DETROIT --- The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame (MSHOF) board of directors recently welcomed three new members, Mike Zehnder the public services director for Oakland County, Allison Bentley an attorney with Alan R. Miller, P.C. and Jim Graham the community relations manager for the Ford Motor Company Fund. All three are part of the implementation of the new business model that the MSHOF board adopted earlier in 2010.

"We are very excited to welcome Mike, Allison and Jim to the board," said Scott Lesher, chairman of the MSHOF board. "Each of these individuals brings a unique talent to the board and they will be instrumental in assisting us in the areas of fundraising, events planning, sponsorship and member relations. They will complement the existing talent that is already on the board and help us move the Hall forward into the future."

Zehnder has been a member of the Patterson administration from the beginning, January 1, 1993. Prior to joining Oakland County, Zehnder worked 12 years in sports representation, advocating on behalf of some of Michigan's finest athletes.

"I'm now part of an organization that honors professional and amateur athletes," Zehnder said. "I've been involved with sports for a long time. This appointment gives me the opportunity to help these individuals get the recognition they deserve."

Bentley has been with Alan R. Miller P.C. for eight years where she has formed numerous business entities, has substantial contractual dispute, negotiation and settlement experience, corporate and real estate law experience and has worked on several mergers and acquisitions. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Wayne State University Law School.

"Being on the board of the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame is an honor and I look forward to the challenge of the coming years," Bentley said. "I'm looking forward to working with the other members of the board and the Hall of Famers to uphold the legacy of sports in Michigan."

Graham has been with Ford for 26 years. In his role as community relations manager, he is responsible for Automotive Safety and Health Care grants and related programming for the Ford Motor Company Fund. Graham spends the majority of his time managing the Fund's keynote program, Driving Skills for Life, which focuses on teen safe driving.

"I consider it a great honor to be on the board for the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame," said Graham. "This state has such a great tradition of athletes, and not just in the four majors but also auto racing, amateur athletics and Olympians. I'm looking forward to recognizing and honoring the athletes that are associated with the state of Michigan, starting with the induction dinner in September."

The MSHOF's 54th Induction Event will be held September 13, 2010, starting at 5:00 pm with a private VIP reception. Festivities will include a strolling dinner reception beginning at 6:00 followed by the induction ceremony. More than 100 current Hall of Famers have been invited to honor this induction class. Current inductee bios can be found at www.michigansportshof.org/inductees/current.html.

Tickets and further information for the MSHOF's 54th Induction Event are available by calling 248-473-0656, or by visiting the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame's Web site (www.michigansportshof.org). Tickets are available at $225, $125 and $75 for youth tickets for those 15 and under. Ticket packages and group rates are also available.

The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 organization. It is comprised of 270 former champions, medalists, and great contributors to the world of sports. The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving, interpreting, honoring and displaying the amateur and professional history of sports in the State of Michigan through compelling events, exhibits, interactive e-displays and community outreach programs. Through these activities, the hall honors the athletes, coaches and administrators enshrined as Hall of Fame members who have brought fame, success and glory to the state.

For more information regarding the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, please visit http://www.michigansportshof.org/.