Governor Whitmer reappoints Dr. Patricia Chatman to MPSERS Board

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has reappointed HFC Dean of the School of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development (BEPD) Dr. Patricia Chatman to a second term on the Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board (MPSERS). Chatman, of Clinton Township, is one of four appointees. She has been reappointed to represent community college administrators and trustees through March 30, 2028.

MPSERS is responsible for the general oversight of retirement, survivor, and disability benefits to employees in public school districts, intermediate school districts, community colleges, and certain universities. There are approximately 1,000 HFC employees participating in MPSERS.

"It is an honor to continue to serve in this capacity, representing the community colleges in Michigan,” said Chatman. “I look forward to continuing to have a positive impact and providing oversight of the Michigan Public School Employees' Retirement System."

A graduate of Pontiac Central High School, Chatman earned her bachelor’s degree in human resource development with a specialization in training and development from Oakland University. She earned her master’s degree in public policy and administration from Central Michigan University and her doctorate in public policy and administration from Walden University.

Chatman has 30+ years of experience in education, workforce development, and training and development. She has also worked in the non-profit sector. She began her career working for the State of Ohio Department of Health and Human Services before moving to United Cerebral Palsy of Metropolitan Detroit.

Chatman joined Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit in 2004 as manager for customized employment, then was promoted to director of the Detroit Career Center. She has published and shared her scholarship at national conferences, including the United States Department of Labor Workforce Innovations Conference, the National Association of Workforce Boards, and Automation Alley. She is the owner of Walker Chatman Publishing, The Avid Readers Blog, and HW Designs. She wrote and published Knowing is Not Enough, The Indie Author’s Guide to Self-Publishing, Front Paige, and How to Write a Novel 101: Everything I Didn’t Know.

Chatman joined HFC in 2015 as the Director of Workforce and Professional Development. She was appointed the inaugural dean of BEPD in 2017. Chatman also teaches at HFC.

“We are pleased that the State of Michigan will continue to have Dr. Chatman’s leadership on this important board,” said HFC President Russ Kavalhuna. “She is passionate about equity and ensuring that workers have access to earned benefits. I’m confident she will continue to bring value to the state’s retirees and those investing in their future retirement.”