Oakland County attorney named to Michigan NRC

Gov. Rick Snyder has appointed two new members to the state’s Natural Resources Commission (NRC) on Tuesday, Jan. 10.

The NRC is a seven-member public body whose members are appointed by the governor. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the state Senate.

The NRC works with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in ways to conserve, protect, manage, use, and enjoy the state’s natural resources for current and future generations.

Birmingham resident Rex Schlaybaugh, Jr. and Muskegon resident Annoesjka Steinman will replace Hurley Coleman and Mary Brown, respectively, on the NRC.

“I look forward to Rex and Annoesjka’s contributions as we continue efforts to enhance, promote and protect our state’s natural resources,” Snyder stated in a press release announcing the appointments.

Schlaybaugh earned a bachelor’s degree from Albion College and a law degree from the University of Detroit School of Law. He has been a member of the Dykema law firm for 38 years and has served as chairman and CEO of the firm for a three-year term that expired on Dec. 31.

He also serves on the boards of the Detroit Economic Club, the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition, and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. Schlaybaugh has previously served as a member and chairman of the Oakland University Board of Trustees. He is also an avid fly fisherman.

Steinman earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of South Florida and a master’s degree in natural resources management from Grand Valley State University.

Steinman is the executive director and CEO of the Blandford Nature Center in Grand Rapids and has previously worked for the Ottawa/Muskegon Conservation Districts, managed the Mona Lake Watershed Council, and served as a member of the Muskegon Community Foundation Board and Norton Shores City Council.

Schlaybaugh and Steinman will join John Madigan, John Matonich, J.R. Richardson, Frank Wheatlake, and Chairman Tim Nichols on the commission. Both appointees will serve four-year terms set to expire on Dec. 31, 2015.