Freman Hendrix, the former deputy mayor of Detroit, is
Eastern Michigan University's first-ever chief governmental
relations officer. He will begin in his new position Aug.
16. The appointment is pending approval from the Board
of Regents.
Hendrix, who will report directly to the president, will
be responsible for focusing on strengthening relationships
with legislators in Lansing and congressmen in Washington,
D.C. His Lansing efforts will be focused on the annual
appropriations and capital outlay process. In Washington,
his efforts on behalf of EMU will focus on the federal
earmarking process and other special projects.
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Hendrix |
"I have every confidence that Freman will make a great
difference for EMU in Lansing and in Washington, D.C.," said
EMU President John Fallon. "He is an EMU alumnus ('82)
and he has a great love for and commitment to this institution.
Freman will raise EMU's profile in Lansing and Washington
to a level we have not seen before."
"As an alumnus and a person committed to the University,
I see this as an opportunity to get more involved at the
policy-setting and strategic planning levels," Hendrix
said. "At this point in my career, nothing is more important
to me than helping move my University forward."
Hendrix, 55, has served in many roles in the public and
private sector. He was the assistant Wayne County executive,
legislative affairs; chairman, Detroit Public Schools Board
of Education; deputy mayor, city of Detroit; and, most
recently, president of Advanced Security and Investigative
Solutions, Inc.
His numerous awards and honors include: a presidential
appointment by former president Bill Clinton to the Commission
on National Merit Scholars; "Man of the Year" by the Minority
Women's network; the G. Mennen Williams Leadership Award;
and the Metropolitan Detroit Leadership for the 21st Century
Architects Award.
Hendrix has remained very involved with EMU. He is an
active member of EMU's Black Alumni Chapter and was the
chairman of the Friends Committee of EMU's first comprehensive
capital campaign. He also helped secure a major gift for
the restoration of Pease Auditorium, the campus home of
the EMU Symphony.
"In addition to his professional contributions, Freman's
long history of community and civic service, and his numerous
awards and recognitions make him an extremely strong addition
to the EMU community," Fallon said.
