Northwest Wayne News

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) recently revealed her selections for state department and agency leaders for the next four years.

Dan Eichinger was selected as acting director of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), according to a press release from the governor's office. Whitmer selected Michelle Lange as director of the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB); Adam Hollier as director of the Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA); Brian Hanna as executive director of the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA); Brad Wieferich as acting director of the Department of Transportation (MDOT); Kathy Angerer as acting director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD); and Shannon Lott as acting director of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

"Gov. Whitmer starts her second term with the wind at her back – a decisive election victory and her party in control of the legislature," Sandy Baruah, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber, said in the press release. "As is customary, the governor is realigning her key officers for the work ahead. The Detroit Regional Chamber wish the governor and her team success as they conduct the people's business. The chamber looks forward to working together whenever possible."

Whitmer spoke about her cabinet.

"When we took office four years ago, we set out to make Michigan a home for opportunity for everyone," she said in the press release. "None of us could've anticipated the challenges thrown our way, but our team stood Michigan-strong and never gave up doing what was right for Michiganders. For that, I'm grateful to the entire cabinet for their service during our first term. With a new term comes new opportunities and challenges. Today's appointments and promotions will only build on the work that we've done over the last four years. We know it won't be easy, but it will be gratifying when we build a state that enables every Michigander to succeed."

Jeff Donofrio, president and CEO of Business Leaders for Michigan, spoke about the state's future.

"For Michigan to grow jobs, win new investments, and ensure widely shared prosperity, strong, strategic leaders will be essential," Donofrio said in the press release. "We look forward to working with these new directors to help Michigan compete to win."