Family Independence Agency director Marianne Udow today announced the appointment of Ed LaForge as director of the FIA Bureau of Community Action and Economic Opportunity effective July 6. LaForge is a former state elected official.

"I am very pleased to announce Ed's appointment," Udow said. “He will work with community action agencies and other partners to enhance the delivery of important services to Michigan's low-income citizens."

The new Bureau of Community Action and Economic Opportunity was created during the agency reorganization in March. In this role, LaForge will have oversight responsibility for the FIA's federal Community Services Block Grant, U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program and other funds going from the FIA to the state's 30 community action agencies and three limited-purpose agencies.

Community action agencies deliver services directly to citizens and work to reduce the causes of poverty in their communities. In his new position, LaForge will report directly to FIA director Udow.

A Pontiac native, LaForge moved to Kalamazoo at age 13. He began his political career with a run for the Kalamazoo City Commission in 1981 and served on the city commission for the next 10 years. In 1994 he was elected to the state House of Representatives and served until his retirement due to term limits in 2000.

During his tenure in the state Legislature, LaForge served on many committees and chaired the House Human Services and Children's Committee. In 1999, he was one of three individuals named Legislator of the Year in Michigan by the Coalition for Maternal and Children's Health.

The father of eight children, LaForge is a union plumber and a registered nurse. He is married to Ann LaForge and together they have 10 children and 17 grandchildren. They reside in Kalamazoo.

For more information go to www.michigan.gov/fia