Gov. Snyder Reappoints Michael Puerner to Commission

Governor Rick Snyder has reappointed Michael Puerner of Ada to the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission.

The commission was created as a result of efforts to improve legal representation for low-income criminal defendants. In October 2011, Snyder issued Executive Order 2011-12, establishing the initial Indigent Defense Advisory Commission, responsible for recommending improvements to the state’s legal system. These recommendations served as the basis for legislation to address this need, as well as called for the 15-member Indigent Defense Commission that the governor signed into law in July 2013.

“I thank Michael for his continued commitment to ensuring all Michiganders have access to legal representation,” Snyder said.

Puerner is the vice president, secretary, and general counsel of Hastings Mutual Insurance Company.  He is secretary of the Hastings Mutual Insurance Company Charitable Foundation and chair of the Insurance Alliance of Michigan.  Puerner holds a bachelor’s degree in American Studies from Northwestern University and a law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School. He will continue to serve as a nominee of the Senate Majority Leader.

Puerner will serve a four-year term expiring April 1, 2021.

Read the full press release here.