Contact:
Kelly Chesney 517-373-2520
Agency:
Secretary of State
Terri Lynn Land has served as Michigan's 41st Secretary of State since January 1, 2003. She earned re-election in November 2006 and began her second four-year term January 1, 2007.
Ensuring quality customer service through efficiency, innovation and technology drives Secretary Land's agenda. At her direction, Internet options are continually being expanded, making it more convenient to do business with the Secretary of State's office. The ease of using Web services has spurred an increase of more than 200 percent in online vehicle and watercraft registration renewals since 2003.
Secretary Land also revolutionized the branch
office structure, creating PLUS offices and SUPER!Centers that offer enhanced
services and expanded hours. Other advancements include the introduction of
Self-Service Stations for easy license plate tab renewals and creation of an
online Branch Office Locator that lets customers find office locations, hours
and services simply by entering their ZIP code, city or county.
Secretary Land is guiding Michigan elections
into a new era as well. Her leadership paved the way for the state's successful
transition to modern optical-scan voting equipment. In November 2008, Land
oversaw the successful administration of the U.S. presidential election in
Michigan, which featured record voter turnout of more than five million. A
vigorous advocate of voting rights, Secretary Land has worked closely with the
disability community to implement Michigan's first-ever equipment designed
specifically for voters with disabilities. She also partnered with communities
and disability groups to ensure that local polling places are accessible to
voters. The Michigan Rehabilitation Conference honored Secretary Land with its
2006 Excellence Award for her commitment to voters with disabilities.
Safe families and communities round out
Secretary Land's priorities. Michigan's Driver Education Act, which is based on
Secretary Land's proposal, strengthens requirements for students and
instructors. In addition, she was instrumental in the enactment of a law that
expedites the removal of abandoned vehicles from our roads and neighborhoods. To
help protect state and national security, Secretary Land proposed the concept of
a secure driver's license that also serves as a passport. The idea was
eventually adopted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and approved for
implementation in Michigan and several other border states.
Prior to her election, Secretary Land served as Kent County clerk from 1992-2000, at a time of tremendous change and growth in Michigan's 4th largest county. In that position, her focus was on making county government more open and convenient for the public.
Secretary Land's political involvement stretches back to her high school years, when she served as a "scatter blitzer" for the Gerald R. Ford for President campaign. As a budding politician, she was one of the youngest attendees at the Republican State Convention in 1978.
Heavy involvement with community organizations is also one of Secretary Land's hallmarks. She is active with several at the local, regional and state level. In her spare time, Secretary Land enjoys gardening and water-skiing.
Of all her accomplishments, Secretary Land is most proud of her family. She married Dan Hibma in 1983 and the couple have two children together: Jessica, a 2008 graduate of the University of Michigan, and Nicholas, a student at Grand Valley State University. They attend Corinth Reformed Church, where Secretary Land was nursery supervisor for many years. A graduate of Grandville High School, she received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Hope College in Holland, Michigan.
She was presented with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by Davenport University
in 2009 and an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree by Central Michigan University in
2007.
Awards and Recognitions
Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from
Davenport University in 2009 in recognition of her "exceptional accomplishments
as Secretary of State."
Honored for her career achievements as a
member of the Inner Circle of Inforum, Michigan's largest organization for
professional women.
Named one of "50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan" by the Grand Rapids Business Journal.
2008 Partner in Safety Award from the Michigan Center for Truck Safety to her and the department for helping the Center achieve its mission of protecting motorists through safer truck travel.
Awarded Honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from Central Michigan University in 2007 in recognition of her professional achievements.
2007 Distinguished Service Award from the Michigan Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association, for her commitment to improving driver education.
Distinguished Leader Award by the Michigan Business and Professional Association in 2007. The award honors women who have demonstrated successful leadership in workplaces and communities of Michigan.
The Executive Board Medal by the Michigan Pharmacists Association. This 2007 recognition was for her successful partnership with the organization in cautioning the public against drowsy driving.
The Mayor's Cup by the Michigan Boating Industries Association. This was presented to her in 2007 for her contributions to the recreational boating industry.
Named as "Public Servant of the Year" for 2006 by the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA) in recognition of her work on behalf of people with disabilities.
2006 Michigan Rehabilitation Conference Excellence Award for "furthering the understanding of and advancement of individuals with disabilities."
Named as one of Government Technology magazine's "Top 25 doers, dreamers and drivers" for 2005 in recognition of her leadership.
Professional Appointments
Co-Chair,
Voter Participation Committee,
National Association of Secretaries of State,
2008
Member, Executive Board, 2007 - 2009
Vice President,
Midwestern Region, 2007 - 2008
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