State Rep. Rodney Wakeman has been named vice chair of the House Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Committee. Speaker Lee Chatfield announced the appointment of the first-term Saginaw Township lawmaker this week.

“My whole life I’ve considered it an honor to serve people when they need help the most. And, right now and always, people need to know and trust that their natural resources are protected, clean and safe,” Wakeman said. “I am honored to be selected for this assignment and I look forward to working with my fellow committee members to devise solutions that work best for Michigan families.”

Prior to being elected to the Michigan House, Wakeman was the second-generation co-owner of Wakeman Funeral Home in Saginaw.

Wakeman has also been asked to serve on the House’s Financial Services, Education and Commerce and Tourism committees.