June 26, 2015
LANSING, Mich. – Craig Ruff, of Okemos, has been appointed to both the Education Achievement Authority Board of Directors and the Education Achievement Authority Board Executive Committee. Ruff most recently served as Gov. Rick Snyder’s special advisor for education.
Article V Section 26 of the Michigan Constitution gives authority to the lieutenant governor to make appointments when the governor is out of state.
“Craig has enjoyed a remarkable and distinguished career in public service and in shaping public policy,” Lt. Gov. Brian Calley said. “He already has worked closely with the EAA and is dedicated to making sure that all children in our state are provided an opportunity to have an education that will lead to careers or college and a lifetime of learning.”
Prior to joining the executive office, Ruff spent 30 years at Lansing-based Public Sector Consultants, a policy research firm, serving as the firm’s president from 1986-2005. Prior to that, he spent 11 years in Michigan's executive office, first as special assistant for human services to Gov. William G. Milliken and then as chief of staff to Lt. Gov. James H. Brickley. Ruff holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public policy, both from the University of Michigan. He succeeds Mark Murray, who resigned.
Created by inter-local agreement in 2011, the Education Achievement Authority Board of Directors is the governing body of the Educational Achievement System.
Murray is president of Meijer, Inc. in Grand Rapids and served as president of Grand Valley State University from 2001-2006. He also has served as state treasurer, state budget director, director of the Department of Management and Budget, and acting director of the Family Independence Agency. He also served as vice president for finance and administration at Michigan State University.
“Mark has made tremendous contributions and his expertise was invaluable as the EAA was launched,” Calley said.
Ruff will serve a term expiring at the pleasure of the Governor on the EAA Board. His term on the Executive Committee will expire August 8, 2016. His appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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