Michigan's Office of the Great Lakes leads policy development and program implementation for the protection and restoration of the Great Lakes.
Today, Gov. Rick Snyder said he accepted the resignation of Patty Birkholz as director, and announced that Jon Allen will now lead the office.
From Gov. Snyder's press release:
"Patty Birkholz has long been a champion for Michigan’s natural resources, and we thank her for her leadership in this role,” Snyder said. “She will remain an important voice advising this administration and we wish her well as she continues her work as a supporter of Michigan’s environment and natural resources.” ...Allan brings more than two decades of environmental experience to his new position. He presently works as director of environmental policy and intergovernmental affairs for Consumers Energy Co., where he has held high-ranking environmental and governmental affairs positions for more than 15 years. “It is important for Michigan to have a clear, strong voice advocating for use and protection of our Great Lakes,” Snyder said. “Jon Allan brings experience, knowledge, creative energy, and a career marked by achievement and leadership on environmental issues. We look forward to having him on the team in the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes.”
Allan will begin at his new post on October 15. Snyder's office says he will serve a minimum of one year on "an Executive on Loan from Consumers Energy."
