Public Affairs Council

Ellen E. Crane serves multiple roles at Saginaw Valley State University. Starting as Director of Resources in 2018, she quickly earned the roles of General Counsel and Associate Vice President in 2019. As the University’s General Counsel, Ellen provides advice and formulates strategies and solutions for issues impacting the University and coordinates the delivery of all legal services. In this position, she has also been able to create a meaningful student internship opportunity to support Pre-Law undergraduate students along their path to law school or graduate school. Additionally, Ellen has responsibilities for SVSU labor relations and oversees the University Police Department. As of 2022, Ellen accepted the role of Interim Director of SVSU as well. In this role, she coordinates the governance of the University’s independent non-profit entity with the goal to support and advance the educational mission of Saginaw Valley State University through facilitating invaluable funds and scholarships. Prior to joining SVSU, Ellen worked in private practice at the Saginaw, Michigan law firm, Braun Kendrick, where she advised clients in the areas of labor, employment, higher education, healthcare and other corporate matters. Her counsel included a wide range of legal compliance programs and other organizational matters. Along with her dedication to her roles, Ellen has immensely supported her community through an extensive history of roles including currently serving on three local boards. She is the Treasurer for the Board of Directors in the Harvey Randall Wickes Foundation which focuses on the betterment of Saginaw County. She is also a member of the Board of Directors for Covenant Healthcare. And, she holds a position on the Great Lakes Bay Region Advisory Board of Directors for Huntington Bank. Because of her immense dedication and support within her career and community, Ellen Crane has received many honors and awards. Most recently, in 2023, Ellen received the YMCA Great Lakes Bay Region Lifetime Achievement Award. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree with magna cum laude from Albion College and a Juris Doctorate from University of Michigan.

John L. Kaczynski serves as the Executive Director of Governmental and Community Affairs at Saginaw Valley State University. In this role, he represents SVSU in Washington DC and Lansing, as well as in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Prior to his role in Governmental Affairs, he served as an Assistant Professor of Political Science, as well as the Director of the Center for Public Policy & Service. He been serving on the team at SVSU since 2005. Since serving in his current role, Mr. Kaczynski has been able to advocate for many programs and projects at SVSU. These include funding for the Carmona College of Business, Brown Hall and the Lake Huron Environmental Sciences Research Station. As well, he has been able to advocate for many financial aid programs including the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, MI Future Teachers Fellowship and funding to improve the transfer pipeline for nursing students between community colleges and universities. Outside of advocacy efforts in Lansing and Washington DC, John helps lead the SVSU Public Affairs Council, SVSU Board of Fellows and various other community functions with the Governmental and Community Affairs Team. Mr. Kaczynski currently serves as Chairperson for the Michigan Works Association Statewide Board of Directors and Vice-Chair for the Michigan Political History Society. He also serves on the Michigan College Access Network Board of Directors, as well as on the Michigan Political Leadership Program Advisory Board. In the Great Lakes Bay Region, he serves on the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce and the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Boards of Directors. He is also a member of Frankenmuth Rotary and serves on the Frankenmuth City Council. John is a current student in the Higher Education Administration Ph.D. program at the University of Toledo. He also holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Public Administration from Central Michigan University; and is a graduate of the Michigan Political Leadership Program. He resides in Frankenmuth with his spouse, Martha and their son, George.

Lex Hallberg serves as the Assistant Director of Community Affairs, where she is instrumental in connecting the university with the local community. Her work focuses on creating and strengthening partnerships that enhance engagement and collaboration. Outside of her professional role, Lex is an active community member with a strong passion for the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan. She serves on the service unit and co-leads her daughter's troop, demonstrating her commitment to both youth development and community involvement. Lex’s efforts to build impactful relationships reflect her dedication to fostering a supportive and engaged community both on and off campus.

J.J. Boehm has served as the director of media and community relations at Saginaw Valley State University since 2003. Active in public relations, he chairs the public information officers committee for the Presidents Council State Universities of Michigan and is the immediate past president of the White Pine chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. Boehm is a graduate of leadership programs in Saginaw County and the Great Lakes Bay Region. He received the President's Award from the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce in 2010 for leading a successful campaign to renew support for the Dow Event Center. Boehm was also honored as one of the top young professionals in the region with a RUBY award. In the community, Boehm chairs the communications committee for the United Way of Bay County and serves on the board of the Peace Lutheran Church and School Foundation. Prior to SVSU, he had an award-winning broadcast journalism career at WSGW radio and continues to provide play-by-play for SVSU football. Boehm holds degrees from Valparaiso University and Saginaw Valley State University.

Dr. Shawn Wilson has spent over 25 years as a university administrator, working to mitigate the effects of environmental and systemic barriers for marginalized students by creating a culture of care through restorative practices, intentional relationship building, and meeting students “where they are” to ensure their higher education journey is positive and equitable. Dr. Wilson has an earned doctorate in educational leadership and is in the process of completing a graduate certificate in Disability Studies & Community Inclusion. Dr. Wilson has experience at six universities, both private and public, holding positions within student life enrollment management and academic affairs divisions. Dr. Wilson's leadership is not confined to his university role. He is the Director of the Accessibility Resources & Accommodations Office at Saginaw Valley State University, a position that reflects his commitment to inclusivity. Moreover, he is an active member of numerous university committees and serves on two regional and one state-level board. These include the ARC of Midland, the Community Resolution Center, and the Midland Business Alliance. His extensive engagement in these organizations is a testament to his expertise and deep-rooted commitment to community service. Dr. Wilson's research is not just academic but has a tangible impact on student success. He focuses on understanding the needs of students at risk of failing to complete their degree and supporting initiatives that lead to their success. This practical research approach instills confidence in his ability to make a real difference. He has shared his insights through numerous presentations, including an international one and a publication on the findings of his dissertation research. His recent accomplishments include a textbook chapter on universal design for learning and another chapter aimed at empowering youth coaches and athletes with disabilities. Dr. Wilson is a 20-year resident of Midland, Michigan, with his wife, Dr. Georgina Wilson, and his two kids, Georgia (17) and Shawn Jr. (14). In his free time, Dr. Wilson enjoys riding motorcycles and spending time in northern Michigan with his family.