August 14, 2014
Thursday, Aug. 14, 2014
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Hiram Fitzgerald, of DeWitt, and Guadalupe Lara, of Allen Park, and the reappointment of Susan Broman, of Grand Rapids, to the Michigan Early Childhood Investment Corp.
The 18-member committee is the state's expert group for information on and investment in early childhood programs, helping to ensure that children enter kindergarten safe, healthy, and eager to learn.
"Early childhood programs are the foundation for long-term educational success," said Snyder. "This is a talented group of appointees and I am confident they will do great in support of Michigan’s children."
Fitzgerald is a university distinguished professor and associate provost for university outreach and engagement at Michigan State University. Fitzgerald is past-president and executive director of the Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health and the International Association for Infant Mental Health. He served as executive director of the World Association for Infant Mental Health for 16 years and is founder and co-chair of the MSU interdepartmental specialization in infancy and early childhood graduate program. Fitzgerald earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and biology from Lebanon Valley College, master’s degree in experimental psychology from the University of Denver and a Ph.D. in developmental psychology. He replaces Carolyn Clark.
Lara is the director of the Consortium of Hispanic Agencies where she works with six member agencies to advocate on behalf of Hispanic issues at the local and state level. She spent 27 years advocating for families at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, holding a variety of leadership positions while at the Detroit Medical Center, most recently as manager of community relations. Lara is a certified pediatric social worker and has extensive experience in diversity and conflict management. Lara earned a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and a master of social work from Wayne State University. She replaces Betsy Boggs.
Broman is the deputy superintendent at the Michigan Department of Education's Office of Great Start. She was president of the Steelcase Foundation. She chaired the “Early Matters” early childhood initiative for the Council on Michigan Foundations and was one of the creators of the First Steps Commission in Kent County. Broman earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in counseling from Western Michigan University. She continues to serve as the designee from the Michigan Department of Education.
Appointees will serve four-year terms expiring July 22, 2018. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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