From the Office of the Governor:
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer selected Brian Love to serve as the new director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) beginning October 31 after Adam Hollier announced his resignation. The governor also announced a promotion within the executive office.
“We want Michigan to provide the best care and support for brave men and women who have served in our nation’s military,” said Governor Whitmer. “That’s why we ensure our veterans agency is led by veterans who understand the commitment and sacrifice that Michiganders in uniform made during their service. Brian Love is the right man for the job. His service in the United States Marine Corps and continued public service on behalf of Michiganders in and out of state government is admirable. I know he will do right by Michigan’s veterans.”
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
Brian Love, Director of MVAA
Brian Love has a long history of service to the state of Michigan, both within and outside of the military community.
Love currently works as the director of community engagement for The Education Trust – Midwest, a regional K-12 education organization. Previously, he served as public affairs and project management director for the Greater Detroit Area Health Council State Outreach from 2016-2018, and as the director at StudentsFirst Michigan from 2013-2016.
He has also served in numerous roles for various state and national leaders and has championed difficult issues in the education equity space. Love is a Whitmer appointee to the MI Veterans Trust Fund Board of Directors and serves as chair of the Black Leadership Advisory Council Education Committee. He is a board member of the Detroit Parent Network, where he previously served as president. He is the secretary of the Black Family Development Inc. International Training Institute Board and sits on the Hope Network Michigan Education Corps Advisory Council.
He is the Chair of the Michigan NAACP Veterans Affairs Committee. Love honorably served as a member of the United States Marine Corps and continues to serve as sergeant-at-arms in the Montford Point Marine Corp League Detachment #158.
Love is married to his high school sweetheart, Lonita, and is the proud father of two children, Jamario and Tori.
“My time in the military helped shape and define who I am both personally and professionally, just like it has for so many Michigan veterans across the state,” said incoming MVAA Director Brian Love. “Every veteran has a story to tell and a valuable set of skills that contributes to our state outside of their time in uniform. My mission as the director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency is to uplift those contributions and honor the state’s commitment to supporting veterans with the highest quality of service. I’m honored to give back to my fellow service members and can’t wait to get started.”
Brian Love was selected to fill the position left by Adam Hollier who stepped down to pursue opportunities outside of state government. Todd Butler will serve as acting director until Love is formally appointed.
“I’m so proud of the work that Adam has done leading our Veteran’s Affairs Agency,” said Governor Whitmer. “From tackling the rising rates of homelessness and suicide, to creating more job opportunities for those who served, Adam has made a real difference in the lives of thousands of Michiganders. Just like he did as Detroit’s state senator, Adam delivered results. He’s been a strong, effective leader and a trusted voice in my cabinet.”
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Executive Office Staff
In addition to selecting new cabinet leadership, Governor Whitmer announced a staff change on her executive team. Maria Martinez is being promoted from chief compliance officer to deputy chief of staff, effective in November. In this new role, Martinez will be responsible for managing special projects, among other things.
“Our administration hit the ground running this year with a list of ambitious goals to continue improving the lives of Michiganders,” said Governor Whitmer. “We’ve made incredible progress thanks in part to our incredible team and our partners in the legislature. Maria Martinez is one of those team players who has been a cornerstone of this office since coming onboard. She will continue to be an invaluable member of our leadership.”
The executive office will begin a search for a new chief compliance officer.
Maria Martinez, Deputy Chief of Staff
Maria Martinez was promoted to deputy chief of staff. Martinez joined the executive office in December 2020 as deputy legal counsel and was promoted to chief compliance officer in October 2021. She also formerly led the governor’s legal team as acting chief legal counsel in addition to her role as chief compliance officer. She has experience as a former in-house counsel for a Michigan business and working as an attorney at Bodman PLC, a Detroit-based law firm. Martinez received both her J.D. and undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan.
