October 27, 2008
Succeeds Kelly Keenan who ends 30-year career in state government
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today appointed Steven C. Liedel to succeed Kelly Keenan as her legal counsel. Keenan has resigned his post to enter private practice effective November 7.
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"Steve Liedel is one of the brightest lawyers I have had the pleasure to work with, and he will be a tremendous asset to our administration going forward," Granholm said. "His keen intellect and passion for public service have been demonstrated time and again as my deputy legal counsel, and I am pleased that he has accepted the opportunity to serve in a new and expanded capacity."
Granholm said the announcement of Liedel as legal counsel is bittersweet, given it is precipitated by the departure of Keenan with whom she has worked since her election as attorney general in 1998.
"Kelly Keenan is among the most loyal and trusted advisors with whom I've been associated," Granholm said. "His knowledge of the law, his commitment to public service, his regard for history and tradition, and his understanding of what is important to the great citizens of this state have guided so many of the decisions we've made along the way. His departure from public service is a loss to the people of Michigan and to me, personally. I will miss his presence in the office, and I wish him only the best in all he endeavors."
Liedel, a graduate of Michigan State University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, has served as deputy legal counsel since 2003. His prior experience includes Dykema Gossett, PLLC, where he served first as a state legislative specialist and later as an attorney in the firm's Government Policy and Practice Group. He served as a law clerk for the city of Knoxville, Tennessee and held legislative staff positions in the Michigan State Senate, the Illinois State Senate and the Michigan House of Representatives.
Liedel, a native of Monroe, resides in Brighton Township.
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