Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has announced two appointments to the Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees, effective Jan. 1. Venus Joy Brown of Detroit serves as vice president of human resources, organizational effectiveness and employee experience for Assembly Global. Lisa Fittante of Kingsford, whose term as an NMU trustee was set to expire at the end of the year, will continue to serve on the board. The NMU alumna is owner of Fittante and Colenso, CPA, P.C. Both appointments expire Dec. 31, 2032.
Brown is also an adjunct instructor of business at Henry Ford Community College. She previously worked in human resources and talent development at General Motors and Trinity Health. She holds a bachelor of science in communications from Eastern Michigan University and a master of education in instructional technology from Wayne State University. Earlier this year, Brown was recognized as one of nine “Sisters with Superpowers” by rollingout.com. She said her superpower is “a connector who helps people be better, do better, perform better.”
"I am truly excited about the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students, the community, and the staff at Northern Michigan University,” Brown said. “I look forward to collaborating with the board and the president, as well as contributing my skills and expertise in HR, career development, and diversity, inclusion and belonging. I am eager to help build upon the excellent work already being done."
Fittante is a certified public account and holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from NMU. She was first appointed to the NMU Board of Trustees by Gov. Rick Snyder in December 2016 and has served as a member of several committees, including Academic Affairs, which she chaired for three years. Beyond her NMU involvement, Fittante serves as treasurer of the Dickinson County Industrial Development Corporation.
“Thank you to Gov. Whitmer for putting her trust in me for another eight-year term on the Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees,” Fittante said. “I am honored and humbled to serve on this board. I love this university and I am pleased and excited by the direction of the university. I look forward to continuing to work with my fellow board members, faculty, staff, students, administration and with President Tessman to continue Northern's mission of 'supporting our people, partnering with our place, and realizing the potential of all our students.'"
The NMU Board of Trustees is a governing body composed of eight trustees appointed by Michigan's governor.