State budget director to leave for University of Michigan post Chris Kolb The University of Michigan has appointed the state's budget director as its next vice president for government relations. Chris Kolb will begin the job on Jan. 19, the university announced Friday. Kolb, 62, takes over for Cynthia Wilbanks, who announced her retirement in July after 22 years as the university's go-to government liaison. Kolb will depart his role with the state as officials grapple with a projected $3.4 billion budget shortfall due to the coronavirus pandemic. Kolb told Crain's he has offered to remain with the state through Jan. 15 to assist in the transition.