June 17, 2014
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of Marita Okerstrom, of Traverse City, to the Veterans’ Facilities Board of Managers.
The seven-member volunteer board oversees admissions and member affairs at veterans homes in Marquette and Grand Rapids. Members represent the interest of veterans in both advisory and advocacy roles and are nominated for board service by fellow veterans and peers in veteran organizations across the state.
"Our veterans deserve the highest quality of service and care," said Snyder. “I am confident Marita has the skills and experiences to make great contributions to this board.”
Okerstrom retired with the rank of lieutenant commander after serving 21 years in the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Naval Reserve Center and Naval Medical Center. During her military service, she held numerous positions, including staff and relief charge nurse, nurse recruiter, assistant and division officer for labor and delivery, clinical division officer and administrative and executive officer for the fleet hospital unit. Since 2002, Okerstrom worked as the office nurse at the Grand Traverse Women's Clinic. She earned a bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Illinois - Health Science Center.She will represent veterans and replaces Richard LaFave.
Okerstrom will serve a three-year term expiring Feb. 28, 2017. Her appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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