GRAND RAPIDS — Michigan attorney Eric Schneidewind has been named president-elect of AARP, the national non-profit organization that advocates for people 50 years and older. Schneidewind will serve as president-elect until 2016, when he will assume the role of president.
Schneidewind, who has practiced energy law at Varnum LLP for the past 28 years, is no stranger to public service or the AARP. Prior to joining Varnum in 1986, he had an extensive career in state government, culminating with a six-year term as commissioner, then chairman, of the Michigan Public Service Commission from 1979-1985. Additionally, he serves as counsel to Energy Michigan, the trade group of Michigan businesses and end users advocating competition in the electric sector.
Schneidewind also served as president of AARP Michigan from 2006 to 2012 and served as secretary for the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association. He began serving the national board of AARP in 2012. He has also been a volunteer for more than 20 years at local homeless shelters in the Lansing area.
Schneidewind will remain active in his energy practice and continue to work out of Varnum’s Lansing office, although he expects to devote significant time to AARP matters.
