Film Office Advisory Council members appointed

LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment Richard Hert, of Ada, and Ronald Holzgen, of Shelbyville, to the Michigan Film Office Advisory Council.

The 14-member council advises the office, governor and Legislature on how to best facilitate successful film, digital media, television, and related production in Michigan.

"Richard and Ronald will be tremendous additions to the council as it works to advance this industry in Michigan," Snyder said. 

Hert is the West Michigan Film Office film commissioner and he serves as the executive director of the West Michigan Tourist Association. He previously worked for Destination Marketing and North Olympic Peninsula Visitor and Convention Bureau. Hert earned a bachelor's degree in communications from Central Washington University and an MBA from Baker College Center for Graduate Studies. He will represent local film offices and fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Christopher Baum. Hert will serve the remainder of a four-year term expiring Sept. 30, 2012.

Holzgen is the secretary, treasurer and principal officer of General Teamsters, Local Union 406. He previously worked for Spartan Stores, Inc. and is currently a business agent for the Teamsters where he represents workers in the motion picture industry in west Michigan. Holzgen will represent residents of the state and fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Bill Black. He will serve the remainder of a four-year term expiring Sept. 30, 2014.

The appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

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