Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has announced her first appointment to the Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees. Bridget Summers of Baraga will fill a vacancy created by the unexpected death of Travis Weber in February. Summers is vice president of the Baraga County Chamber of Commerce and director of the Village of L'Anse Downtown Development Association. She previously served as director of Settlements and Global Operation at Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc.
“We are pleased to welcome Bridget Summers to the NMU Board of Trustees,” said NMU President Fritz Erickson. “She brings a valuable set of viewpoints to the board through her past and present work in the financial and economic development fields, her experiences living in urban Chicago and rural Baraga, and through her participation in local K-12 educational activities and community endeavors. We look forward to her bringing the energy and passion she's known for to help Northern accomplish its progressive goals."
NMU Board Chair Robert Mahaney added, “We're delighted to welcome Ms. Summers to the NMU Board of Trustees. We look forward to utilizing her talents and perspectives to advance the mission of Northern Michigan throughout the Upper Peninsula and the region.”
A Chicago native, Summers moved to the Upper Peninsula to start a family with her husband and NMU alumnus Ken Summers. Her community involvement also has included the Baraga County Economic Development Corporation and Sacred Heart School Council. She holds a bachelor's degree from National Louis University.
“Education is empowering because it can be the canvas for meaningful debates surrounding a myriad of topics, critical thinking that leads to innovative and creativity solutions, or civic dialogue that influences policies, decisions and humanity,” Summers said. “I am looking forward to working with my fellow colleagues as we further Northern Michigan University's mission to provide a high-quality education to people from all walks of life.”
Summers' term expires Dec. 31, 2026. This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.