Awards and Appointments!


Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Director, Rebecca Humphries, announced the appointment of two former DNR employees, on August 12, 2004.  Patricia Stewart will rejoin the DNR as it’s Chief Communications Officer and Rodney Stokes will return as the Department’s Legislative Liaison.  Stewart will head up the DNR’s newly formed Office of Communications. 

“I am so pleased that Pat agreed to return,” said Humphries. “She has a great deal of experience in that communications arena and a solid understanding of our Department, our publics, and our issues.  Her expertise and institutional memory will assist us in building a strong information office for the Department and the people of Michigan.” 

Stewart started in her new position on August 30.  Stokes returned as the DNR’s Legislative Liaison on September 7, replacing Dennis Knapp, who moved into a new policy position in Wildlife and Law Divisions.  Stokes retired from the Department in 2002 as chief of the Parks and Recreation Bureau with 25 years of service.  He recently left a position as Director of Recreation and Parks for the City of Gainesville, Florida to return to Michigan. 

“It’s very exciting that Rod has agreed to return to Michigan and the Department,” said Humphries.  “He not only brings a thorough knowledge of our state, our natural resources, and our Department, he has a keen sense of legislative affairs.  Land issues and our state parks are both areas in which the Legislature has a keen interest, and Rod brings a thorough working knowledge in both of these arenas to his role of Legislative Liaison.”

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After nearly seven years as the Marketing and Media Director for the West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA), Dianna Stampfler has stepped out on her own with an independent marketing and consulting company called, Promote Michigan.  The mission of the company is to provide personalized marketing and media services to select destinations and tourism-related businesses in Michigan. 

“My experience with WMTA has taught me a great deal about marketing and promotion within the hospitality industry,” Stampfler said.  “I’ve developed countless long-term relationships with tourism professionals and media representatives which I look forward to continuing in my new venture.  The timing is right, and I am excited to take advantage of the opportunities before me.”

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Patricia Thomas will be leaving her position as Executive Director of Circle Michigan, Inc. on September 30, 2004.  We wish her well in future endeavors.

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