March 31, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2011
Contact: Sara Wurfel
(517) 335-6397
wurfels@michigan.gov
LANSING, MI - Governor Rick Snyder today announced appointments to the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board and Michigan State Housing Development Authority Board of Directors.
“These Michiganders bring with them years of experience and will help ensure a better future for our state,” Snyder said.
The board distributes and monitors funds to ensure the welfare of our youngest citizens.
Vivek Sankaran is appointed.
Sankaran, of Ann Arbor, is a clinical assistant professor of law in the Child Advocacy Law Clinic at Michigan Law School. He is also the director of the Detroit Center for Family Advocacy. He was named the Michigan Law School Public Interest Alumni of the Year in 2004 and is certified as a child welfare specialist by the National Association Counsel for Children. Sankaran earned a bachelor’s degree in government from the College of William and Mary and a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School, where he was an associate editor on the Michigan Law Review. He represents the legal community and will serve a three-year term expiring on Dec. 19, 2013. Sankaran replaces Paul Shaheen and his appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
The board provides financial and technical assistance through public and private partnerships to create and preserve safe and decent affordable housing, engage in community economic development activities, address homeless issues and to develop vibrant cities, towns and villages.
Robert Fowler is appointed and Robert Sher is reappointed.
Fowler, of Haslett, is the president and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan. He previously served for the Greater Cleveland Growth Association and the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. Fowler is currently on the National Small Business Association Board of Directors. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and business administration from Ball State University. He replaces Douglas Graham.
Sher, of West Bloomfield, is the former CFO and partner with Schostak Brothers & Co. specializing in shopping center development and management. He previously served on the Planning Commission, Township Board and Zoning Board of Appeals for West Bloomfield Township. As a CPA, Sher served on the board of directors of the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants. Sher earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Detroit Institute of Technology.
Appointments serve four-year terms expiring on March 10, 2015, and are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
#####
