January 26, 2007

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the appointment of M. Scott Bowen as director of the Office of the State Employer.  In this position, Bowen will oversee all collective bargaining, labor-management relations, and other employee services for more than 50,000 state workers in Michigan.
 
"Scott has dedicated his life to serving others, and his integrity and enthusiasm will carry over into his new role as the state employer," Granholm said.  "His extensive legal background will provide a strong foundation to help him represent the state of Michigan on a variety of labor-management issues."

Bowen, 43, of Wyoming, is a practicing attorney and served as judge of the 62-A District Court in Wyoming until July 2005.  Prior to his judicial appointment, Bowen was a partner at McInerney & Bowen and was a founder and partner of Bowen, Distel & Haynes P.L.C.

In addition to his judicial appointment, Bowen's previous government experience includes two terms on the Grand Rapids City Council, serving as president in 1999.   Bowen was also a special assistant attorney general for the Michigan Department of Transportation and an assistant city attorney for the cities of Kentwood, Lowell, and Rockford.

Bowen earned his law degree from the University of Detroit Law School and his bachelor's degree from Michigan State University.

Bowen replaces David H. Fink who previously returned to his law practice.