April 16, 2013
LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Michael Nassaney, of Kalamazoo, and James Turner, of Detroit, to the Michigan Freedom Trail Commission.
Established in 1998, the commission preserves and promotes the legacy of the Underground Railroad's Freedom Trail in Michigan.
"I am pleased to appoint Michael and James to this board and I am confident they will do great work on behalf of the people of Michigan in these roles," said Snyder.
Nassaney is professor of anthropology at Western Michigan University and principal investigator for the Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project in Niles, Mich. He served two terms as secretary of the Society for Historical Archaeology and is editor of Le Journal, the Center for French Colonial Studies' quarterly publication. Nassaney earned a bachelor's degree from Providence College in Rhode Island, a master's degree from the University of Arkansas - Fayetteville and a Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts - Amherst, all in anthropology. He will represent members at large and replaces Kimberly Simmons.
Turner is owner and principal of Turner Restoration LLC., a Detroit-based company that addresses the practical application of historic preservation building methods, techniques and procedures for commercial and residential restoration projects. He previously served as manager of target purchasing groups for The Wellness Plan Medical Centers and as manager of multi-vendor services for Bull Information Systems. Turner received a bachelor's degree in business and information systems from Marygrove College and a master's degree in healthcare administration from the University of Detroit - Mercy. He will represent historic preservation and replaces Carol Mull.
Appointees will serve four-year terms that expire Feb. 1, 2017, and their appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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