Dempsey named leader of Michigan History Foundation

Jack Dempsey, attorney, author, and current president of the Michigan Historical Commission, has been named the executive director of the Michigan History Foundation.

“We are pleased to have Jack take the Foundation helm,” said Board Chair Paul W. Brown of Ann Arbor. “Jack’s proven leadership skills and passion for Michigan’s heritage will ensure the Foundation's continued success.”

Dempsey is a member at Dickinson Wright PLLC, one of Michigan’s most prominent law firms.

He is a five-time elected president of the Michigan Historical Commission, first appointed in 2007.

Dempsey also serves on the Board of the Clarke Historical Library at Central Michigan University.

Previous board service besides the foundation includes the Historical Society of Michigan, Rochester College and Michigan Civil War Association.

Dempsey is author of five books and various articles on history, including two Michigan Notable Books. In November 2016, he received the most votes among the candidates for trustee in Plymouth Township.

Born in Detroit, Dempsey is a magna cum laude graduate of James Madison College at Michigan State University.

He received his law degree cum laude from George Washington University where he was a law review editor. He served as Michigan Assistant Attorney General from 1980-84.

Dempsey and his wife Suzzanne are 33-year residents of Plymouth Township.

“I am grateful for the opportunity and excited to work with our donors, our partners at the state, and excellent leaders on the foundation board to support the preservation and elevation of Michigan’s unique and irreplaceable heritage,” Dempsey said.

Dempsey takes over the post from Cindy E. Hales, who took a development post at Michigan State University.

The foundation, founded in 1999 to raise funding for the Michigan Historical Center, underwrites the preservation and interpretation of Michigan’s history by supporting museum exhibits, archival projects, history education programs, and public programming.