Robert Kolt, an Okemos-based public relations consultant and instructor at Michigan State University, has been appointed volunteer president of AARP Michigan.
Kolt’s appointment, effective immediately, is for a two-year term. He succeeds Eric Schneidewind, who served the maximum six years as AARP Michigan president.
Kolt, 53, has served on the AARP Michigan Executive Council since 2010. He says he intends to bring energy and enthusiasm to the volunteer leadership of the 1.4 million-member state arm of AARP.
“I’m among the new generation of AARP members who see AARP as relevant and cool,” said Kolt, a former political strategist, who has expertise in advertising and media relations. “I will spend a lot of time early in my term listening to members to learn what they’re thinking, and how they want us to serve them.”
Kolt noted that AARP will lead a national conversation on protecting and strengthening Social Security and Medicare in 2012. AARP Michigan will engage citizens 50 and older in many cities across the state.
“Bob Kolt brings impressive credentials in business, government, communications and community service to the volunteer leadership position at AARP,” said Jacqueline Morrison, AARP Michigan State Director. “We’re confident he will also bring energy, commitment and vision.”
Kolt is CEO and president of Kolt Communications Inc. He has served as a political adviser to former Gov. James Blanchard and former Secretary of State Richard Austin.
Prior to founding Kolt Communications in 1991, he was communications director for the Michigan Department of Transportation and public affairs officer for the Michigan Department of Treasury.
He also worked as a news anchor and correspondent for WZZM-TV 13 ABC in Grand Rapids and WWTV-WWUP-TV 9/10 CBS in Northern Michigan.
Kolt, who has a master’s degree in Communications from MSU, is an instructor of Public Relations Techniques and Writing and Media Ethics in the Department of Advertising, Public Relations and Retailing College of Communications Arts and Sciences. He has been an instructor at MSU for 19 years.
He has been involved in many community and philanthropic organizations, including Capital Region Community Foundation, Capital Area United Way, the Michigan Nurses Foundation and Lugnuts Charities.
