Snyder makes appointments, reappointments to Community Service Commission

Gov. Rick Snyder today announced appointments and reappointments to the Michigan Community Service Commission.

Established in 1991, the 25-member board fosters a culture of service by providing vision and resources to strengthen communities through volunteerism. It also develops a three-year comprehensive community and national service plan that is updated annually.

“I am confident that these appointees will do great work to help inspire people to further embrace volunteerism and community service for the betterment of our state and all Michiganders,” Snyder said.

Appointed:

Lorna Utley, of Grosse Pointe Woods, is president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit. She served as vice president of Marathon Cable Inc., president and director of diversity initiatives and philanthropy for the General Motors Foundation, and worked in numerous other roles with the company. Utley earned a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s degree in industrial relations from Purdue University. She represents individuals with expertise in the educational, training, and developmental needs of youth, particularly disadvantaged youth, and replaces Megan Russell Johnson. 

Christine Lanning, of Battle Creek, is the Tribal Council Treasurer of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi. Christine was sworn into the elected office in May 2013.  She is also the Treasurer of the FireKeepers Development Board which owns and manages FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek. As a Tribal Council member, Christine chairs the Elders Committee, Culture Committee and the FKCH Audit Committee. She is the Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Safe Place Domestic Violence Shelter in the Battle Creek area where she an active volunteer, and is involved with several task forces.  One of which is VAWA (Violence Against Women Act). Lanning earned an associate degree in applied science from Ferris State University. She represents Native American tribes and replaces Larry Romanelli.

Maria Holmes, of Belleville, is the director of community investment for Comcast. She has 30 years of experience serving in the cable industry as a manager in video production, government affairs, and community investment. She represents business and replace Larry Williamson. 

Nancy Lamb, of Midland, is the Michigan operations public affairs director for Dow Chemical Co. She has more than 20 years of experience at Dow, previously working in environment, health and safety, specialty plastics and eastomers, and specialty packaging departments.  Lamb earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education and biomedical science and a master’s in exercise science from Western Michigan University.  She represent business and replaces Donna Niester. 

Dayne Walling is mayor of Flint. He is a leader in the National Cities of Service mayors coalition, designed the City of Flint service plan, is involved with the national Franklin Project to expand national service through the Aspen Institute, and is an AmeriCorps alumus.  Walling earned a bachelor’s degree in social relations from Michigan State University, a bachelor’s degree in modern history from St. Peter’s College, Oxford University; a master’s degree in urban affairs from Goldsmith’s College University of London, and completed all but his dissertation for a doctorate in geography from the University of Minnesota. He represents national service programs and replaces Marsha Smith. 

Reappointed:

Michael Lavoie, of Bloomfield Hills, is a shareholder at Butzel Long where he is a member of the business litigation practice group.  He served in the U.S. Attorney Office in numerous roles, including assistant chief of the criminal division in charge of general crimes unit and assistant United States Attorney for the economic crimes unit.  He was a Peace Corps volunteer.  Lavoie earned a bachelor’s degree in government from The University of Notre Dame and a law degree from University of Detroit. He continues to represent business. 

Judy Watson Olson, of Gwinn, retired in 2013 as president of Great Lakes Center for Youth Development. She has more than 30 years of experience in youth development, community development, and program management. She worked for The MSU Extension in various capacities, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and planned for the creation of the Marquette-Alger Youth Foundation. Watson Olson earned a bachelor’s degree in family ecology and a master’s degree in agriculture and extension education from Michigan State University. She also earned a doctorate of education from Nova Southeastern University.  She continues to represent individuals with expertise in the educational, training, and developmental needs of youth, particularly disadvantaged youth.

Fred Mester, of Bloomfield Hills, is owner of The Law Office of Fred M. Mester.  He served as a circuit court judge in Oakland County and chairman of the William Booth Legal Clinic.  Mester was a captain in the U.S. Army.  Mester earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and Latin from Central Michigan University and a law degree from Wayne State University. He continues to represent individuals with expertise in the educational, training, and developmental needs of youth, particularly disadvantaged youth.

With the exception of Utley, appointees will serve three-year terms to expire Oct. 1, 2017. Utley will serve the remainder of a three-year term to expire Oct. 1, 2016. Appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.