Snyder appoints Civil Service Commission member

LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today appointed James Barrett to the Michigan Civil Service Commission.

Duties of the four-member commission include regulating the conditions of employment in classified service and determining compensation rates.

"Jim's in-depth knowledge of the public and private sectors will greatly benefit the commission as it performs its duties. We're fortunate to have someone with his experience and talents," Snyder said.

Barrett, of Perry, is the founder of Management and Marketing Advisory Services LLC, serving as a consultant on product marketing, foundation and association management and venture formation. He previously served as president and CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce for 32 years.

Barrett also served as president of Michigan Chamber Services Inc. and the Michigan Chamber Foundation. He was inducted into the Michigan Society of Association Executives Hall of Fame in 2002 and in 2003 was selected as the top association leader in Michigan over the last 50 years by the Michigan Political History Society. Barrett is a past chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives Association, Michigan Society of Executive Association, Council of State Chambers and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce Executive Association. He earned a bachelor's degree in financial administration from Michigan State University.

Barrett will serve the remainder of an eight-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2012.  He will fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Andrew Abood. His appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

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