Eight new members also named

Governor John Engler today announced that he has appointed Anne Norlander of Battle Creek as chair of the Michigan Women's Commission, which works to improve the quality of life for women in the state. She replaces Patricia Garrett-Schneider of Kingsford.

"Anne is a pioneer for women in Calhoun County and a proven leader at the local and state levels," Governor Engler said. "Her record of achievement is outstanding and has prepared her well for this important role."

Norlander has been a member of the Women's Commission since March 1998. On January 1, 1989, she became the first woman to hold the position of Clerk and Register of Deeds in the 175-year history of Calhoun County. Norlander is currently in her third term in the position of Clerk and Register of Deeds. A cum laude graduate of Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education, she taught in Battle Creek Public Schools from 1970 to 1975. In 1984 and again in 1986, Norlander was elected Calhoun County Commissioner. She is a presidential appointee to the Selective Service Board, secretary of the Michigan Association of Register of Deeds, past president of the Calhoun County Lawyer's Auxiliary and a member of the Michigan Association of County Clerks, the United County Officers Association and the Calhoun County Municipal Clerk's Association. Norlander is a graduate of the Community Leadership Academy and a 1999 Nominee for the Community Leadership Academy Alumni Servant/Leader Award. She has been active in community organizations, including the Junior League of Battle Creek, Riverside School PTA and the United Way Campaign.

"I gratefully accept the Governor's appointment as chair, and look forward to working with my fellow Commissioners to continue making great strides for the women of this state," Norlander said.

Governor Engler expressed his appreciation for Garrett-Schneider, who has served on the Commission since March 1991.

"Patti was one of my first appointments as Governor in 1991 and she has been a wonderful advocate on women's issues," Engler said. "I am very pleased with her efforts and wish her the best in her next endeavor."

Engler also announced the following appointments to the Commission:

Lynn Aronoff, of Royal Oak, is an account executive for Dickerson-Govan Management. She is appointed to replace Suzanne Sareini, of Dearborn, for a term expiring July 15, 2002.

Judy Garland, of Mt. Pleasant, is CEO of Mid-Michigan Industries. She is appointed to replace Barbara Cable, of Grand Rapids, for a term ending July 15, 2001.

Kaye Grubba, of Owosso, is Shiawassee County register of deeds. She is appointed to replace Elham Jabiru-Shayota, of Bloomfield Hills, for a term expiring July 15, 2001.

Patricia Hardy, of Bloomfield Hills, is a community volunteer. She is appointed to replace Judith French Smith, of Mt. Pleasant, for a term ending July 15, 2002.

Dawn Koehler, of Royal Oak, is executive director of governmental relations for Great Lakes Health Plan. She is appointed to replace Beverly Devyak, of Dearborn Heights, for a term expiring July 15, 2002.

Judy Schwalbach, of Escanaba, is the owner of the Victorian Gift House and a member of the Escanaba Board of Education. She is appointed to replace Garrett-Schneider for a term ending July 15, 2001.

Carolyn Spencer, of Traverse City, is an instructional design specialist and adjunct teacher for Ferris State University. She is appointed to replace Shirley Okerstrom, of Traverse City, for a term expiring July 15, 2001.

Joyce Watts, of Allegan, is Allegan County clerk. She is appointed to replace Lynda Evers, of Kalamazoo, for a term ending July 15, 2002.

Myrah Kirkwood, of Detroit, is director of security for McDonald's of Michigan. She is reappointed for a term expiring July 15, 2001.

Norlander is reappointed as a member of the Commission for a term ending July 15, 2002.