Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr Makes His First Hire -- A Spokesman

Bill Nowling

Bill Nowling of Brighton on Monday was named spokesman for Detroit's emergenmcy financial manager, Kevyn Orr.

Nowling, 47, has been director of public affairs and issue management since December 2010 at a Farmington Hills marketing agency named Duffey Petrosky.

He served for five months in 2010 as communications director for Gov. Rick Snyder’s gubernatorial campaign and transition team.

Nowling previously worked as the Republican communication director for the Michigan House of Representatives (2009-10) and as communication director for the state Republican Party (2007-08). Nowling also served as spokesman for state Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema (2001-04) and was a speechwriter for former Gov. John Engler.

Additionally, Nowling held media relations and client services positions in Lansing at the Sterling Corporation and the Rossman Group.