Governor Jennifer M. Granholm appointed two new members to Grand Valley State University’s Board of Trustees.
Michael D. Thomas of Freeland is prosecuting attorney for Saginaw County. He succeeds Jessie F. Dalman, whose term also expired.
Shelley E. Padnos of Douglas is executive vice president and chief administrative officer of Louis Padnos Iron and Metal Company. She succeeds José A. Infante, Jr., whose term has expired.
Both Padnos and Thomas have terms that will expire in 2014.
Grand Valley President Thomas J. Haas said he was pleased the governor appointed two people who are longstanding leaders in their respective communities.
“Both are familiar with Grand Valley and its impacts in West Michigan as well as across the state,” he said. “Both understand the importance of our mission to students and graduates who are seeking higher education as a way to improve their lives and Michigan’s future.”
Thomas, 58, said he is impressed with Grand Valley’s growth as a state institution. “That’s evident with the representation of board members; it’s not just a regional university,” he said.
A graduate of Rutgers University School of Law, Thomas has been prosecuting attorney in Saginaw County since 1989. He had a private law practice prior to that.
Also, Donna K. Brooks, chair of the Board of Trustees, said she will
step down as chair but will remain a board member.
Brooks was
appointed to the board in 1993, re-appointed in 2001 and has been
chair twice. She also served as head of the presidential search
committee in 2001 and 2006.
Brooks said that family considerations prompted her move. She said she is fully committed to her continued involvement as trustee and as co-vice chair of the Grand Valley University Foundation.
“We are so grateful to Donna for her leadership and her continued dedication to Grand Valley,” said President Thomas J. Haas. “It’s important to Donna to put more of her energy into her family right now, and we’re thankful that she will continue her service and leadership on the board and on the foundation.”
Under board rules, Vice Chair Lucille Taylor will ascend to the top spot and serve until board officers are elected at the annual meeting in July.
Taylor said she knows the work of both new board members.
“I knew Shelley a long time ago when she was a college intern at the Capitol and am eager to become reacquainted with her,” Taylor said. “I worked with Mike on many criminal and social issues. I greatly admire his principles and integrity, and I am sure both of these appointees will work diligently to achieve the goals and mission of Grand Valley.”
NOTE: Photographs of both new board members are available from GVSU
News and Information Services by calling (616) 331-2221.
Audio
bites from both new board members are also available for broadcast media.
