MARQUETTE — Dave Nyberg, the director of Gov. Rick Snyder’s northern Michigan office, is leaving state government to pursue an opportunity at Northern Michigan University. Mark Pontti of Iron Mountain will take Nyberg’s place in that role, the governor announced last week.

Previously serving as deputy legal counsel and tribal governments liaison to the governor, Nyberg will begin his new role as director of corporate engagement at NMU on Monday. He will be responsible for helping generate resources for academic programs, secure scholarship support, develop new grant opportunities and support NMU’s community engagement efforts.

“I’m very humbled and honored of the opportunity to join the NMU team,” Nyberg said. “It’s exciting because Northern has positioned itself to be at the forefront of the new economy with its academic programs that are meeting an exciting demand by providing new economic initiatives and allowing students to have successful career paths.”

Nyberg will report to both Brad Canale, CEO of the NMU Foundation, and Steve VandenAvond, vice president of Extended Learning and Community Engagement.

“We are very pleased to have recruited Dave to join Northern and lead this new initiative,” Canale said in a press release. “He brings a wealth of experience and contacts that will enable a fast start toward achieving our objectives.”

VandenAvond echoed Canale’s thoughts and said he couldn’t be more excited for Nyberg to start working at the local college.

“His wealth of experience working with (Upper Peninsula) businesses and community organizations, and his time in service to the state will be invaluable in allowing the university to expand its reach and service throughout the UP and beyond,” VandenAvond said in an email. “David’s keen understanding of economic issues and his ability to engage with and carefully listen to UP residents and businesses will help us build even stronger partnerships not only through the NMU Foundation, but in support of our overall engagement activities. For example, David will be instrumental in participating in the university’s emerging community engagement team and will work across the UP to connect community and business needs to the College’s educational offerings.”

Originally from the Gladstone area, Nyberg earned his bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University and his juris doctor degree at MSU College of Law. He followed law school with several professional experiences in Lansing, including legislative affairs manager for Michigan United Conservation Clubs and legislative assistant to the speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives.

Nyberg returned to the U.P. in 2011 and joined the governor’s team soon after where he served as Snyder’s primary ambassador to the region and collaborated with business, education and community leaders to achieve the administration’s strategic priorities. In 2014, he became deputy legal counsel, overseeing state-tribal affairs, gaming and natural resources matters.

“We have been lucky to call Dave a team member for the past six years,” Snyder said in a release. “He truly embodied our motto of ‘Relentless Positive Action’ and has done a tremendous job representing the interests of northern lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula in the executive office.”

As he reflects on his time working for the governor, Nyberg said it’s bittersweet leaving the position because of the “extreme professionalism” the governor has shown. Nyberg said he originally moved back to the U.P. so he could raise his family and do good for the community.

“I felt like I had the opportunity to do that because the governor has such an authentic passion for the U.P.,” he continued. “Any time you get the opportunity to have a profession when your personal passions intermingle with your professional ones that’s really a dream scenario. It’s truly an incredible honor to have had the ability to work with him but I’m equally inspired by Dr. Fritz Erickson, (NMU president), and the board of the trustees at Northern.”

Jaymie Depew can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206. Her email address is jdepew@miningjournal.net.