Marlon I. Brown, DPA

Dr. Marlon I. Brown was appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to serve as director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) on February 23, 2024. In this role, he leads the state agency responsible for licensing and regulating nearly two million individuals and entities covering health professionals and facilities, skilled-trades and other professional occupations, corporations and securities, construction services, cannabis businesses, and fire services. LARA also supports the work of Michigan’s Public Service Commission, Liquor Control Commission, Indigent Defense Commission, Unarmed Combat Commission, Tax Tribunal, and Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules.

Prior to his appointment as director, Marlon served as LARA’s chief administrative officer and director of policy and legislative affairs. In addition, he has held positions at the Michigan Supreme Court, the Michigan Department of Transportation, and the State Budget Office.

Marlon earned a bachelor's degree in political science from American University, a master's degree in public administration from the University of Delaware, and a doctorate in public administration from Valdosta State University. He is a fellow in the National Academy of Public Administration, and he serves on the National Council of the American Society for Public Administration as well as the Board of Directors for the Council on Licensure, Enforcement, and Regulation.

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