David Nyberg will begin his new role as director of corporate engagement at Northern Michigan University on Monday, April 16. He previously served as deputy legal counsel and tribal governments liaison to Gov. Rick Snyder, and director of the governor’s northern Michigan office based in Marquette. Nyberg will serve as NMU’s primary liaison to corporations and foundations. He will help to generate resources for academic programs, secure scholarship support, develop new grant opportunities and support NMU’s community engagement efforts.

“Northern Michigan University has positioned itself at the forefront of academic and economic transformation,” Nyberg said. “It is broadening access to academic and career achievement, curating our regional culture and enriching the human capital necessary to win in the 21st century. I share the vision of greatness that NMU holds for its students and the future of our Upper Peninsula. I’m honored to join its incredible team in serving students, faculty, alumni, and our entire region and state.”

Nyberg will report to both Brad Canale, CEO of the NMU Foundation, and Steve VandenAvond, vice president of Extended Learning and Community Engagement.

"We are very pleased to have recruited Dave to join Northern and lead this new initiative,” Canale said. “He brings a wealth of experience and contacts that will enable a fast start toward achieving our objectives."

Nyberg earned his bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University and his juris doctor at MSU College of Law. He followed law school with several professional experiences in the state’s capital, including legislative affairs manager for Michigan United Conservation Clubs and legislative assistant to the Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives.

The Gladstone native returned to the Upper Peninsula in 2011 and joined the governor’s team soon afterward. Nyberg served as Snyder’s primary ambassador to the region and collaborated with business, education and community leaders to achieve the administration’s strategic priorities. In 2014, he added deputy legal counsel to his duties, overseeing state-tribal affairs, gaming and natural resources matters.

Nyberg is a fellow of the Michigan Political Leadership Program at MSU’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research. He serves on the board of directors for Invest UP, a privately supported regional economic growth engine for the Upper Peninsula. Nyberg is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, Marquette County Bar Association, Economic Club of Marquette County, Noquemanon Skijor Club, Noquemanon Trail Network, Michigan United Conservation Clubs, Escanaba River Association, Fred Waara Chapter of Trout Unlimited and 40 Below MQT.