Carlson, Hettinger to lead WMU board in 2013

KALAMAZOO—Jeanne H. Carlson of Novi, Mich., and James F. Hettinger of Fennville, Mich., have been elected to serve for 2013 as chair and vice chair, respectively, of the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees.

Their election took place at the board's Feb. 27 meeting, the first meeting of 2013 for the WMU governing body. All officers serve one-year terms. Carlson replaces William D. Johnston of Portage, Mich., who remains on the board. Hettinger replaces Carlson in the vice chair position.

Jeanne H. Carlson

Carlson was appointed to the board by then-Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm in 2007. She retired from the post of president and chief executive officer of Blue Care Network of Michigan in 2010 after a 33-year career that included positions at both Blue Care Network and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Prior to being appointed to the BCN leadership role in 2006, Carlson was vice president of the General Motors account and of several other key areas with "the Blues." A certified public accountant, she previously was a staff auditor with the accounting firm of Touche Ross & Co. as well as a private financial consultant.

Carlson earned her bachelor's degree in accounting from WMU in 1968 and her master's in business administration from Wayne State University in 1989. She was a member of the WMU Alumni Association Board of Directors from 1995 to 2001, serving as its president in 2000-01. She has been active in a number of professional and community organizations.

James F. Hettinger

Hettinger was appointed to the WMU board in 2009 by Granholm as well. He retired in 2008 as head of Battle Creek Unlimited, after 30 years of service with that economic-development organization. He joined Battle Creek Unlimited in 1978 as marketing director, and one year later was named president and CEO. He is credited with attracting nearly 100 companies and 9,400 jobs to Battle Creek's Fort Custer Industrial Park during his tenure.

For his work in economic development, Hettinger received letters of commendation from two U.S. presidents—Bill Clinton and George W. Bush—and in 1995 was selected by then Gov. John Engler as the state's Economic Developer of the Year.