December 18, 2013
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of Diane Heinzelman, of Charlevoix, to the Autism Council.
Pursuant to Executive Order 2012-11, the 12-member council was created to act in an advisory capacity to review and adopt the Michigan Autism Spectrum Disorder State Plan.
“Diane is an experienced and successful educator and I am confident she will be a valuable council member,” Snyder said.
Heinzelman will represent intermediate school districts and local schools on the council. She is director of special education for the Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District. She has been with the district for nearly 30 years, working in various positions, including special education planner/monitor, supervisor of special education/elementary principal, teacher of hearing impaired children, and a teacher of learning, emotionally, and cognitively impaired children.
She is president of the Michigan Association of Administrators in Special Education and the Women’s Resource Center board of directors. She is the recipient of the Batten Award, which is given to a special educator who exemplifies leadership, honesty, integrity, and dedication. Heinzelman has a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education and a master’s degree in education administration, both from Grand Valley State University.
Heinzelman fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Michael Caine, and will serve the remainder of a four-year term expiring Sept. 30, 2015. Her appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the state Senate.
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