Communications Liaison joins Sea Grant

Michigan Sea Grant and the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University (MSU) are pleased to announce that Patricia Stewart has joined their teams. Stewart will work with both organizations, serving as external relations communicator for Michigan Sea Grant and director of communications for MSU’s Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.

With more than 15 years of public and media relations experience, Stewart will lead Michigan Sea Grant’s legislative, agency and foundation outreach efforts.

“Pat brings to the table the experience with natural resources communications and state agencies needed to help advance Michigan Sea Grant to the next level of support in our research and outreach capabilities,” said George Carignan, interim director for Michigan Sea Grant.

She will also direct and manage the communications and public relations programs for the MSU Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.

“This position is another step forward in continuing our collaborative efforts with the University of Michigan and Michigan State University Michigan Sea Grant College Program,” said William Taylor, associate director for Michigan Sea Grant and chairperson for MSU’s Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. “Pat’s extensive background in public relations and marketing will be a tremendous asset in developing a communications strategy for the Fisheries and Wildlife Department at MSU.”

Stewart’s outreach efforts will focus on building relationships with not only federal and state agencies, but also with great lakes, environmental and research organizations. She will also devote energy to the Partnership for Ecosystem Research Management team, a collaboration between Michigan State University, the Michigan Department Natural Resources (MDNR), the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and the Great Lakes Science Center formed to work with their stakeholders in identifying and conducting research on ecosystem problems and their solutions.

Stewart was formerly director of communication and education services for the National Food Safety and Toxicology Center (NFSTC) at MSU, where she directed and managed the NFSTC’s communications and public relations program. She has worked as a natural resources and environmental communication consultant for Public Sector Consultants, Inc., a research organization specializing in areas of the environment, public health, education, economics and public policy. Stewart’s career also includes working with MDNR as its press secretary and assistant director for the Public Information Office in Lansing, where she managed the agency’s news and marketing programs.

Stewart can be reached at (517) 355-1821
or via email at stewartp@msu.edu