LANSING – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the reappointment James Hansen of Escanaba to the Michigan State Waterways Commission.

Housed within the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the seven-member commission is responsible for the acquisition, construction and maintenance of recreational harbors, channels, docking and launching facilities, and administration of commercial docks in the Straits of Mackinac.

Also reappointed was Nicki Polan of White Lake.

“Nicki and James have been valuable members of the commission and I am thankful for their continued service,” Snyder said.

Hansen is a founding member and past chairman of the Escanaba Harbor Advisory Committee. He currently serves as a field supervisor of student teachers at Lake Superior State University. He previously served in administrative positions for the Escanaba, Gladstone and Stephenson school districts, and at North Central High School.

Hansen holds a bachelor’s degree in geography from Northern Michigan University, a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from the University of Wisconsin of Oshkosh and an educational specialist’s degree in secondary administration from Northern Michigan University. He will continue to represent persons residing north of Townline 16 in the Upper Peninsula.

Members serve three-year terms expiring Sept. 18, 2016, and the appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the state Senate.