Senator Gerald Van Woerkom joins the Board of Directors for the first time, but has been an active and important supporter or MCHP as one of the most engaged political leaders at Michigan’s legislature.  Senator Van Woerkom's legislative career began in 1998 when he was elected to the state House of Representatives. He was elected to the Michigan Senate in 2002 and served two terms before being term-limited from office in 2006. As a Michigan Senator, Senator Mr. VanWoerkom facilitated multiple legislative projects on behalf of MCHP initiatives including leading his support for Access Health, leveraging state and federal funding for food stamp, Medicaid, and chronic disease management programs and facilitating multiple relationships with leaders in Lansing. Obtaining a  B.A in World History from Calvin College and a M.A. in Education from University of Michigan he served as teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, or superintendent at Christian schools in Michigan for 28 years, most recently as superintendent of Muskegon Christian Schools.