Gov. Rick Snyder has reappointed Merit President and CEO, Don Welch, to the State 9-1-1 Committee.  The 21-member committee, housed within the Michigan Department of State Police, promotes the successful development, implementation and operation of 9-1-1 systems throughout Michigan.  

"I am proud to continue my service on the State 9-1-1 Committee. It is an honor to support our public safety professionals. I am confident that my experience and training in new technologies can assist in enhancing the next generation of 9-1-1 service to better support our first responders and improve quality of life for our citizens," Welch said.

Welch was first appointed to the committee in March of 2012.  His reappointment begins a new two-year term expiring on Dec. 31, 2015.  Welch represents the general public on the committee.

Welch is the President and CEO of Merit Network Inc., a position he has held since 2006. Prior to his service with Merit, Welch worked for H-E-B in San Antonio, as director of enterprise technology and merchandising applications. He had a 24-year career with the U.S. Army, leaving as the chief information officer for the Academic Division at West Point. He also served as a software engineering professor at West Point. Welch earned a bachelor's degree in mechanics from West Point, a master's degree in computer science from California Polytechnic State University and a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Maryland.