Gov. Gretchen WHITMER today announced her appointment of Tremaine PHILLIPS to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC).

Phillips will replace Norm SAARI who was appointed by former Gov. Rick SNYDER in 2015 with a term ending July 2. Saari was the former chief of staff for former House speakers Kevin COTTER and Jase BOLGER.

Whitmer has now made two appointments to the three-member MPSC. Earlier this year, she tapped Dan SCRIPPS to fill the vacancy left by Rachael EUBANKS when Whitmer named her state treasurer (See "Scripps Selected To Join MPSC; Bieda Going To Treasury," 2/8/19).

MPSC Chair Sally TALBERG is now the lone Snyder holdover, whose term ends July 2, 2021.

Phillips is currently the director of the Cincinnati 2030 District and the former vice president of strategic initiatives for Empower Gas and Electric, LLC, according to the Governor's office.

He formerly served as the assistant deputy director of the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth (DELEG) under former Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM, as well as in an energy program association with the Michigan Environmental Council, and as an intern with the White House Council on Environmental Quality.

He earned his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Economics and Policy from Michigan State University, and his Master of Arts in Public Policy and Management and Juris Doctor degree from The Ohio State University.

"Tremaine's experience ranges from the utility sector, state government and clean energy advocacy," the Governor said in a statement today. "His diverse background will give him the knowledge and insight to be successful in his new role and is supported by a broad array of stakeholders from environmental groups to business organizations."

Phillips will serve a term expiring July 2, 2025, and his appointment is subject to then advice and consent of the Senate.