LANSING — Former Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley announced Wednesday he will join the Small Business Association of Michigan, where he will serve as president, leading the group’s lobbying and communications efforts.

Calley left office on Tuesday under term limits. Current SBAM President and CEO Rob Fowler remains the Lansing-based organization’s CEO.

Calley, who lost his campaign to succeed Rick Snyder as governor, said in a statement that he is “thrilled” to advocate for the men and women who own and operate small businesses.

Fowler said Calley has a long record advocating for small businesses. The 41-year-old former state lawmaker and banker from Portland helped create two major changes in business taxes as lieutenant governor.

SBAM serves more than 26,000 businesses across Michigan.

AP contributed to this report.