ANN ARBOR—Cynthia H. Wilbanks will become associate vice president for university relations at the University of Michigan on June 12.

Her appointment was approved by the U-M Regents at their April 20-21 meeting.

“Ms. Wilbanks will lead and coordinate the University’s state governmental relations activities,”said Walter Harrison, U-M vice president for university relations. “She will build and maintain effective relationships with state legislators, agencies and officials, as well as monitor state legislative, administrative and regulatory activities as they pertain to University operations.

“Given her experience, I believe she also will make important contributions in community relations. She will be responsible for the University’s Lansing Service Center.”

Wilbanks began her professional career in 1973 as a staff assistant to U.S. Rep. Marvin L. Esch of Ann Arbor, serving in the congressman’s Ann Arbor office for three years.

In 1977, she joined the staff of U.S. Rep. Carl D. Pursell of Plymouth. In 1977-79 she was the Wasthenaw County field representative for Congressman Pursell. In 1979-92 she was district director for the congressman, responsible for supervising a field staff for all district operations, including overseeing personnel decisions and budget matters She regularly analyzed public policy and policy formation and interacted with decision- makers at the local, state, federal and private levels.

Since 1993, Wilbanks has served as president of Michigan’s Children, a non-profit, statewide multi-issue advocacy organization that represents children and their interests.

Wilbanks is active in the local community, serving as a member of the Board of Directors of Glacier Hills Retirement Center, the Board of Directors of Motor Meals of Ann Arbor, and of the Ann Arbor Rotary Club. She was chairperson of the Advisory Council for the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce Innovation Center and co-chairperson of the Government Relations Committee of the Michigan Technology Council.

Wilbanks received her B.A. degree in political science from the U-M in 1973.

Related Links:

• Regents
• Lansing Service Center
• Michigan’s Children
• Motor Meals of Ann Arbor
• political science