September 14, 2012
LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Ritch Branstrom, of Rapid River, Frederick "Rick" Davies, of Jackson, and Maud Lyon, of Grosse Pointe Park, to the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. He also announced the reappointments of Pamella DeVos, of Ada, and William "Omari" Rush, of Ann Arbor.
The 15-member council, housed within the Michigan Economic Development Corp., facilitates an environment of artistic, creative and cultural activity to support Michigan's quality of life and economic vitality.
"These individuals bring years of diverse and outstanding experiences, and I am confident they will do great work to continue supporting and encouraging Michigan's vibrant arts and cultural activities," said Snyder.
Branstrom is owner and operator of the Rapid River-based adhocWORKshop, where he specializes in artwork created with local and natural resources. Branstrom took 5th place in the 2011 ArtPrize. He holds a bachelor's degree in product design and a master's degree in design and community college education, both from Northern Michigan University. Branstrom replaces Barbara Klocko.
Davies is retired as president of Comerica Bank's Jackson Region after nearly 40 years of service. He is the founder, longtime president and former trustee of the Michigan Shakespeare Festival as well as former trustee and board chairman of the Jackson Symphony Orchestra. Davies also served as a member of the Jackson City Council. He earned a bachelor's degree in social science and English from Central Michigan University and a master's degree in business administration and finance from the University of Michigan. Davies replaces Vickie Wagner.
Lyon is executive director of the Cultural Alliance for Southeastern Michigan, a professional organization of more than 120 arts and culture nonprofit organizations. She facilitated business plan development for the organization in 2006, became its part-time founding director in 2007 and has served in her current position since 2008. Previously, Lyon worked as senior vice president of community and external affairs for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, as executive director for Detroit 300 Inc., and as chief curator of collections and director of the Detroit Historical Museum. She holds a bachelor's degree in history from Cornell University in New York, a master's degree in museum studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program in New York and a post-graduate certificate in museum administration from the Museum Management Institute in California. Lyon replaces Melonie Colaianne.
DeVos is owner, president and creative director of pamella roland, a clothing design collection with retail distribution throughout the U.S. and abroad. Previously, she worked as director of public relations efforts for the National Art Show of the College Women's Association of Japan and founded, along with her husband Dan, DP Fox Ventures LLC in Grand Rapids. DeVos has served in many capacities with the Grand Rapids Ballet, Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra and Grand Rapids Art Museum. She holds a bachelor's degree in business from Michigan State University.
Rush is the educational manager for the University of Michigan's Musical Society and chairman of the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation. He is a member of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' Partners in Education national advisory committee, and serves on the grant review panel for Michigan Youth Arts. Rush received both bachelor's and master's degrees in music from Florida State University and the University of Michigan, respectively.
Appointees will serve three-year terms that expire Sept. 1, 2015, and their appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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