Title
Proclamation honoring Cynthia Wilbanks
Memorandum
PROCLAMATION
Honoring Cynthia H. Wilbanks
December 7, 2020
WHEREAS, Cynthia Wilbanks, as Vice President of Government Relations, has directed the University of Michigan’s Government Relations programs at the local, state and federal levels since 1998; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Wilbanks has been a long-time resident of Washtenaw County, and received her Bachelor of Arts, with distinction, in Political Science and a Secondary Teaching Certificate from the University of Michigan; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Wilbanks has worked closely with the administrations of three Ann Arbor Mayors, numerous councilmembers and senior staff to further the critical relationship between the City of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Wilbanks also serves the University as a special advisor to the president on economic development and growth as well as non-research based external economic development activities. In addition, she has served in several interim roles, as Interim Vice President for Communications in 2007, and as Interim Vice President for Development in 2002-2003; and
WHEREAS, Other University responsibilities Ms. Wilbanks has been involved with include Bentley Historical Library Executive Committee, Bicentennial Planning Committee, Ginsberg Center Board, Residency Appeals Committee, Democracy & Debate 2020 Committee and Chair of the COVID-19 Lead Team; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Wilbanks has broad experience in government service as district director for U.S. Congressman Carl D. Pursell from 1979- 92, Washtenaw County field representative for Pursell from 1977-79, and staff assistant for U.S. Congressman Marvin Esch from 1973-76. She also was a candidate for U.S. Congress from Michigan's 13th District in 1994; and
WHEREAS, She is a member of a number of community and civic organizations, including serving on the boards of directors of the American Center for Mobility, Bank of Ann Arbor, Center for Michigan, Ann Arbor SPARK where she served as Chair from 2015-18, and Riverside Arts Center Foundation. She has previously served in leadership roles of the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum Board of Directors and Glacier Hills Retirement Center Board. Past board service includes NEW (NonProfit Enterprise at Work) and the Junior League Community Advisory Committee; and
WHEREAS, In March 2017, Ms. Wilbanks was the recipient of the United Way of Washtenaw County “Woman of the Year” award and in April 2016, she received the “Robert E. Guenzel” Award. In 2002, she was named one of the 100 most influential women in Metro Detroit by Crain's Detroit Business and was recipient of the Spirit Award for outstanding community service in Washtenaw County from Spectrum Prevention Services; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Wilbanks’s clear candor, indefatigable professionalism, good cheer, and keen insight into the interests of institutions and individuals will be missed by all who have had the good fortune to work with her.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Christopher Taylor, Mayor of Ann Arbor, Michigan, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2020 the day on which we honor Cynthia H. Wilbanks, and recognize the outstanding contributions she has made to the University of Michigan, the City of Ann Arbor, and the community we all serve.
I hereby set my hand and seal
This 7th day of December 2020
________________________
Mayor Christopher Taylor