November 14, 2013
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Pamela Christensen, of Marquette, and Jennifer Crowley, of Grand Rapids, and the reappointment of Kathy Irwin, of Okemos, to the Library of Michigan board of trustees.
The 13-member board makes general policy and budgetary recommendations concerning the Library of Michigan to the Michigan Department of Education. In addition to the governor's appointees, the board consists of members appointed by the Speaker of the House, House Minority Leader and both the Senate Majority and Minority Leaders.
“This is an experienced group of appointees and I am confident they will be valuable assets to the board,” Snyder said.
Christensen is the director of the Peter White Public Library and has more than 30 years of public library experience working in Michigan public libraries. During her tenure at the library, she won the 2010 National Medal for Library Service, undertook a successful $9 million capital campaign, completed a 63,000-square-foot renovation and expansion project, and led a successful $4.5 million bond issue. Prior to joining the Peter White Public Library, Christensen served in numerous capacities at the Ludington Public Library. She is the chair, deputy treasurer, and trustee-at-large for the Upper Peninsula Region of Library Cooperation. Christensen has a bachelor’s degree in English and library science and a master’s degree in library science, both from Western Michigan University. She will represent public libraries and replaces Carolyn Nash.
Crowley is the owner of the Highland Group, a nationally recognized brand and marketing firm that she founded in 2001. Previously, she served as a corporate marketing executive specializing in brand building for high-growth companies in the technology sector, including Compuware where she helped grow its global product business from $300 million to $1 billion in six years. She serves on the boards of the Center for Community Leadership and East Hills Council of Neighbors. She was also honored as a “40 Under 40” leader by the Grand Rapids Business Journal and as an Athena Young Professional Honoree by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce. Crowley has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Michigan. She will represent the general public and replaces Francis Spaniola.
Irwin is the associate dean of libraries for Central Michigan University. She previously served as director of library services for Mott Library at Mott Community College, senior associate librarian and liaison to the School of Education for the Mardigian Library at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and librarian for Comerica Inc. Irwin currently serves as the board chair of the Library of Michigan and is past president of the Michigan Library Association. Irwin holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Concordia College, a master’s degree in library science from Wayne State University, and a master’s of public administration from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. She will continue to represent the Michigan Library Association.
Members serve three-year terms expiring Oct. 1, 2016, and their appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the state Senate.
