Gov. Whitmer announces Brian Love as new MVAA director

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has selected Marine Corps veteran Brian Love to serve as director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) after Adam Hollier announced his resignation Oct. 17 to run for Congress.

Love, who currently works as director of community engagement for the Education Trust-Midwest, will become MVAA director Oct. 31. This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Todd Butler, MVAA’s division administrator for strategy and outreach, will serve as acting director until Love is formally appointed.

“We want Michigan to provide the best care and support for brave men and women who have served in our nation’s military,” Whitmer said. “That’s why we ensure our veterans agency is led by veterans who understand the commitment and sacrifice that Michiganders in uniform made during their service. Brian Love is the right man for the job. His service in the United States Marine Corps and continued public service on behalf of Michiganders in and out of state government is admirable. I know he will do right by Michigan’s veterans.”

Brian Love has a long history of service to the state of Michigan, both within and outside of the military community. Previously, he served as public affairs and project management director for the Greater Detroit Area Health Council State Outreach from 2016-2018, and as the director at StudentsFirst Michigan from 2013-2016. 

He has also served in numerous roles for various state and national leaders and has championed difficult issues in the education equity space. Love is a Whitmer appointee to the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Board of Directors and serves as chair of the Black Leadership Advisory Council Education Committee. He is a board member of the Detroit Parent Network, where he previously served as president. He is the secretary of the Black Family Development Inc. International Training Institute Board and sits on the Hope Network Michigan Education Corps Advisory Council. 

He is the Chair of the Michigan NAACP Veterans Affairs Committee. Love honorably served as a member of the Marine Corps and continues to serve as sergeant-at-arms in the Montford Point Marine Corp League Detachment #158. 

Love is married to his high school sweetheart, Lonita, and is the proud father of two children, Jamario and Tori.

 “My time in the military helped shape and define who I am both personally and professionally, just like it has for so many Michigan veterans across the state," Love said. "Every veteran has a story to tell and a valuable set of skills that contributes to our state outside of their time in uniform. My mission as the director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency is to uplift those contributions and honor the state’s commitment to supporting veterans with the highest quality of service. I’m honored to give back to my fellow service members and can’t wait to get started."

Whitmer said she is proud of the work that Hollier did in leading the MVAA.

“From tackling the rising rates of homelessness and suicide, to creating more job opportunities for those who served, Adam has made a real difference in the lives of thousands of Michiganders,” Whitmer said. “Just like he did as Detroit’s state senator, Adam delivered results. He's been a strong, effective leader and a trusted voice in my cabinet.”