LANSING — Gov. Rick Snyder announced this week that he is naming Cheryl Schmittdiel as the incoming director of the Office of State Employer, effective Dec. 27. She replaces Marie Waalkes, who is leaving state government.

The OSE has the mission of promoting the effectiveness and productivity of state government by developing and administering modernized state policies in employment relations and employee health management and service programs.

OSE oversees the state’s employee relations, represents the governor in collective bargaining negotiations, and recommends a comprehensive plan for rates of compensation and other conditions of employment for non-represented employees to the Civil Service Commission.

“Cheryl has worked on both sides of the table, representing both a union and the state, and has an impeccable record of excellence in labor relations,” Snyder said.  “She has earned the trust and respect of those she has worked with over the years and has the experience and leadership that will ensure an inclusive and constructive work environment that benefits our hardworking employees, Michiganders and taxpayers. I also congratulate Marie on her planned departure from state government and thank her for the integrity and dedication she demonstrated while serving as director of OSE.”

Schmittdiel has extensive background working in state government and labor relations.  She currently serves as the senior deputy director at OSE, providing direct assistance to the director on all administrative and policy issues. She has overseen the administration of all eight collective bargaining agreements covering exclusively represented employees in classified service and has coordinated the negotiation of all successor primary agreements and department secondary agreements. Schmittdiel has more than 30 years of experience in personnel management.

She earned an associate of arts in education degree from Lake Michigan College, a bachelor of arts in education from Saint Mary’s College at Notre Dame, and a juris doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.