An attorney with extensive experience providing legal counsel in public service and governmental settings will serve as the next general counsel for Grand Valley.
Jessica Karbowski Weare, whose most recent role was as chief operating officer and chief legal counsel for the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential, is slated to start the GVSU position on Oct. 28.
Weare replaces Patricia Smith, who is retiring after 25 years with Grand Valley, the last three as general counsel .
"I am pleased to welcome Jessica Karbowski Weare to GVSU,” President Philomena V. Mantella said. “Jessica’s breadth of experience and leadership skills make her a great fit to proactively support our mission and strategic plan by providing legal counsel, mitigating risks and advancing innovation.”
Weare's career with the State of Michigan also included time as acting commissioner for the Michigan State Lottery – overseeing an agency with 200 employees and 10,200 retailers – and as deputy legal counsel to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. In her state government positions, Weare advised on a variety of legal and compliance issues, including issues related to economic development, education, infrastructure, emergency response, civil rights, natural resources, elections and Tribal relations.
Before returning to Michigan, Weare worked in Washington, D.C. at Facebook Inc. (now Meta) as associate general counsel for Global Trade Compliance and as an attorney-adviser at the U.S. Department of State.
She has also been active in community engagement, including a number of roles involving mentoring and supporting education.
Weare said that as a "born and raised Michigander," she is excited to join an institution making a meaningful impact on West Michigan and beyond.
"I am honored to join the Grand Valley team and look forward to supporting the president, the Board of Trustees and university leaders in advancing the university’s vision, mission and values," Weare said. "Along with the excellent team in the Office of the General Counsel, I look forward to partnering with the broader GVSU community of faculty, staff and students and contributing to their ongoing work.
"This opportunity is a continuation of my long commitment to public service, and I hope to use my past experience to shape my approach to solving problems, working collaboratively and delivering high-quality legal counsel."
Weare earned a bachelor's degree at Alma College and a law degree from Yale Law School.
