 Friday, April 06, 2007MICHIGAN LOTTERY COMMISSIONER APPOINTED NEXT CMU GRIFFIN CHAIR MEDIA CONTACT: Heather Smith, 989-774-1702 PROGRAM CONTACTS: Gary Peters, 517-335-5608 Larry Sych, 989-774-3316 Michigan Bureau of State Lottery Commissioner Gary Peters will bring years of political and business experience to his new role as the third Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government at Central Michigan University. As chairman, Peters will teach two political science seminars and organize two forums each year that address public policy and political issues throughout Michigan. Peters also plans to implement an electronic journal that will bring students, academics and practitioners together on public policy issues facing Michigan and the country. "As a former state senator, city councilman and candidate for Michigan attorney general, I look forward to sharing my nuts-and-bolts knowledge of public service with students at Central Michigan," Peters said. "I am also looking forward to hosting forums that will explore some of the public policy challenges we face in Michigan." Peters' public service experience includes serving as a member of the Michigan Senate and the Rochester Hills City Council. His business experience includes positions as vice president of investments for UBS PaineWebber Inc. and assistant vice president at Merrill Lynch Inc., both in Rochester Hills. Peters also has served on arbitration panels for the National Association of Securities Dealers and the New York Stock Exchange. Peters served as a lieutenant commander and Seabee combat warfare specialist in the U.S. Navy Reserve. As lottery commissioner, Peters serves as the bureau's CEO and is responsible for the overall management and operation of the lottery. The Michigan Lottery is a $2 billion-plus business, which last year generated a record $688 million for the state School Aid Fund. Under Peters' leadership, the lottery has set new records for three consecutive years. "Coming directly from the public sector, Gary will bring to this position a fresh perspective of what's happening in Lansing today, as well as many new contacts," said Jim Hill, director of CMU's honors program and former political science faculty member. Peters received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Alma College, a Master of Business Administration in finance from the University of Detroit Mercy, a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School and is currently a doctoral candidate in political philosophy at Michigan State University. He also has held teaching positions at Michigan State, Wayne State and Oakland University. "Gary has experience teaching and brings a strong academic orientation to this position, which is a different dimension than we've had in the past," said Larry Sych, CMU political science faculty member. "His background makes him the most diverse chair holder thus far." The Griffin Endowment was established in 1999 through private donations to CMU. It provides continuing support to fund the salary and associated costs of a government and public policy expert who serves as a faculty member in CMU's political science department. The Griffin program seeks to build interest and increased engagement in politics among young adults, faculty and the general citizenry. The endowment honors Robert and Marjorie Griffin, both distinguished CMU alumni. Peters' three-year term as the Griffin chairman will begin Aug. 20. He will succeed Bill Ballenger, editor and publisher of Inside Michigan Politics. |
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