NMU Alumnus Mark Pontti (BS '83) of Iron Mountain has been appointed director of Gov. Rick Snyder's Northern Michigan Office. He is a former public affairs manager for Verso Corporation and also was communications and community relations manager for International Paper and Champion International, all located in Quinnesec, Mich. Pontti succeeds Dave Nyberg, who left state government to pursue a new career opportunity at NMU (see related story here). 

“Given Mark’s long-time background in the Upper Peninsula and his experience in communications and public affairs, I’m confident the voice of Michiganders in our beautiful northern areas will continue to be heard loud and clear in Lansing,” Snyder said.