By Dawn Wolfe Gutterman
LANSING – With the departure of Rick Wiener as Governor Jennifer M. Granholm's chief operating officer, Granholm's office announced on Sept. 13 that openly-gay John Burchett, current director of her Washington D.C. office, will serve as the new chief of staff.
Burchett will step in upon Wiener's departure Nov. 1, and will begin to transition into the new office in October. As director of the Governor's Washington D.C. office, Burchett currently serves as the Governor's representative to both the National Governors Association and the Democratic Governors Association.
LGBT community leaders were pleased by the decision.
"I think it's an excellent choice for leading the governor's staff here in Lansing," said openly-gay State Representative Chris Kolb of Ann Arbor.
"I can't think of a better person for the Governor to hire to fill that position," he said, adding that it is "one of the most important and powerful positions in the administration. I think it also shows the commitment that the Governor has to find not only the best and the brightest, but her commitment to diversity in its broadest definition. That she would pick a member of the LGBT community who is well known and regarded shows her commitment to make sure that all of Michigan is represented in her administration."
"In assuming the position of Chief of Staff for Governor Jennifer Granholm, John Burchett becomes one of the highest openly gay public officials in Michigan's history," said Triangle Foundation Director of Policy Sean Kosofsky. "We have known John and worked with him in many initiatives for almost twenty years. We know his skills and dedication to public service. Michigan and the Governor could not do better in a leader than John Burchett."
"John's success in his career should be an inspiration and example to other GLBT people in government and public service…that being out and qualified are complimentary elements to advancement and recognition," Kosofsky added.
Chris Swope, executive director of Michigan Equality, agreed. "I think it shows Governor Granholm's commitment to equality that she would place an openly gay man in such a high and visible position, and that openness is one of the reasons Michigan Equality worked so hard to get her elected in 2002," he said.
The Governor herself gave Burchett very high marks.
"John is an iron fist in a velvet glove," said Granholm. "He's every bit as determined and tenacious as he is uplifting and gracious. He's a skilled manager of people, he's well-respected by my staff and Cabinet, and he knows how to cut to the quick of solving a problem. He's the kind of professional – and friend – I trust to offer smart counsel and honest input in every situation."
Before being named director of the D.C. office, Burchett served as deputy director of Governor Granholm's transition team. A Michigan native, Burchett has worked in Washington D.C. for the past eight years, serving during that time as a White House Fellow, a special assistant to the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, an assistant management officer for the D.C. Control Board, and a government management consultant, specializing in state and local government, business planning, and business process reengineering.
Before moving to Washington in 1997, Burchett served for three years as an assistant Wayne County corporation counsel where he specialized in real estate and economic development projects. He was heavily involved in the negotiations and development of both the new Tiger Stadium and Ford Field in downtown Detroit. Burchett also served as counsel for Little Caesars Enterprises and was an attorney at Honigman Miller Schwarz and Cohn.
As for Wiener, Kosofsky called him "a great friend" of the LGBT community.
"We wish Rick Weiner nothing but good things as he moves on," Kosofsky said. "He has always been a great friend of Triangle Foundation and the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. All of us who value and love Michigan will miss the council and guidance he has provided the Governor in these challenging times."
For more on Governor Granholm's inclusion of LGBT community members in her staff, see "Gays in the Governor's Office" online athttps://www.pridesource.com.
