Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has announced a slate of new appointments to lead several state departments and agencies as she begins her second term, including new leadership at the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD); Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE); and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
“With a new term, comes new opportunities and challenges,” Whitmer said in announcing the new appointments, several of which were listed as “acting director,” meaning those appointments may or may not be permanent.
Kathy Angerer, acting director of MDARD
Kathy Angerer was selected as acting director for MDARD, where she is currently the deputy director. Angerer has served the people of the state of Michigan and Southeast Michigan in several roles throughout her career.
She was a state representative from 2005-10 in the area covering portions of Downriver; executive director of government affairs at AT&T Michigan from 2011-12; and most recently, served as the city manager for Hamtramck.
Additionally, she has served as Hamtramck’s director of community and economic development as well as their community and governmental affairs director. She attended Monroe County Community College and is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University.
Current MDARD Director Gary McDowell, who has led MDARD for all four years of the Whitmer administration, is planning to retire at the end of the year.
Dan Eichinger, acting director of EGLE
Dan Eichinger, currently the DNR director, where he has served since 2019, has been named as the acting director of EGLE, replacing outgoing EGLE director, Liesl Clark.
Before entering the administration, Eichinger was the executive director of Michigan United Conservation Clubs, where he helped re-establish MUCC as a driving force for conserving Michigan’s natural resources and outdoor heritage.
Eichinger earned a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Science in fisheries and wildlife from Michigan State University. He also obtained a Master of Public Administration from Central Michigan University.
“The work of everyone at EGLE can positively impact every citizen in this state and the natural resources we hold dear,” Eichinger said. “I appreciate Gov. Whitmer’s confidence in me to work with the talented and innovative team here as we build programs and systems that protect the wellbeing of our state and citizens today and into the future.”
Shannon Lott, acting director of DNR
Shannon Lott will serve as acting director at DNR, where she has worked for more than 25 years, most recently as natural resources deputy. Before that, Lott served as assistant chief of the Forest Resources Division and held a variety of jobs in the department’s Wildlife Division.
Lott has worked with a broad range of conservation groups and legislators, as well as the Michigan Natural Resource Commission, to guide policies and programs related to outdoor recreation and natural resource management in the state. She has led DNR teams on critical issues such as renewable energy, climate change mitigation and the use of mass timber in construction.
Lott has a B.S. in wildlife biology from Grand Valley State University and a M.S. in forestry from Michigan State University. In her spare time, she enjoys hunting, fishing, camping and traveling with her family.
Whitmer also announced the appointment of 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); and Brad Wieferich as acting director of the Department of Transportation (MDOT).