Gov. Whitmer Announces Acting Director of Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, & Energy, and Additional Staff Updates

Press Release

Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer selected Aaron Keatley as the acting director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy as Dan Eichinger takes a new opportunity as vice president of governmental and external affairs for Ferris State University. The governor also announced promotions for staff and new hires in the executive office.

"Dan Eichinger has been a staple of this administration since day one," said Governor Whitmer. "He has led the DNR and EGLE with grit to make the state he calls home a better place. I know that generations of Michiganders will feel the impact left by Dan's work as they enjoy our lakes--both Great and small, and forests that go as far as the eye can see. We are going to miss Dan as he takes a new role continuing to make a difference for Michigan and we wish him the best of luck."

Aaron Keatley, Acting Director of EGLE

Aaron Keatley served as chief deputy director at EGLE prior to taking the role as acting director. He was responsible for the management of Michigan's environmental programs and the coordination of the many environmental challenges that require concerted efforts among multiple partners and stakeholders. Aaron holds a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife and fisheries management from Michigan State University. He also earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Kentucky.

"I appreciate the opportunity to bridge the transition of filling the director position, which is expected soon. I am also grateful for the leadership Dan provided to the department over the last few months and wish him the best in his next endeavors," said incoming Acting EGLE Director Aaron Keatley. "The talented team here at EGLE is committed to our mission of protecting Michigan's resources and our citizens. We will continue to carry forward the governor's vision to protect our state's resources and ensure Michiganders have what they need to build their lives in our state."

Dan Eichinger, who is currently serving as the acting director of EGLE, has taken a position outside of state government. Dan was one of the first members of the governor's cabinet after being selected as the director of the Department of Natural Resources in 2019. As director of DNR, Dan oversaw the largest investment in Michigan's history in state and local parks. It was a feat nearly a decade in the making after a 16-member Michigan State Parks and Outdoor Recreation Blue Ribbon Panel sent a report to then Governor Rick Snyder in 2012 recommending much-needed investments in the safety and maintenance of, and access to, parks and recreation spaces. The new investment will help the Michigan Department of Natural Resources address a significant backlog of infrastructure, repair, and maintenance needs at 103 existing state parks.

"It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as the steward to our state's natural resources," said Acting EGLE Director Dan Eichinger. "I appreciate Governor Whitmer's trust and confidence in me to do this work day-in and day-out as we protect and preserve the incredible beauty of this great state for generations to come. From our Great Lakes to the streams that flow through our communities, our way of life is defined by these waters. I want to thank all of the dedicated public servants at EGLE and DNR for their work and wish them the best as they continue this mission."

The governor will announce a permanent director for the department in the coming weeks.

Executive Office Staff

Governor Whitmer announced staff promotions and new hires on her executive team in the legal department, constituent services office, community engagement team, and appointments division.

Emily Paski, Tribal Liaison and Associate Counsel

Emily Paski will join the legal team as associate counsel, focusing on legislation and tribal affairs. She previously worked as an associate attorney at Rosette LLP, specializing in tribal law and policy. She worked in the subject areas of tribal business enterprises, child welfare, civil litigation, cultural resource protection, and land re-acquisition. Emily brings experience coordinating and conducting government-to-government relations between Tribes, municipalities, and federal and state regulatory or executive bodies. She is an alumna of the governor's law clerk program and completed a judicial clerkship for Justice Megan K. Cavanagh at the Michigan Supreme Court. Emily received her J.D. from Michigan State University College of Law and earned a Bachelor of Arts in International/Comparative Politics from Western Michigan University.

"Emily is an outstanding selection for the Office of Legal Counsel and its work on Tribal Affairs," said Wenona Singel, Associate Professor at Michigan State University College of Law and Director of the Indigenous Law & Policy Center. "She possesses an extensive knowledge base in the field of law impacting Tribal Nations, and she brings a critical appreciation for the importance of Tribal sovereignty and the challenges facing Tribes today."

Dan Osher, Deputy Legal Counsel

Dan Osher will join the legal team as deputy legal counsel. He previously worked as litigation counsel at Elias Law Group LLP, specializing in federal and state court challenges to state laws and redistricting plans. Dan previously served as a law clerk to judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and U.S. District Courts in California and Connecticut. Dan received his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and a Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern University.

Alex Thibodeau, Director of Appointments

Alex Thibodeau will lead the appointments division as director. Alex previously worked as an associate attorney at Varnum LLP dealing with matters of data privacy, cyber security, and mobility. He brings a background in general and civil litigation and experience in advising and representing municipalities, corporations, insurance companies, and individuals. He clerked for the Michigan Supreme Court. Alex received his J.D. from Indiana University's Maurer School of Law and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from DePaul University.

Nate Engle, Director of the Office of Community Engagement

Nate Engle was promoted to director of Office of Community Engagement. Nate has served in the Executive Office of the Governor since 2022. Before joining, he was a division deputy director at the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, leading economic development efforts. Nate has spent years building up communities in Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Madagascar, and Sudan. He began his career as an assistant in the operations division of the Granholm Administration. Nate received his Master of Public Administration from Grand Valley State University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning from Michigan State University.

Amanda Youssef, Director of Constituent Services

Amanda Youssef has been promoted to director of Constituent Services. She has been with the governor's office since 2022, serving in roles as acting director and deputy director in Constituent Services. She brings years of experience helping Michiganders navigate local, state, and federal government resources, including in former Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence's office and other community organizations. Amanda received a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and International Studies from the University of Michigan.

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