MIDLAND — The Mackinac Center for Public Policy today announced that John E. Riecker has agreed to join its board of directors. Riecker has served on the Center’s Mid-Michigan Board of Advisors, while his wife, Margaret Ann (Ranny), was a member of the Center’s founding board of directors.

"I’m very proud to be a new director, having served on the regional board," Riecker said. "Both my wife and I have been supporters of the Center since it started. We are committed to the principles the Center supports, especially the stimulus to an entrepreneurial spirit."

Riecker added that he is glad the Center is headquartered in Midland, because its mission fits well with the city’s founding, one based on the "liberty of ideas."

Riecker, 76, will take his seat on the 14-member board in February 2007 and serve a three-year term. As a former military officer and practicing attorney for more than 50 years, Riecker brings experience, guidance and counsel that will be a tremendous addition to the board.

"John Riecker is a pillar of integrity, a strong believer in the principles of free enterprise, and a longtime adviser to both the Mackinac Center and to me," Center President Lawrence W. Reed said. "We are honored by the wisdom and commitment he brings to our board of directors. Our very board room is named for him and Ranny, who was one of our co-founders nearly 20 years ago."

Riecker has served on the boards of a number of nonprofit organizations, including the Midland Foundation, the University of Michigan Development Council, Hillsdale College and the Michigan Historical Society. He also served on Comerica Bank’s board of directors.

"Every college and university in Michigan that accepts public funding has a think tank, and that’s the faculty," Riecker said. "It’s tough to compete with those that are subsidized by state and federal dollars, which is why everyone who can should support the kind of economic thinking the Mackinac Center is known for."