Grand Valley State University has selected senior government attorney Jessica Karbowski Weare as the University’s next general counsel. Weare will begin her position at GVSU on Oct. 28, following the retirement of Patricia Smith, who spent 25 years working at GVSU.
Weare is an accomplished attorney who specializes in legal counsel for public service and other government positions. She is an alumni of Albion College, and earned her law degree from Yale University. She most recently served as the chief operating officer and chief legal counsel for the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential.
Representing the state of Michigan, Weare has worked as deputy legal counsel to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and was the acting commissioner of the Michigan State Lottery. Throughout her work for state government, Weare advised on topics including economic development, education, civil rights and natural resources. She has also worked with Facebook as an associate general counsel.
Weare said she is looking forward to spending time in the role and becoming an important part of the University’s staff.
“As general counsel, I look forward to supporting the mission, vision and values of the University by helping the leadership, faculty, staff and students accomplish their goals,” Weare said. “I hope to become a trusted team member and strategic partner in a way that opens additional opportunities to provide timely and meaningful legal support across the institution.”
Weare said she hopes to offer a unique and helpful perspective in regards to legal advice for the University.
“I like helping people reach their goals, think creatively and solve problems,” Weare said. “Useful legal advice can help you reach your goals, while avoiding potential pitfalls that could otherwise trip you up.”
Weare said her main desire is to make a difference, no matter where she works.
”My career decisions have been largely motivated by the potential to make an impact,” Weare said. “I have spent the vast majority of my legal career in public service, in both state and federal government. This is because those government roles provided an ability to work on issues that impacted the world, the country and Michigan.”
Stating her career goal is to create change, Weare said she believes there is meaningful work being done at GVSU, which attracted her to the position.
“My decision to join the Grand Valley team is similarly driven by the impactful work happening at the University, and the opportunity to contribute to that work as general counsel,” Weare said. “It is hard to imagine a better way to continue investing in my home state than by working for an institution that is preparing the leaders of tomorrow to shape their communities.”
Weare’s past experiences have been diverse and varied. She said she has many memories from these positions which will only aid in her future work with GVSU.
“I have been incredibly fortunate to have a dynamic and interesting career as an attorney,” Weare said. “While it is impossible for me to pick a favorite position, there have been some remarkable moments across my career. For example, I will never forget speaking on behalf of the United States at international organizations, watching Governor Whitmer sign an executive order that I drafted or handing out my first big check as acting commissioner of the Michigan Lottery.”
Weare said she believes experience from her previous roles will serve her well, help her to succeed at GVSU and help others in the University community.
“There also have been smaller behind the scenes moments where I saw programs and initiatives that I worked on make a meaningful difference in someone’s life,” Weare said. “I am so excited to add to this list of memorable moments with the work we will do together at Grand Valley.”
