Michigan State Capitol Commission

The Michigan State Capitol Commission was created in 2013. The legislation forming the Capitol Commission, and defining its responsibilities, can be found here: PA 240 of 2013, PA 241 of 2013, PA 243 of 2013

The Michigan State Capitol Commission consists of the Secretary of the Senate, the Clerk of the House of Representatives, two individuals jointly appointed by the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House, and two individuals appointed by the Governor.

The Commission manages, maintains and restores the Michigan State Capitol Building and its grounds. The Commission appoints an individual to manage the day-to-day operations of the site and employs staff to carry out these responsibilities. The Commission makes recommendations to the Governor, the Senate, and the House of Representatives regarding funding for the site.

Commission Members

Our Capitol Commission Members

William C. Kandler

Chair

William Kandler was appointed to the Michigan State Capitol Commission by the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House in 2017. He was reappointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2019 and 2023. He played an important role in launching the Capitol's award-winning 1987-1992 restoration. He served as Secretary of the Michigan Senate 1979-1986.

Joan Bauer

Vice-Chair

Joan Bauer was appointed to the Michigan State Capitol Commission by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2019 and reappointed in 2023. She served in the Michigan House of Representatives 2007-2012.

John Bollman

Commissioner

John Bollman was appointed to the Michigan State Capitol Commission by the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House in 2023. He retired from the Legislative Service Bureau as the Director of the Legal Division.

Richard J. Brown

Clerk of the House

Rich Brown serves as on the Michigan State Capitol Commission per his position as the Clerk of the Michigan House of Representatives. He was elected Clerk of the House in 2023. He previously served as Assistant House Clerk 2011-2022, House Clerk 2007-2010, and was a member of the House of Representatives 2001-2006.

Rudy Hobbs

Commissioner

Rudy Hobbs was appointed to the Michigan State Capitol Commission by the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House in 2023. He served in the Michigan House of Representatives 2011-2014.

Daniel Oberlin

Secretary of the Senate

Daniel Oberlin serves on the Michigan State Capitol Commission per his position as the Secretary of the Michigan Senate. He was elected Secretary of the Senate in 2023. He previously served as the Assistant Secretary of the Senate 2020-2022.

Our Capitol Commission Staff

Robert Blackshaw

Executive Director

Valerie Marvin

Secretary