Great Lakes Commission begins search for new executive director

Ann Arbor, Mich. – Applications are now being accepted for the position of executive director of the Great Lakes Commission, Chair Thomas E. Huntley has announced. Applications will be accepted through Feb. 10, 2006.

“The person we are looking for is one with the leadership and vision to advance the collective interests of our member states and provinces with regard to the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence system,” Huntley said. “The new executive director must also have the skills to lead the Commission in serving as an effective advocate for the binational Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region and in providing objective information for informed policy decisions.”

The Great Lakes Commission occupies a unique niche in Great Lakes resource management and policymaking, as a compact agency established by the eight states of the region with the consent of Congress, and with the provinces of Ontario and Québec as associate members.

The new executive director will be only the fifth in the Commission’s 50-year history. The successful candidate will succeed Michael J. Donahue, who stepped down in February 2005 after a tenure of 17 years to enter the private sector.

Given the length of time since the last transition, an internal review of the organization was conducted to provide guidance for the search process and for strategic planning once the leadership position is filled. The results of that study, which potential applicants are encouraged to review, are available at www.glc.org/announce/05/12edsearch.html (See box above.)

Applications for the position of executive director should be submitted by mail to the Hon. Thomas E. Huntley, Ph.D., State Representative, 335 State Office Building, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55155, or by email to rep.thomas.huntley@house.mn The position announcement, including job responsibilities, requirements and details on the application and candidate review process are available at www.glc.org/announce/05/edjob.html

The Great Lakes Commission, chaired by Lt. Gov. John Cherry (Mich.), is an interstate compact agency established under state and U.S. federal law and dedicated to promoting a strong economy, healthy environment and high quality of life for the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region and its residents. The Commission consists of governors' appointees, state legislators, and agency officials from its eight member states. Associate membership for Ontario and Québec was established through the signing of a "Declaration of Partnership." The Commission maintains a formal Observer program involving U.S. and Canadian federal agencies, tribal authorities, binational agencies and other regional interests. The Commission offices are located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.