ALUMNI NEWS Andrea LaFontaine, executive director of the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance, has been named Central Michigan University’s next Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government. The Griffin Chair leads the university’s efforts to elevate political awareness and activity among students, faculty and citizens. As chair, LaFontaine will teach two university courses and host community forums on topics related to Michigan government and policies. She replaced David Rutledge, who held the position since 2017.
CMU alum named next Griffin Endowed Chair LaFontaine will lead university’s efforts to elevate political awareness and activity
LaFontaine has a strong connection to CMU. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science in 2009 and a Master of Public Administration degree in 2011. In 2014, she was recognized as a CMU 10 Within 10 recipient. LaFontaine spent much of the past decade working in the state legislature, starting as an intern, then as a staffer and
Opperman named chair of Isabella Bank Corporation Sarah R. Opperman, ’81, retired executive of the Dow Chemical Company, has been named chair of the Isabella Bank Corporation and Isabella Bank Board of Directors. Opperman joined the boards of Isabella Bank Corporation and the bank in 2012. She worked for Dow nearly 30 years, retiring in 2009 as vice president of global government affairs and public policy. In 2018, she served as interim president and CEO of the Midland Business Alliance, an integrated business hub that includes economic development, the Chamber of Commerce and four other organizations. She received the Chairman’s Award from the Alliance in 2019 for her contributions in strategically realigning and relaunching the organization. Opperman spent eight years on the Central Michigan University Board of Trustees, twice serving as chair. CMU alumni also know her as the namesake of the Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute, founded in 1997 to give students an opportunity to develop their leadership qualities. The institute functions as the coordinating body for the university’s present and future leadership-related activities and programming. •
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eventually as an elected official. She was elected to the state House of Representatives in 2010 and served three consecutive terms representing constituents in Macomb and St. Clair counties. After leaving office in 2016 due to term limits, she worked for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and in 2020 became executive director of the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance. She also has served as an election inspector and a parks and recreation commissioner. “All of these experiences have shaped and continue to shape my perception and understanding of our democratic process,” LaFontaine said. Established in 2000, the Griffin Endowed Chair honors CMU alumni Sen. Robert P. Griffin, who graduated in 1947, and Marjorie Griffin, who graduated in 1944. LaFontaine is the seventh person to hold the position. •
