LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the appointment of Karen Karam as a member of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission (MISPC).  She also announced the re-appointment of former Attorney General Frank J. Kelley to the MSIPC.

“Karen is a welcome addition to a commission that already does an impeccable job  of managing the historic parks of Mackinac for the people of Michigan,” Granholm said.  “I am also thrilled that Frank Kelley will continue to help preserve and protect the parks as he has been doing for years along with the other commission members.”

Karam, of Ray, is a licensed real estate broker and has over 25 years of professional experience.  She is also the owner and operator of golf courses in Washington Township and Ray Township.

Former Attorney General Frank Kelley served as Attorney General from 1961 to 1998.  Kelley also serves as co-chair of the Land Use Leadership Council.

The MISPC was formed in 1895 and is responsible for all aspects of managing Mackinac State Historic Parks.  Mackinac State Historic Parks is a family of living history museums and parks in Northern Michigan’s Straits of Mackinac region.  They include Fort Mackinac and Mackinac Island State Park on Mackinac Island, as well as Colonial Michilimackinac and Historic Mill Creek in Mackinaw City.  The sites are accredited by the American Association of Museums.

The Mackinac Island State Park Commission consists of seven members appointed by the Governor of Michigan and confirmed by the Michigan Senate.  Commissioners serve six-year terms.  The terms of Karam and Kelley will expire April 12, 2009.

Additional information is available at www.mackinacparks.com