Charles T. LaSata continues to serve the community he grew up in as a circuit court judge for the city of Berrien. In 1999, he was elected to represent Michigan’s 79th district. He served as vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee and was a member of and provided leadership for various appropriations subcommittees including corrections, community health, higher education, consumer industry services/history, arts and libraries, and natural resources/environmental quality. His political leadership has included serving as Saint Joseph mayor and commissioner. He also was a partner and shareholder in the law firm of Bittner, Hyrns, LaSata, Riemland & Daly, P.C. LaSata’s community involvement extends beyond his public service. He is a member of the Berrien County 4-H Foundation, the Cornerstone Alliance, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Bureau, the Michigan United Conservation Clubs and the Saint Joseph-Benton Harbor Rotary Club. His honors include being named Legislator of the Year by the Michigan Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in 2001 and by the Michigan Sheriff’s Association in 2000. He received the Champion of Children Award from Help One Student to Succeed (HOSTS) and has been an Elliott School of International Relations Fellow at George Washington University and the Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development Fellow.