Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced that attorney Alex Thibodeau will join her staff as Director of the Appointments Office. The office is responsible for seeking qualified candidates to fulfill responsibilities of the more than 200 boards and commissions that serve the state, as well as vacancies on the governor’s cabinet and judicial vacancies.
“I’m grateful for the many brilliant attorneys, exceptional staff, and world-class clients that have made my experience at Varnum outstanding,” Thibodeau said. “I’m optimistic that my time at Varnum has prepared me well for this next challenge.”
While at Varnum, Thibodeau’s legal practice centered around the intersection of law, public policy and emerging technology through regulatory and data privacy analysis and policy. He is additionally experienced in telecommunication and utility regulation including small cell / 5G development, as well as complex litigation.
“We congratulate Alex on this prestigious appointment and opportunity to serve the state of Michigan,” said Varnum Executive Partner Scott Hill. “We look forward to seeing his contributions in government service.”
Thibodeau earned his law degree from Indiana University Maurer School of Law where he was president of the Student Bar Association. He received a bachelor’s degree in political science and associate degree in journalism from DePaul University. While in law school, he served as a summer clerk for Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert P. Young. Thibodeau was also a Stewart Fellowship recipient and spent several months serving the Supreme Court of India in New Delhi.