April 09, 2015
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Fritz Erickson, of Marquette, and Chris MacInnes, of Beulah, and the reappointments of Lizabeth Ardisana, of Orchard Lake, Rob Collier, of Grand Rapids, and Jeff Noel, of Benton Harbor, to the Michigan Economic Development Corp. Executive Committee.
The 20-member committee is responsible for the overall management and control of the MEDC.
“I appreciate these talented professionals’ service to Michigan and I look forward to the contributions they will make to support business owners and encourage economic development across the state,” Snyder said.
Erickson is president of Northern Michigan University and previously served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Ferris State University. He is the founding president of the National Alternative Education Association, a member of Marquette Rotary, volunteers for Safe Schools, and is a member of the Coalition for Safe and Effective Schools. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University, and a master’s degree and doctorate from the University of Northern Colorado. He replaces Marilyn Schlack.
MacInnes is COO of Crystal Enterprises Inc. and president of the development company Crystal Properties Inc. MacInnes served as a director of Munson Healthcare, Priority Health, Michigan Economic Development Corp. Executive Committee, Michigan Travel Commission, and Michigan Land Use Leadership Council. She earned her bachelor’s degree in German language from St. Lawrence University and replaces Mary Lou Benecke.
Ardisana is CEO and principal owner of ASG Renaissance. She serves as chair of the Skillman Foundation and as a trustee of the C.S. Mott Foundation. Ardisana is also a board member for United Way for Southeast Michigan, Kettering University and the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan. She earned a bachelor’s degree in math and computer science from the University of Texas, a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Detroit, and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
Collier is president and CEO of the Council of Michigan Foundations. He serves as a program officer with the C.S. Mott Foundation, as well as grants director for the Gannett Foundation, and is the founding director of the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation. Collier earned a bachelor’s degree from Hobart College and a master’s degree in public administration from Central Michigan University.
Noel is corporate vice president of communications and public affairs at Whirlpool Corp. and served as president of Cornerstone Alliance. He is currently serving as president of the Harbor Shores Development and Bluffside projects and is a member of the Michigan Colleges Foundation. Noel earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of Kentucky and a master’s degree in business administration from Marymount University.
Appointees will serve eight-year terms expiring April 5, 2023. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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