December 10, 2003

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that Family Independence Agency (FIA) Director Nannette Bowler has accepted an appointment to the Ionia County Probate Court and will be resigning her post with FIA effective December 19, 2003. Bowler will fill a vacancy on the court created by the retirement of Judge Gerald Supina earlier this year.

"This is a great opportunity for Nannette and a win not just for the kids and families of Ionia County, but for all of Michigan," said Granholm. "Nannette has worked tirelessly throughout her career to protect our most vulnerable citizens. Her impassioned advocacy for the rights of children, families, and persons with mental illness will make her a wonderful addition to the bench."

Granholm announced that Marianne Udow, currently senior vice president of Health Care Products and Provider Services for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM), will succeed Bowler as the new FIA director. Udow will be taking a leave of absence from BCBSM to assume her new position.

"Marianne’s extensive experience and her commitment to the improvement of women’s and children’s lives make her an ideal candidate to lead the Family Independence Agency," said Granholm. "She is a dedicated advocate for the physical, mental, and emotional health of our children and a champion for the cause of early-childhood education. I am thrilled to have her join our team and know she will continue to focus on strengthening families and improving services for our children."

Prior to joining the Blues in 1988, Udow was senior vice president of the Planning and Operations Division at Mercy Alternative Health Systems and was executive director of Care Choices. She has a master’s degree in health services administration from the University of Michigan School of Public Policy.

Udow is currently chair of the Michigan Women’s Foundation and past chair of the executive council of the Ready to Succeed initiative whose goal is to increase public awareness of the importance of quality early-childhood education and care. She is a member and former chair of Michigan Children’s board of directors, an independent, citizen-based child advocacy organization.

In 2000, Udow was honored by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) with its Women of Achievement Award for making a difference in the community and exemplifying the philosophy of ADL of promoting greater understanding among diverse communities. In 2002, she was selected by Crain’s Detroit Business as one of "Detroit’s 100 Most Influential Women."

Marianne Udow will assume the role of FIA Director on January 12, 2004. Until that time, Musette Michael will act as the interim director. Michael is currently the director of FIA Bureau of Legal Affairs, a position to which she was appointed by Director Bowler in January of 2003. An attorney with a background in children’s social services, Michael served as an assistant attorney general under both Frank J. Kelley and Jennifer Granholm. She served as the Attorney General’s legal division coordinator for two years before accepting her current position at FIA.

During her tenure as FIA director, Bowler coordinated with county friends of the court and prosecuting attorneys to help finalize the statewide implementation of Michigan’s Child Support Enforcement System and achieve necessary federal certification. In addition, Bowler oversaw the establishment of 19 school-based Family Resource Centers that provide family services in a community-based, one-stop-shopping approach. This initiative was part of Governor Granholm’s Children’s Action Network.