Governor Gretchen Whitmer made a significant announcement regarding changes in the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) leadership, with the appointment of Brian Love as the new director and a staff promotion within the executive office. These changes come after the resignation of Adam Hollier, who led the MVAA. Governor Whitmer expressed her commitment to providing top-tier care and support to Michigan’s veterans, emphasizing the importance of having veterans themselves lead the agency. Love, a former member of the United States Marine Corps, is set to take the reins of the MVAA and continue the agency’s mission to support veterans across the state.
“We want Michigan to provide the best care and support for brave men and women who have served in our nation’s military,” said Governor Whitmer. “That’s why we ensure our veterans agency is led by veterans who understand the commitment and sacrifice that Michiganders in uniform made during their service. Brian Love is the right man for the job. His service in the United States Marine Corps and continued public service on behalf of Michiganders in and out of state government is admirable. I know he will do right by Michigan’s veterans.”
Brian Love will succeed Adam Hollier, who stepped down to explore opportunities outside of state government. Todd Butler will serve as the acting director of MVAA until Love’s formal appointment.
Love brings a wealth of experience to his new role as the Director of MVAA. His journey in service extends from the military to various roles in state and national leadership, as well as advocacy in the education equity space. Currently, he serves as the director of community engagement for The Education Trust – Midwest, a regional K-12 education organization.
His impressive professional background includes previous roles such as public affairs and project management director for the Greater Detroit Area Health Council State Outreach and director at StudentsFirst Michigan. Love is no stranger to leadership roles, as he is also the chair of the Black Leadership Advisory Council Education Committee, a Whitmer appointee to the MI Veterans Trust Fund Board of Directors, and a board member of the Detroit Parent Network, among other notable positions.
Love’s dedication to veterans’ causes is further exemplified by his role as the Chair of the Michigan NAACP Veterans Affairs Committee and his continued service as the sergeant-at-arms in the Montford Point Marine Corp League Detachment #158.
Love is not just a distinguished professional but also a devoted family man, married to his high school sweetheart, Lonita, and a proud father of two children, Jamario and Tori.
“My time in the military helped shape and define who I am both personally and professionally, just like it has for so many Michigan veterans across the state,” said Love. “Every veteran has a story to tell and a valuable set of skills that contributes to our state outside of their time in uniform. My mission as the director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency is to uplift those contributions and honor the state’s commitment to supporting veterans with the highest quality of service. I’m honored to give back to my fellow service members and can’t wait to get started.”
In addition to the changes in the MVAA, Governor Whitmer announced a staff promotion within her executive team. Maria Martinez, who has been serving as the chief compliance officer, will be promoted to the position of deputy chief of staff in November. In her new role, Martinez will be responsible for managing special projects, among other important tasks.
Maria Martinez’s career trajectory within the Whitmer administration is remarkable. She joined the executive office as deputy legal counsel in December 2020 and quickly rose to the position of chief compliance officer in October 2021. Her legal expertise, combined with her valuable experience, have made her an indispensable member of the leadership team.
Governor Whitmer expressed her admiration for the hard work of her team and their achievements in her administration’s ambitious goals. She specifically praised Maria Martinez for her dedication and vital contributions to the office’s operations.
The executive office will soon initiate a search for a new chief compliance officer to continue fulfilling its crucial functions.
As these changes take effect, Michigan looks ahead to continued support for its veterans and continued progress in the state’s executive office, guided by the leadership of Brian Love and Maria Martinez.
About Post Author
