Gov.-elect Rick Snyder announced on Wednesday that he will retain Kirk Steudle as Director of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). Gov. Granholm originally appointed him director in March of 2006.

Steudle began his career with the MDOT in 1987, serving as Chief Deputy Director, Bay Region Engineer, and Deputy Region Engineer for the Metro Detroit Region. He is a graduate of Lawrence Technological University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Engineering.

Lt. Col. Kristi Etue was also selected to head the Michigan State Police (MSP). Etue will be the first woman director of the MSP and is currently budget director for the department. She began her career with the MSP in 1987 as a trooper and quickly worked her way up the ranks, working on crime prevention, emergency management and homeland security issues.

Additionally, Snyder appointed a panel to examine law enforcement issues across the state. Etue will serve on the panel, chaired by Ottawa County Sheriff Gary Rosema, which will examine ways to cut costs and improve public safety in Michigan.