Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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March 28, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 28, 2019
Gov. Whitmer Appoints, Designates to Great Lakes Commission
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today announced the following appointments and designations to the Great Lakes Commission.
“Michigan’s Great Lakes are among our most vital ecological and economic resources to our state,” Whitmer said. “Marc, James, Kara and Jennifer will ensure the prosperity of our Great Lakes while prioritizing Michigan’s economic success and environmental quality.”
Marc E. Smith of Ann Arbor, is the director of Conservation Partnerships for the National Wildlife Foundation of Michigan. Mr. Smith is appointed to succeed Helen Taylor to represent statewide environmental organizations for a term expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.
Mr. Smith’s appointment is subject to advice and consent by the legislature.
James P. Clift of Lansing, is the senior Great Lakes advisor at the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Mr. Clift is appointed to succeed Jon Allan for a term expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.
Kara Cook of Lansing, is a policy advisor for Governor Whitmer. Ms. Cook is designated as an alternate for a term expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.
Jennifer K. McKay of Petoskey, is the policy director of the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council. Ms. McKay is designated as an alternate to represent a statewide environmental organization for a term expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.
The Great Lakes Commission has worked with its member states and provinces to address issues of common concern, develop shared solutions, and collectively advance an agenda to protect and enhance the region’s economic prosperity and environmental health. The rest of the Michigan delegation to the Great Lakes Commission are the following members: Attorney General Dana Nessel, Former Senator Tom Casperson as the appointee of the Senate Majority Leader, and Commissioner Candice Miller as the appointee of the Speaker of the House.
Mr. Clift, Ms. McKay and Ms. Cook’s appointments are not subject to advice and consent of the Senate.
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