Officials Selects Next Michigan Civil Rights Chief

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The Michigan Department of Civil Rights has a former member of its commission in place to lead the agency.

The state Civil Rights Commission chose Agustin Arbulu as executive director of the department. He was one of two finalists interviewed Friday in Detroit.

The commission, which sets department policy, voted 5-2 for Arbulu, an attorney and health care consultant. He was a president of Farmington Hills-based Metro Care Services.

The other finalist was Akia Haynes, deputy director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission. Portia Roberson, Detroit's civil rights chief, withdrew from consideration.

Arbulu replaces Matt Wesaw, who announced plans in July to resign when his contracts ends this month. He was executive director since October 2013.

The agency investigates civil rights complaints and engages in educational and outreach efforts.