LANSING — Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has announced that she has named Dan Krichbaum to serve as her chief operating officer.  As COO, Krichbaum will oversee the implementation of the governor’s economic plan to ensure that all state departments work cohesively and aggressively to grow the state’s economy, improve access to health care for all citizens, and ensure a high-quality, highly-educated workforce.  Krichbaum’s responsibilities will go beyond those of a traditional COO as he focuses on the administration’s continuing efforts to streamline and reform government, bringing together public and private sector interests to make government more cost effective and business-friendly. “Dan is a results-oriented leader with a reputation for running successful organizations,” said Governor Granholm.  “He has a terrific ability to bring people from different perspectives and disciplines together to collaborate and get things done quickly and effectively.  His strong connection to the business, education, government and nonprofit sectors will help our state get broad, expert input as we continue to streamline operations and grow the economy.  He is a strong leader, a successful manager, and a man of incredible integrity; I’m proud to welcome him to my team.” Krichbaum currently serves as president and CEO of the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion (MRDI), a nonprofit, human relations organization that works with a variety of business, university and government clients to eliminate discrimination and racism.  Under Krichbaum’s leadership, MRDI (formerly the Southeast Michigan Chapter of the National Conference of Christians & Jews) was recognized as the most successful chapter in the nation, surpassing chapters in cities including New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.  Before taking the helm at MRDI, Krichbaum served as senior vice president of Fund Development at WTVS-TV56 in Detroit, increasing the station’s revenue from $9 million to $11 million in three years.  He also served in the administration of Detroit Mayor Coleman A. Young, directing the recreation and parks department and overseeing the development of the city’s early riverfront park system and construction of new recreation centers.  Krichbaum is an ordained Methodist minister. “Being able to work with the governor and her administration to implement an economic plan that positions our state and its people for job growth and personal success is a remarkable opportunity,” said Krichbaum.  “I’m looking forward to helping drive her priorities forward and to working with the private sector to make sure the state is getting all the benefits of its advice and expertise.” In addition to overseeing both the operations of the Executive Office and implementation of the governor’s economic plan priorities through the state departments, Krichbaum will focus on further streamlining and reforming state government.  Granholm announced an effort to create a “one stop shop” for permitting in her State of the State address three years ago and has already reduced permitting time for some air quality permits from six months to 30 days.  Krichbaum will work to expand those initiatives and implement others.  He officially begins work on December 10.