Snyder makes appointment, reappointments to Michigan Women's Commission

The 15-member board improves the quality of life for Michigan women, including providing support for female veterans, fighting human trafficking and assisting women business owners.

“I appreciate the commission’s commitment to enhancing the lives of Michigan women and look forward to the outstanding contributions of these appointees,” Snyder said.

Appointed:

Meg Derrer, of Grand Rapids, is the AVP of marketing and communication for Aquinas College. She previously served as director of marketing and public relations for Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, annual fund director for Saint Mary’s Health Care, and family services coordinator for RDV Corp. She is a board member and marketing committee volunteer for the Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan and a 2014 graduate of Leadership Grand Rapids. Derrer earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from Cedarville University. She will replace Susan Dobrich.

Reappointed:
Chris Etienne, of Petoskey, is the community relations director for the Bay Harbor Co. and an associate broker for Harbor Sotheby’s International Realty. She previously served as the sales director and assistant sales director for Bay Harbor Properties. She was also vice president of National City Bank. She serves on the boards for Bay Harbor Foundation, Northwest Michigan Industrial Association, Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce, Hospice of Little Traverse Bay, Women’s Resource Center, and held multiple roles in Rotary International. Etienne earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Maryland, European Division and an MBA from Lake Superior State University. She will continue to serve as vice-chair.

Bobbie Gaunt, of Saugatuck, is the retired president and chief executive officer of Ford of Canada, where she led the successful launch of more than two dozen new cars and trucks in over 36 months, created an effective growth strategy for Ford of Canada and established Ford of Canada as a leader in e-commerce. She was the first woman to enter Ford Motor Co.’s Sales & Marketing Management Program in 1972. She chaired the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. Gaunt earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh.

Krista Haroutunian, of Detroit, is vice president and an attorney at Haroutunian Licata Haroutunian PC, as well as Guardian ad Litem for Wayne County Probate Court and vice chair of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers. She has volunteered with the Armenian Relief Society, St. Christopher’s - St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and the Northwest Civic Federation. Haroutunian earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Michigan and a degree from the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University.

Brook Thompson, of Haslett, is an administrative supervisor at Michigan State University. Thompson is a retired 20-year Navy veteran from the Vietnam era and the founder of the Women Officers Professional Association in Norfolk, Virginia and San Diego, California while on active duty. She serves on the Ingham County Veterans Affairs Committee and the Ingham County Veterans Trust Fund. Thompson earned a bachelor’s degree in art history from Hamline University, master’s of education in guidance and counseling from Providence College and teaching credentials from Chapman University. Thompson will continue to serve as chair.

Members serve three-year terms expiring July 15, 2017. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

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