Christopher Friel, a 1987 graduate of Northern Michigan University's land use planning and management program, is the new director of client success for DATAMARK, the public safety geographic information systems (GIS) team of Michael Baker International.

Steve Young of Lansing is the new chair of the Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees, effective Jan. 1. Alexis Hart of Royal Oak will serve as vice chair. The board held elections for the leadership positions at its Dec. 10 meeting. 

Northern Michigan University music education major Caitlin Palomaki of Marquette is serving as guest conductor for the Friday and Saturday performances of NMU Theatre and Dance's “Elf: The Musical.” She will lead the pit orchestra, subbing for music professor Erin Colwitz, who has a conflict directing the Marquette Choral Society concerts this weekend. 

As director of Northern Michigan University's DeVos Art Museum, Emily Lanctot is used to showcasing the work of other artists. But now her own paintings are being featured in a solo exhibition at the Deo Gallery in the lower level of Peter White Public Library. Marquette's Office of Arts and Culture presents “People, Secrets and Snacks” through the month of December, with a public reception from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9.