LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The new executive director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights is starting his job this week in Lansing.
Matt Wesaw will begin Monday. He was chosen for the position by the Michigan Civil Rights Commission earlier in October.
Wesaw fills the vacancy left by the retirement Daniel Krichbaum in July.
With his selection, Wesaw is the first Native American to lead the Civil Rights Department. He plans to retire from his positions as chairman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and president and CEO of the Pokagon Gaming Authority.
The civil rights agency is responsible for civil rights complaint investigations as well as outreach efforts and educational programs to promote voluntary compliance with civil rights laws.
Wesaw previously served 26 years as a state trooper.
