MEC is pleased to announce that it has hired one of Michigan's most accomplished environmental reporters—Hugh McDiarmid, Jr.—as its new communications director.

Hugh joins the MEC team after working in journalism for more than 20 years, including the last ten with the Detroit Free Press, where he has covered statewide environmental issues since 2003. During that time, he reported on a wide range of issues, including controversial sulfide mining in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Dow Chemical Company's dioxin contamination of the Tittabawassee River valley. He was also part of the team that produced an award-winning series on childhood lead poisoning.

As communications director, Hugh will work with the MEC staff, volunteer leaders and member groups in developing and implementing strategies to effectively communicate our important work to defend Michigan's natural resources and public health to a variety of audiences. His work will be central to MEC efforts to inspire a strong new environmental ethic in Michigan residents and leaders.

"We're looking forward to taking advantage of Hugh's great talents as a writer, his firsthand understanding of what the media looks for in a story, and his wonderful ability to convey how complicated environmental policy issues make a difference in the lives of Michigan residents and their families," said MEC President Lana Pollack. "Hugh also has a great sense of humor—something we greatly value in members of our team."

A graduate of East Lansing High School and Albion College, Hugh currently lives in Farmington with his wife, Karen, who works for children's book authors Carl Sams and Jean Stoick (Stranger in the Woods). Their family also includes children Aaron (24) and Ashley (20), as well as dogs Max and Rudy, who Hugh and Karen enjoy taking on hikes through the woods.

Hugh has enjoyed and treasured Michigan's natural resources his entire life, from time spent at his family's cottage on Torch Lake to camping and fishing excursions throughout the state, including three backcountry trips on Isle Royale and others in the Porcupine Mountains, Pictured Rocks and South Manitou Island.

"I've watched MEC grow to become one of Michigan's most effective defenders of the Great Lakes state's most valuable natural assets and the people and businesses who depend on them," McDiarmid said. "After 22 years in Michigan journalism, I am ready for a change. Moving from environmental journalism to environmental advocacy seems a natural transition and one that keeps me on the side of 'the good guys' who are working to keep Michiganders aware of our unique place in the world as stewards of this spectacular peninsula and the freshwater seas that surround it."