April 23, 2015
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of Brian Townsend, of Ann Arbor, to the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports.
The 15-member council works to improve lives and strengthen communities by supporting healthy eating and physical activity. In an effort to further promote healthy lifestyles, the council hosts the Governor’s Annual Fitness Awards which recognize Michiganders who have overcome obstacles along their health and fitness journeys.
“Brian’s extensive background in sports and fitness made him an ideal candidate for this role and I’m confident he’ll be a great asset to the Council,” Snyder said.
Townsend is director of student athlete development at the University of Michigan, where he also served as director of basketball operations. Townsend is a former linebacker with the University of Michigan football team, former assistant coach of the mens’ basketball team at Ohio University and a physical education and social studies teacher at Ann Arbor Pioneer High School where he was also head coach of the boys’ basketball team. He played in the NFL with the St. Louis Rams and Cincinnati Bengals.
Townsend earned two bachelor’s degrees, one in sports management and communication and one in physical education and social science, both from the University of Michigan. He replaces Clare Stachel.
Townsend will serve a two-year term expiring April 30, 2017. His appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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