SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. — Governor Jennifer Granholm said Monday, April 5, she has named Eastern Upper Peninsula native and CEO of Central Savings Bank Willard “Frenchie” LaJoie to the Lake Superior State University Board of Control.
LaJoie's community involvement is varied. He is a member of the board of directors for the Chippewa County War Memorial Hospital as well as the finance committee for the Sault Ste. Marie Country Club. He has held positions with governing boards for the United Way of Chippewa County, Department of Social Service, Kiwanis Club and Le Sault de Sainte Marie Historical Sites. In 2002, the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge 552 named him Citizen of the Year.
Beyond the Eastern U.P., LaJoie has served on the executive and legislative committees for the Michigan Bankers Association, as well as a 3-year term as a director on the Federal Reserve Bank Board from 1999-2002.
The 47-year veteran of Central Savings Bank started at the bank as a teller in 1958. He has since served in nearly every bank position. He was named president and CEO in 1985 and was advanced to chairman of the board and CEO in 1994.
LaJoie is a lifelong resident of Chippewa County. Raised in Kelden, he graduated from Pickford High School and attended LSSU, where he studied finance. He is also a graduate of the University of Michigan Graduate School of Banking and the University of Chicago National Installment Credit School. In 2003, he received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from LSSU.
Lajoie's term on LSSU's Board of Control expires January 2012; he succeeds Gary Benjamin whose term has expired. Also appointed to the board is Wayne County Deputy Chief Operating Officer Cindy Dingell. Her term also runs out January 2012; she succeeds Doris Galvin.
The LSSU board oversees the conduct of the university's affairs, has control of the university's property and has the ability to fix tuition and other fees.
