Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Appoints SVSU Alum to University’s Board of Control

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has appointed two new members to the Saginaw Valley State University Board of Control. Whitmer announced the appointments of Ron Bacon, of East Lansing, and Heather Gallegos, of Essexville, with terms starting January 4 and ending July 31, 2031. They replace Bhushan Kulkarni and Vicki Rupp, whose terms expired in July.

Bacon has worked in the biotechnology industry for more than 20 years and is currently employed by Genentech as an area manager. He recently completed his term as the elected mayor of East Lansing. He has a bachelor’s and master’s degree from SVSU.

Gallegos has held a number of roles for Dow during more than 20 years with the company; she currently serves as director of communications and community affairs for North America North at Dow. She is the immediate past chair of the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, the current chair of the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance, and the vice chair of the Delta College Foundation. She also serves on the boards of McLaren Health Care, the Midland Business Alliance, Saginaw Club and TempleArts. Gallegos also completed a bachelor’s degree at SVSU.