April 15, 2016
Friday, April 15, 2016
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Phil Bertolini of Clarkston and Dominic Pallone of DeWitt to the Michigan Municipal Services Authority and the reappointment of Stacie Behler of Grand Rapids, to its executive committee.
The MMSA encourages best practices, teamwork and interlocal cooperation between municipalities and school districts. The 12-member authority oversees the development of shared services that any interested community or school district can choose to participate in. The interlocal agreement between the cities of Grand Rapids and Livonia allows communities to collaborate on the delivery of services, including information technology, finance and accounting, payroll processing, and health care services.
“Increasing collaboration between local units of government remains an important focus as we continue to reinvent Michigan, and I thank these appointees for their willingness to serve,” Snyder said.
Appointments:
Bertolini is the deputy county executive and chief information officer for Oakland County. In 2013 Bertolini was recognized by Crain’s Detroit Business as “CIO” of the Year. He is the president of Michigan State University’s College of Communications, a member of the National Association of Counties Information Technology Committee and a member of the National Association of Counties Financial Services Center Advisory Committee. Bertolini holds a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications from Michigan State University. He will replace Patricia Poppe, who resigned.
Pallone is the chief deputy director for the Michigan Association of Health Plans. He previously was a partner with Midwest Strategy and worked as chief of staff for Representative Marty Knollenberg. Pallone earned his bachelor’s degree in arts and international relations from Michigan State University, James Madison College. He will replace Rich Sheridan, who resigned.
Reappointment:
Behler has served on MMSA since it was created in 2012. She is the group vice president of public affairs and communications for Meijer Inc. and the executive director of the Meijer Foundation. She previously worked as senior legal counsel for Meijer and as an attorney at Smith, Haughey, Rice & Roegge. Behler holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and English from Oakland University and a law degree from the University of Illinois. She will serve as chair.
Appointees will serve on the MMSA at the pleasure of the Governor. Behler will serve on the executive committee for a term expiring Sept. 17, 2018. Their appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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