Michigan Veterans Facility Authority appoints Shawn Turner to Board of Directors

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Veterans' Facility Authority (MVFA) Board of Directors - a ten-member board that governs Michigan Veteran Homes - is pleased to welcome Shawn Turner, of East Lansing, as its newest board member.

Shawn Turner is the General Manager of WKAR Public Media and a Professor of Strategic Communication at Michigan State University. He previously served in several federal government positions including Deputy White House Press Secretary for National Security, Director of Communication for U.S. National Intelligence, and Deputy Press Secretary for Foreign Affairs for the National Security Council.

He is currently a member of the board of directors for National Public Radio (NPR), the board of trustees for the German Marshall fund (GMF), and the executive board of advisors for Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law (CERL) at the University of Pennsylvania.

In 2015, Shawn was awarded the Intelligence Community Leadership Award, and in 2016, he was awarded the Meritorious Presidential Rank Award for outstanding career accomplishments and exemplary service to the nation.

Prior to his civilian career, Shawn served 21 years in the United States Marine Corps. He received his B.A. degree in communication studies from Texas State University and an M.A. degree in communication from George Mason University. He was selected by the majority leader of the senate and appointed by Gov. Whitmer, with the advice and consent of the senate.

The MVFA is still seeking to fill an additional seat on its board, to be appointed by the Governor from a list of two or more individuals selected by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Board members will serve a four-year term. For information related to the MVFA Board, visit Michigan Veterans Facility Authority - About. If you are interested in serving on the board, complete an application for appointment here: Board or Commission Application. If you have questions about the board or application process, please contact Ryan Engle at [email protected].