Semone M. James (First Ward Commissioner) serves as the Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners and Chairperson of the Executive Committee for the Lansing Board of Water & Light. She also serves as the Chairperson for the Board of Trustees for the Lansing Board of Water & Light Pension Fund.
Commissioner James previously served on the Lansing Board of Water & Light from 2006 to 2009 and served as the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Board. During this previous appointment, she also served on the Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Nominating Committee and Committee on Rules of Administrative Procedures.
Commissioner James holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Eastern Michigan University with double majors in Finance and Real Estate. She is a State of Michigan licensed Real Estate Broker and Certified General Appraiser. For over 25 years, Commissioner James has been a dedicated public servant, working for the State of Michigan. The majority of her career has been with the Department of Treasury, Bureau of Investments, as a Senior Executive Assistant Deputy Director, Senior Portfolio Manager, and Investment Specialist. Previously, Commissioner James was appointed by Governor Granholm as the first Executive Director for the Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority. She also served as a Senior Property Analyst and Staff Appraiser with the Michigan Department of Transportation.
In addition to being a public servant, Commissioner James has served on several other community and professional boards and enjoys volunteering her time and real estate expertise with several community, non-profit and faith-based organizations.
Commissioner James is a life-long resident of the State of Michigan. She has enjoyed living in Lansing for over 25 years and appreciates the opportunity to be of service.
Commissioner James was appointed to the Board of Commissioners on July 26, 2021, with a term to expire on June 30, 2025.