Eastern Michigan University’s new governmental and community relations team has been selected.
Former Ann Arbor city councilman Leigh Greden was named executive director of governmental and community relations, pending approval by the Board of Regents. His appointment is effective March 22.
Chad Wing, chief of staff for Senator Tony Stamas, R-Midland, has been named director of state and federal relations. Pending approval by the Board of Regents, Wing’s appointment will be effective March 1.
Geoff Larcom, executive director of media relations, said the appointments will affect students in a detailed manner.
“Their positions will affect the student body in that a greater degree of collaboration and cooperation between EMU and the surrounding community results in more understanding of the good things EMU does,” Larcom said.
“That can result in more service opportunities for students, more beneficial town-gown initiatives, such as crime mapping, and even more financial support or enrollment gains. All those aspects can benefit students.”
“Wing and Greden will interact with lawmakers in Lansing and D.C.,” he said. “Those lawmakers help control the money EMU receives from the government. So it’s vital lawmakers understand the mission of EMU and how we benefit the public and students.”
Greden has a background in law, having been an associate with Miller, Canfield, Paddock & Stone, PLC, in Ann Arbor since 2004.
He has also represented the Board of Regents and automotive and public utility clients.
From 2003 to 2009, he served as a member of the Ann Arbor City Council. While a councilman, Greden served as chair of the Student Relations Committee and was a member of several other committees.
Wing served as chief of staff for Senator Stamas since 2003.
While chief of staff, Wing oversaw legislation the senator produces and he acted as a liaison between the senator and other elected officials. Wing also handled media relations for the senator.
In a press release to the campus community, President Sue Martin said, “Chad Wing’s deep understanding of the state’s higher education budget process and Lansing politics, along with his extensive contacts in the Legislature, make him an ideal fit for Eastern Michigan and this position,” Martin said.
Martin also said “Leigh Greden brings an outstanding combination of government and community involvement and contacts to Eastern Michigan.”
The positions were appointed by a search committee, representatives of the Eastern Michigan University president’s cabinet, faculty and student government.
Greden’s salary will be $135,000 and Wing’s will be $80,000.
