Lafontaine, Andrea

Biography

​Andrea LaFontaine, executive director of the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance, is Central Michigan University's Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government. The Griffin Chair leads the university's efforts to elevate political awareness and activity among students, faculty and citizens.

As chair, LaFontaine will teach two university courses and host community forums on topics related to Michigan government and policies. 

She completed a bachelor's degree in political science in 2009 and a Master of Public Administration degree in 2011. In 2014, she was recognized as a CMU 10 Within 10 recipient. 

LaFontaine spent much of the past decade working in the state Legislature, starting as an intern, then as a staffer and eventually as an elected official. She was elected to the state House of Representatives in 2010 and served three consecutive terms representing constituents in Macomb and St. Clair counties.

After leaving office in 2016 due to term limits, she worked for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and in 2020 became executive director of the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance. She also has served as an election inspector and a parks and recreation commissioner.