LANSING — Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of Steve Arwood as director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Arwood had been serving as acting director since December when then-director Steve Hilfinger became chief operating officer at the Michigan Economic Development Corp.
“Steve Arwood has done a great job leading LARA, in addition to his work as head of the state’s Unemployment Insurance Agency,” Snyder said. “Steve is a talented and experienced professional whose strong leadership has been instrumental in the reinvention of Michigan and I can’t think of a better person to take on this important role. I look forward to continuing our work to create a more practical and efficient regulatory system in our state.”
As chief regulatory officer at LARA, Arwood will have principal oversight of licensing and regulatory functions of the state of Michigan, including Licensing and Regulatory, Office of Regulatory Reinvention, Michigan Administrative Hearing System, and Employment Security and Workplace Safety.
Arwood joined LARA in 2011. In addition to his most recent roles, he also served as deputy director overseeing employment security and workplace safety, which includes the Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Employment Relations, and Worker’s Compensation. Before joining LARA, Arwood worked at Windlab Developments where he served as U.S. regional director, and has extensive experience in wind energy development, conservation, and business development. He previously served as deputy director and held other executive management positions at the Michigan Jobs Commission under Gov. John Engler. He also served as director for the House of Representatives Programs and Policy office, and the National Federation for Independent Business-Michigan. Arwood is a graduate of the James Madison College at Michigan State University.
Arwood will continue to head the Unemployment Insurance Agency until a replacement is named.
