ANN ARBOR—James A. Kosteva, director of central staff for the speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, will be the University of Michigan’s new director of community relations.

In announcing Kosteva’s appointment, Lisa B. Baker, associate vice president for university relations, said, ” I am delighted that Jim Kosteva has accepted our offer to become director of community relations. His many years of experience in local and state government, combined with his knowledge of higher education in Michigan, will serve the University well. I expect that he will place a great deal of emphasis on creating new and innovative partnerships with the communities we serve. We are very pleased to have someone with his experience and credentials.”

Kosteva, whose U-M appointment is effective Dec. 19, will plan, develop and coordinate a community relations program for the University in Southeastern Michigan. His duties include planning and developing outreach activities to increase understanding of the University’s mission of teaching, research and service; acting as liaison with elected and appointed officials in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County and other Southeast Michigan counties; and expanding relationships with government, business leaders, community groups and grass-roots organizations in Detroit.

Canton’s representative to the Michigan House of Representatives from 1985 to 1992, Kosteva chaired the House’s Economic Development and Energy Committee and was vice chair of the Committee on Taxation. He was a member of the committees on Education, Transportation, Environment, Colleges and Universities, and Housing and Urban Affairs; a Library of Michigan trustee; and commissioner on the Midwest Higher Education Commission.

Prior to serving as Canton Township’s director of planning and community development in 1978-84, Kosteva held staff-level planning positions in the cities of Westland and Naperville, Ill., in 1974-77.

Kosteva earned a B.A. degree in metropolitan studies from North Central College, Naperville, in 1974 and is working on a M.S. in natural resources at the U-M.