January 23, 2003

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today officially announced Duane Berger, currently acting Director for the Michigan Department of Management and Budget (DMB), as the Michigan Department of State’s Director of the Department and Legal Services Administration.

“Duane has done a superb job of providing leadership and oversight for the Department of Management and Budget and his management experience will be invaluable to the Department of State,” Secretary Land said.  “With his strong background in customer service, financial operations, property management and support services, he’s tailor-made to direct our Department and Legal Services Administration.”

The Department and Legal Services Administration is responsible for the Bureau of Administrative Services, which oversees the budget, purchasing and management services; the Office of Human Resources; the Bureau of Legal Services and the Bureau of Regulatory Services, which administers driver safety, testing and training programs and regulates automobile dealers, mechanics, repair facilities and third-party testers.

The selection of Berger completes Secretary Land’s strategy to reorganize the Department of State.  Secretary Land recently reduced the number of the Department’s Administrations from four to three in an effort to better address customer service and streamline the organization.  The Department and Legal Services Administration results from the combination of two previous Administrations.  The new Administration provides oversight to divisions that share responsibilities and provide support to the agency.  This reorganization will allow information to be exchanged effectively and result in improved business practices and better use of resources.

Berger joined state government in 1992, when he became the DMB Director of Motor Transport until 1997.  He then was named Director of the Office of Property Services and later Deputy Director for Management Services at DMB.

Secretary Land also announced that Joe Gammons will be the Director of External Relations.  Gammons will be responsible for representing the Secretary of State and the Department, as well as working with senior department staff, in coordinating with constituent groups, elected officials and other agencies and organizations.