New Director Of The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Gov. Whitmer has replaced Orlene Hawks, who led the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs for four years.  Hawks retired in July 2023 at the age of 49:

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2024/02/23/gretchen-whitmer-state-licensing-regulatory-affairs-michigan-lottery-marlon-brown-suzanna-shkreli/72713304007/

Whitmer appoints new leaders for state licensing, lottery agencies
By Beth LeBlanc - February 23, 2024

Lansing — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has named Marlon Brown the director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, making permanent a position he's filled in an acting role over the last seven months.

Whitmer on Friday also named Suzanna Shkreli commissioner of the Michigan Lottery, moving the former executive office employee out of juvenile justice reform work and into the governor's cabinet.

Brown assumes a role left vacant after the abrupt retirement of former Director Orlene Hawks; Shkreli will replace current acting commissioner Jessica Weare, who is moving to a yet-to-be-disclosed state government job. Weare was previously Whitmer's deputy legal counsel.

Both cabinet appointments of Brown and Shkreli are subject to advice and consent of the Michigan Senate.

“I am so excited to welcome Marlon and Suzy to their leadership roles," Whitmer said in a statement Friday. "Both of them have spent their careers working to make our state government more efficient and effective."

Brown formerly served as the agency's chief administrative officer and director of the Office of Policy and Legislative Affairs. He's also served in roles with the Michigan Department Transportation and State Budget Office.

In a statement Friday, Brown said serving in the role is "an incredible honor" to oversee the state agency that regulates a variety of licensed professions.

"The work we do at LARA makes life better for Michiganders," Brown said. "Whether they’re seeking to start their own business or applying for licenses to begin their career, our goal is to make sure Michiganders have everything they need to be successful."........