Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the selection of Judy Karandjeff to serve as Executive Director of the Michigan Women’s Commission and designated Emma Bell as Commission Chair.

“These two extraordinary women will work together to ensure that the commission is moving forward on issues that are important to the women and the people of Michigan,” Granholm said. “Both Judy and Emma have a record of being advocates for women and for the issues that are significant to them and their families. These two new leaders will help us focus on rethinking the messages our society sends about women.”

Karandjeff, of East Lansing, most recently served as Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of Michigan where she was responsible for the state public affairs office that represented six statewide Planned Parenthood affiliates.

Previously, Karandjeff was a legislative research analyst for the Michigan House of Representatives Democratic Research Staff. She provided supportive services for the Democratic caucus on public health issues and health care reform. Karandjeff was instrumental in drafting and negotiating several major pieces of legislation, including AIDS and infant mortality initiatives and revision of the licensing and discipline process for health care professionals.

Karandjeff also served as legislative aide to Representative Mary Brown from 1983 to 1986. From 1982 to 1986, Karandjeff served as treasurer and a board member on the Ingham County Women’s Commission. She also served as board member for Women in State Government, the Michigan Coalition for Children and Families, and the League of Women Voters of Michigan.

Emma Bell, of Detroit, currently serves as a member of the Michigan Women’s Commission and is the director of Public Affairs for the Wayne County Commission where she encourages thousands of citizens to exercise their right to vote. As a civic community leader, Bell has also dedicated her time to ensuring that the needs of senior citizens in the community are met.

Bell volunteers her time to numerous community organizations including the Board of Directors for the Black Caucus Foundation, Booker T. Washington Business Association, Boysville of Michigan, National Political Congress of Black Women (national and the Greater Detroit Chapter), and the Young Women’s Christian Association.

Granholm hopes the commission will focus on important women’s issues such as preventing teenage pregnancy, infant mortality, pay equity for women, and improving the way women and girls are portrayed through mass media outlets.