Northwestern Michigan College trustees will begin the process of replacing Vice Chair Rachel Johnson after she resigned from her position last week.

Johnson announced she was stepping down from the board for personal reasons. She has been a trustee since November 2016. During her tenure, Johnson served as chair and vice chair as well as a member of the presidential search committee, presidential performance and compensation committee, executive committee, strategic planning steering committee, and foundation board.

Michigan law gives NMC 30 days to fill the vacancy. Registered voters of Grand Traverse County are eligible to apply. Commitments for the non-compensated trustee position include, but are not limited to, the following:

> Regular board meeting, typically the fourth Monday of the month at 5:30pm
> Board study sessions and committee meetings scheduled as required
> Annual board retreat—sometimes overnight
> Participation in other college functions including commencement, receptions, ceremonies, events
> Travel periodically for purposes of professional development and representing the college at various state and national association meetings. Trustee travel is paid by NMC.

Applicants should submit a letter of interest and materials explaining their qualifications for the position. Applications must be received by 5pm on February 6. They may be submitted online, emailed to lmoritz@nmc.edu, or sent or delivered to:

Trustee Search
Office of the President
Northwestern Michigan College
1701 East Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49686

Application materials are subject to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. Interviews will be conducted in special public meetings according to the Michigan Open Meetings Act. Trustees will hold a special meeting on Monday, February 19 at 3pm to fill the vacancy until the next election in November. At that time, voters will choose a candidate to serve the remainder of the term held by Johnson, which expires December 31, 2026.