LANSING — Gov. Rick Snyder Aug. 11 announced five appointments to the Michigan Women’s Commission, located in the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.

Christine “Chris” Etienne of Petoskey, Susan Dobrich of Dowagiac, Krista Haroutunian of Detroit, Cathleen Knauf of St. Joseph and Anne (Brook) Thompson of Haslett are appointed.

The commission works to improve the quality of life for Michigan women through leadership and partnership on key issues.

“I am confident the backgrounds and various areas of expertise of these individuals will be a tremendous asset to the commission’s mission and work,” Snyder said.

Dobrich is the Cass County probate and family court judge.

She previously served as Cass County’s first female prosecutor and as a partner in the law firm of Westrate, Holmstrom and Dobrich.

She served as a member of the Governor’s Task Force and Executive Committee on Child Neglect and Abuse.

Dobrich is a past president and current board member of the Michigan Probate Judges Association.

She earned a bachelor’s degree from Kalamazoo College and a law degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Dobrich replaces Pamela Faris.

Knauf is a retired special education coordinator from the Bridgman Public Schools.

Etienne, Dobrich, Haroutunian and Thompson will serve three-year terms expiring July 15, 2014. Knauf will serve the remainder of a three-year term expiring July 15, 2012.

The appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.