Governor Whitmer Appoints State Historic Preservation Officer

Appointee to help preserve Michigan history while growing economic development.

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointment of Mark A. Rodman as the State Historic Preservation Officer.

“Mark’s unparalleled experience and expertise will help our state connect with its past,” said Whitmer. “Michiganders everywhere will benefit from Mark's leadership and his commitment to identifying and uplifting historic places for future generations to enjoy.”

Mark A. Rodman, of Lansing, most recently served as the executive director of the Michigan Historic Preservation Network. He has also worked as a managing member with Lynmar Group, LLC for over 10 years providing consulting services for historic rehabilitation projects. Rodman previously served as the deputy state historic preservation officer and chief preservation programs officer for the State of Colorado and held positions as the executive director of Colorado Preservation Inc. and chief operating officer of Preservation North Carolina.

Rodman holds a Master of Arts in Historic Preservation Planning from Cornell University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Master of Business Administration from Winthrop University. He is a member of the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions Board of Directors, and previously served on the Michigan Main Street Advisory Committee and as the treasurer for the Cultural Advocacy Network of Michigan.

Rodman will serve for a term commencing July 12, 2021 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

“Michigan has a wealth of diverse historic resources ranging from pre-historic archaeological sites to midcentury modern buildings and homes,” said Rodman. “I'm excited that Governor Whitmer has afforded me the opportunity to work with communities to identify, preserve, protect, rehab and revitalize the places, structures and buildings that mean so much to Michiganders. I look forward to combining historic preservation and economic development to build a bright future for business districts and neighborhoods across our state.”

“Mark brings a wealth of experience, a keen perspective and a commitment to customer service and problem solving that will help continue to not only effectively run SHPO, but to facilitate collaboration and new opportunities to capitalize on historic preservation for communities throughout the state,” said Michele Wildman, Senior Vice President of Community Development at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “We look forward to welcoming Mark to the MSF as MEDC continues to focus on innovative placemaking by transforming underutilized – and often historic – properties into vibrant areas here in Michigan.”

The State Historic Preservation Officer is appointed by the governor to administer the State Historic Preservation Office and Michigan’s historic preservation program in compliance with 36 CFR § 61.4, including the employment of a professionally qualified staff. Executive Order No. 2019-13 transferred the State Historic Preservation Office from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to the Michigan Strategic Fund.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.