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Dearborn Today
By the People, for the People
Alisha Cieslak Named to Oakland University Board of Trustees
Cieslak brings legal and business leadership experience to the role.
Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:09pm
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Alisha Cieslak has been appointed to the Oakland University Board of Trustees, succeeding Brian Calley whose term is expiring. Cieslak, from Grand Rapids, will serve an eight-year term effective August 12. She brings nearly two decades of legal and business leadership experience, most recently as chief legal and risk officer for Gordon Food Service.
Why it matters
Oakland University is a major economic driver in Southeast Michigan, and Cieslak's appointment to the board will help provide strategic guidance as the university navigates the evolving higher education landscape. Her background in board governance, legal risk, and executive leadership will be valuable assets.
The details
Cieslak previously served on the executive committee of the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and the board of Special Olympics Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and corporate communications from the University of Michigan - Dearborn and a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University. Cieslak also has a Graduate Certificate in Board Governance from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.
- Cieslak's eight-year term on the Oakland University Board of Trustees will begin on August 12, 2026.
- Calley's term on the board will expire in August 2026.
The players
Alisha Cieslak
Cieslak is a legal and business leader from Grand Rapids who has been appointed to the Oakland University Board of Trustees.
Brian Calley
Calley is the current chairman of the Oakland University Board of Trustees, whose term will expire in August 2026.
Ora Hirsch Pescovitz
Pescovitz is the president of Oakland University, who expressed confidence that Cieslak will help guide the university through the challenging higher education landscape.
What they’re saying
“Oakland University is a critical economic engine for Southeast Michigan. I am eager to apply my background in board governance, legal risk and executive leadership to help OU continue its trajectory of innovation and student success.”
— Alisha Cieslak
“Oakland University will be fortunate to have someone of Ms. Cieslak's considerable professional successes to help guide us through the challenging higher education landscape that lies before us. I am confident that she will help guide us in finding opportunities to empower our students and the communities we serve to create a brighter and stronger future for Michigan.”
— Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, President, Oakland University
What’s next
Cieslak will officially begin her eight-year term on the Oakland University Board of Trustees on August 12, 2026.
The takeaway
Alisha Cieslak's appointment to the Oakland University Board of Trustees brings valuable legal, business, and governance expertise that will help the university navigate the evolving higher education landscape and continue its mission of innovation and student success.
