Appointments made to Early Childhood Investment Corporation

LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of Beverly Burns, of Grosse Pointe, Beverly Hammerstrom, of Temperance, and Jeanne Englehart, of Grand Rapids, to the Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC).

ECIC is Michigan's center for information and investment in early childhood to ensure Michigan's children are safe, healthy and eager to learn when they enter the school system.

"Michigan's children deserve the highest quality education and the opportunity for continuous growth," Snyder said. "I am confident these individuals will ensure that our children are given the chance for success at an early stage in their life."

Burns is the principal for Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C., in Detroit. She is chair of the Michigan Humane Society and a member of the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce. Burns is a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan, the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association, the Michigan Council of School Attorneys Board of Directors, the Michigan State Bar Foundation and the Commercial Real Estate Women's Professional Advisory Board. She earned a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and a law degree from the University of Michigan. She replaces Elizabeth Bunn.

Hammerstrom is the owner and president of BASH Research Ltd., and an adjunct professor of political science at Monroe County Community College and Washtenaw Community College. She previously served as the majority floor leader for the Michigan Senate and as majority whip in the Michigan House of Representatives. Hammerstrom is president of the Arc Michigan Board, vice president of the Habitat for Humanity Board of Monroe County, a member of Soroptimist International of Monroe County and the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan. She replaces Marvin McKinney.

Englehart is the executive director of the Grand Rapids Child Development Center and founder of Productivity Point International, a computer training business. She is the former president and CEO of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and previously served as community services director for Congressman Vernon Ehlers. Englehart replaces Susan Broman, who was named director of the newly-formed Office of the Great Start in the Michigan Department of Education by state Superintendent Mike Flanagan.

Appointees will serve four-year terms expiring July 22, 2015. The appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

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