John D. Cherry
John D. Cherry | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 62nd Lieutenant Governor of Michigan | |
| In office January 1, 2003 – January 1, 2011 | |
| Governor | Jennifer Granholm |
| Preceded by | Dick Posthumus |
| Succeeded by | Brian Calley |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 5, 1951 Sulphur Springs, Texas |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Pam Faris |
| Children | Meghan, John Daniel |
| Residence | Clio, Michigan |
| Alma mater | University of Michigan University of Michigan–Flint |
| Profession | Politician |
John D. Cherry (born May 5, 1951) was the 62nd Lieutenant Governor of Michigan from 2003 to 2011. Cherry served as a gubernatorial appointee to the Midwestern Higher Education Compact, and was the immediate past chair of the international Great Lakes Commission (of which he is still a member).[citation needed]
Cherry was an announced candidate for Governor of Michigan in 2010. However, on January 5, he announced his withdrawal from the race,[1] citing an inability to "secure enough money to make my candidacy fully viable."[2]
Biography
Cherry grew up in Montrose, Michigan and graduated from Hill-McCloy High School in Montrose in 1969. Cherry received bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Michigan in 1973 and earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Michigan–Flint in 1984. He is of Polish descent.[3]
A former staff member to Michigan State Senator Gary Corbin, Cherry served as the state political director for the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, until 1982.[citation needed] He was then elected to the Michigan Legislature as a State Representative (1983–1986), State Senator (1987–2002) and Senate Minority Leader.
Cherry was elected in 2002 as the running mate of Democrat Jennifer Granholm, passing on his state senate seat to his sister Deborah Cherry. As the lieutenant governor, John Cherry presided over the State Senate, casting votes there in the event of a tie.
As lieutenant governor, John Cherry was elected chairman of the National Lieutenant Governor's Association (NLGA) in July 2006. John Cherry also chaired the Lt. Governor’s Commission on Higher Education & Economic Growth, with the commission making recommendations on higher education and the need to expand Michigan's job base. The Cherry Commission report led to the Michigan Promise scholarship, the No Worker Left Behind program, and Michigan replacing the high school MEAP exam with the ACT.[citation needed] Michigan also increased standards in the K-12 curriculum and graduation requirements consistent with the Commission's recommendations.[citation needed]
Title and Honors
As lieutenant governor of Michigan, Cherry is afforded the courtesy title of the Honorable (abbreviated to Hon. or Hon'ble) for life.
Cherry has been awarded Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Saginaw Valley State University and an Honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from Central Michigan University.[citation needed] He has earned several awards including being recognized as "one of Michigan’s Most Effective Legislators" by The Detroit News and the 2005 Conservationist of the Year by the Michigan United Conservation Clubs.[citation needed]
Personal life
Cherry is married to State Representative Pam Faris. They have two adult children, Meghan and John Daniel, and one grandchild.