Gov. Rick Snyder makes appointments, reappointment to State Housing Development Authority Board
LANSING, Mich. – March 18, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Steve Arwood, of St. Johns, and Alexander Simpson, of Detroit, and the reappointment of Scott Wierda, of Georgetown Township, to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority Board.
The eight-member board supports MSHDA’s mission of enhancing Michigan’s economic and social health through housing and community development activities. Of the four members appointed by the governor to represent the public, no more than two may be a member of the same political party.
“I thank these appointees for their willingness to serve and have confidence their insights will help Michigan build on the work being done to eliminate blight and preserve safe and affordable housing for our state’s residents,” Snyder said.
Arwood is CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and director of the Department of Talent and Economic Development. Arwood is also the former director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. He also has experience working in wind energy development, conservation, and business development. Arwood previously served as deputy director and in other executive management positions at the Michigan Jobs Commission under Gov. John Engler. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political philosophy and history from James Madison College at Michigan State University. Arwood replaces Maura Corrigan.
Simpson is an associate at Bodman PLC. He serves on the board of directors for the Wolverine Bar Association, Wolverine Bar Foundation, VSA Michigan, and Centro Multicultural La Familia. Simpson is also co-chair of the Wolverine Bar Association’s Summer Clerkship Program, a mentor for youth through the VIP Mentoring programs, and a youth football coach. He earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Eastern Michigan University, master’s degree in social work from the University of Michigan, and a law degree from Indiana University. He represents Independents and replaces Robert Sher.
Wierda is principal and managing partner of CWD Real Estate Investment and has more than 20 years of experience in the industry. He is co-owner and founder of Jade Pig Ventures, a Grand Rapids-based, full-service commercial real estate investment and development firm. He is a member of Commercial Association of Realtors-West Michigan, International Council of Shopping Centers, Michigan Association of Realtors, the National Association of Realtors, and the Economic Club of Grand Rapids. Wierda is a trustee of the Grand Valley State University Foundation Board and president of the GRAM board of trustees. He is a licensed real estate associate broker and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Hope College. He continues to represent Republicans.
Arwood will serve a term expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. His appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. Simpson and Wierda will serve four-year terms expiring March 10, 2019. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
