December 27, 2013
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of Vicki Pontz, of Portland, and the reappointment of John Matonich, of Davison, to the Natural Resources Commission.
The seven-member commission works to conserve, protect and manage the state's natural and cultural resources. No more than four members may be from the same political party.
“I thank John and Vicki for their eagerness to serve on this commission as we continue to protect Michigan’s treasured natural resources,” Snyder said.
Matonich is the president and CEO of Rowe Incorporated, a firm specializing in professional engineering, surveying, planning, landscape architecture and aerial photogrammetry in Michigan and across the county. He is a past president of the Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors and currently serves as chairman of the Michigan Qualification Based Selection Coalition, the MSPS Legislative Committee, and the MSPS Past Presidents Committee. Matonich serves as chairman of the Joint Government Affairs Committee for the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping, and as chairman of the Bylaws and Resolutions Committee of the National Society of Professional Surveyors.
Matonich earned a bachelor’s degree in land surveying from Michigan Technological University. He is a Democrat and will serve a four-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2017.
Pontz is the director of the Great Lakes Leadership Academy. Prior to her involvement with GLLA, she was the director of the Environmental Stewardship Division at the Michigan Department of Agriculture for five years. Prior to joining MDA, Pontz was employed by the Michigan Farm Bureau as a regional representative, Legislative Research and Communication Specialist, and finally as Legislative Counsel. Her areas of expertise include natural resources, the environment, and K-12 education.
Pontz holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and is a graduate of the Natural Resource and Environmental Leadership Institute. She is an Independent and fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Annoesjka Steinman for the remainder of a term expiring Dec. 31, 2015.
Appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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