair of the subcommittees for the Department of Community Health and General Government and served as a member and convener of the Bi-partisan Children’s Caucus.
Before joining the Michigan Legislature, Martinez was an Ingham County Commissioner for nine years where she served on every committee of the board. She was a member of both the Michigan Association of Counties Board of Directors and the National Association of Counties Criminal Justice Committee.
The Office of the Children’s Ombudsman is an independent government agency that works to assure the safety and welfare of Michigan children who are in need of foster care, adoption, and protective services. The office independently investigates complaints, advocates for children, and recommends changes to improve law, policy, and practice that benefit children’s welfare.
The position of Children’s Ombudsman is not subject to Senate confirmation.
