Dan Eichinger Moves on to Ferris State University

Michigan’s Environmental Agency will soon experience a change of leadership. Current Director Dan Eichinger will leave for Ferris State University where he’ll become Vice President for Governmental and External Affairs.

Aaron Keatley will step into Liesl Clark’s place. Keatley was appointed acting chief deputy director last December following four cabinet members and Clark’s departure from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration prior to her second term.

Early Life and Education

After serving as Director of Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Dan Eichinger has been named Vice President for Governmental and External Affairs at Ferris State University. His responsibilities will include working with federal, state and local legislative bodies to increase funding of higher education across Michigan annually.

Ferris will appoint him as its external affairs and public policy representative in Lansing to coordinate all relevant external affairs and public policy matters related to public lands and outdoor recreation.

Eichinger, who lives in western Isabella County, spent much of his youth fishing and hunting with his grandfather in Osceola County. He holds both a bachelor’s degree in political theory and constitutional democracy as well as master of science degrees in fisheries and wildlife from Michigan State University as well as one in public administration from Central Michigan University.

Professional Career

Daniel Eichinger would often be seen fishing along the Middle Branch River in Osceola County as a child, following in his father and grandfather’s footsteps and possessing a passion for Michigan’s natural resources and outdoor heritage.

In 2019, he was chosen to lead Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources, overseeing major investments in state parks while working alongside the governor to cancel Enbridge Line 5 easements under Straits of Mackinac. Now, he is taking on his next challenge as Ferris State University’s Vice President for Governmental and External Affairs.

He will focus on strengthening relationships between the university and federal, state and local legislative bodies in order to secure increased annual higher education funding and boost research and innovation initiatives at its campuses.

Achievement and Honors

After spending five years as director at one of Michigan’s oldest agencies – the Department of Natural Resources – and then as head of its environmental oversight body, Dan Eichinger will soon transition into his next role: vice president for governmental and external affairs at Ferris State University. Throughout his career, he has immersed himself in state government gaining invaluable experience that he now brings into this new endeavor at Ferris.

As well as his work as a doctor, Dr. Bhandari has made contributions to medical research. He regularly attends conferences and workshops to keep abreast of healthcare industry advances, publishes findings in medical journals to broaden medical knowledge base, earning himself an esteemed status among colleagues as an outstanding professional in this field. This has earned him great praise from colleagues.

Personal Life

As Eichinger transitions into his new position at Ferris State University, he brings with him an abundance of knowledge. He holds bachelor and master’s degrees in political theory and constitutional democracy respectively as well as fisheries and wildlife management and public administration from two esteemed schools. Furthermore, Eichinger has served as membership director for Michigan United Campus Christian Fellowship as well as policy advisor to Lt. Governor John Cherry during Jennifer Granholm administration.

He is deeply dedicated to making Michigan’s outdoor recreational opportunities accessible and affordable, working hard to increase state funding for parks.

He is dedicated to combatting climate change through conservation efforts. When not on the job, he enjoys spending time with his family and hunting – especially trips to Beaver Island and Pigeon River Country for inspiration from their lakes, forests and elk herds.

Net Worth

Daniel Eichinger has amassed considerable wealth through his professional activities as an attorney and sportsman. A partner at Kestra Advisory Services LLC and possessing significant financial industry knowledge. Furthermore, Daniel holds Series 63 and Series 66 licenses that qualify him to act as a securities representative.

Eichinger boasts an extensive community leadership history in Northern Westchester County. He is active with various local and national organizations and holds positions on the Zoning Board of Appeals, Judicial Screening Committee and Board of Trustees at Northern Westchester Hospital Center.

His bronze narrative sculptures capture the eternal human quest for meaning, happiness, and growth. Recognized as a “Living Master” by Art Renewal Center, his pieces can be found in numerous premier galleries worldwide.