Governor Gretchen Whitmer has reappointed Dr. Brandy Brown of Kalamazoo to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) Board, where she will continue her service as Chairperson. The appointment, announced in September, highlights Kalamazoo’s leadership on statewide issues of environmental stewardship and community investment.
Established in 1976, the Trust Fund uses revenues from the development of state-owned mineral resources to support land acquisition and development projects for public recreation, environmental protection, and scenic preservation. Since its creation, the Fund has awarded more than $1.35 billion in grants to nearly 3,000 projects across all 83 counties. In Southwest Michigan alone, over 219 projects have been supported, representing more than $121 million in investment.
“For the past four years, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board—a role that has allowed me to collaborate with exceptional leaders, including my fellow trustees, dedicated Department of Natural Resources staff, and engaged residents from across the state,” Brown said. “This year, I am deeply honored to serve as Chairperson of the Board. I look forward to continuing our collaborative work during my upcoming term, ensuring that the Trust Fund’s impact endures for future generations and remains a model for how states can invest in land stewardship.”
Brown is the founder of Sadberry Singer, a Kalamazoo-based firm dedicated to equity-centered climate solutions. Her career has spanned leadership roles as Vice President at DNV, Chief Innovation Officer at Walker-Miller Energy Services, and climate and energy advisor for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. She also brings strong academic credentials, holding a BA and MPA from American University and a PhD in interdisciplinary evaluation from Western Michigan University.
Her reappointment underscores Kalamazoo’s influence in shaping Michigan’s future, where local voices are driving decisions that balance environmental protection with opportunities for recreation and community growth. As she begins a new term, Dr. Brown’s leadership promises to keep Southwest Michigan at the forefront of conversations about land, equity, and sustainability.