RELEASE: Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

LANSING, Mich. ? Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission, Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan, State Construction Code Commission, Michigan Tax Tribunal, Library of Michigan Board of Trustees, Agricultural Preservation Fund Board of Directors, and Michigan Corn Marketing Program Committee.?

Regina Gasco-Bentley is the Tribal Chairperson of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. She has served on the Little Traverse Bay Bands Tribal Council for 13 years, previously as secretary and legislative leader for the council, and is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan, Inc. She is reappointed to represent Independents for a term commencing April 13, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2026.?

Rosann Barker, of Detroit, is currently the COO at Conner Creek Life Solutions. Ms. Barker holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Marygrove College and a Master of Healthcare Administration from Siena Heights University. Ms. Barker is appointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing April 13, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2026. She succeeds Anupama Kosaraju whose term has expired.?

The Michigan Civil Rights Commission was created by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 to safeguard constitutional and legal guarantees against discrimination. The Commission is charged with investigating alleged discrimination against any person on the basis of that person?s inclusion in a protected class. ?

Snehasis Ganguly, of Canton, is a Strategy Expert at Ford Motor Company in technology planning and strategy. Before joining Ford, he was a scientist at the Indian Space Research Organization. Snehasis is a graduate of Clarkston University, receiving a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. Mr. Ganguly is appointed for a term commencing April 13, 2023, and expiring November 30, 2026. He succeeds Angela Wang whose term has expired.?

Peng (Peggy) Du, of Farmington Hills, is Executive Director and Accounting Manager of the Association of Chinese Americans. Peng Du received a Master of Business Administration in Global Leadership from Cleary University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting from Wayne State University. Ms. Du is appointed for a term commencing April 13, 2023, and expiring November 30, 2026. She succeeds David Han whose term has expired.?

Kevin Nguyen, of Ypsilanti, is currently a policy/political Master of Social Work candidate at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor and a substitute teacher in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area. Kevin is a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University receiving a Bachelor of Science in Criminology. Mr. Nguyen is appointed for a term commencing April 13, 2023, and expiring November 30, 2026. He succeeds Grace Lee whose term has expired.?

Anterjot Singh Bains, of Canton, is a Product Manager of Wireless Chargers at Molex. Anterjot is a graduate of the University of Waterloo in Canada, receiving a master?s degree in chemical engineering and a bachelor's degree in nanotechnology Engineering. Mr. Singh Bains is appointed for a term commencing April 13, 2023, and expiring November 30, 2026. He succeeds Joe Tasma whose term has expired. ????????????

Laurel Capobianco, of Dexter, is the CEO and Co-Owner of iCare Pathways. Capobianco received a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan School of Social Work, and a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University School of Human Ecology. Ms. Capobianco is appointed for a term commencing April 13, 2023, and expiring November 30, 2026. She succeeds Kristina Reynolds whose term has expired. ?

Anu Gopalakrishnan, of Plymouth, is the Founder of MINTdFUEL and Executive Consultant at Kyyba Innovations LLC. Gopalakrishnan received a master's degree in mass communications and marketing from University of Madras and a master's degree in liberal studies from Eastern Michigan University. Ms. Gopalakrishnan is appointed for a term commencing April 13, 2023, and expiring November 30, 2026.?

The Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission's (MAPAAC) vision is to be an exemplary commission by adding public value to the State of Michigan and the Asian Pacific American community, by fully engaging Asian Pacific Americans across the state.???

Consuela Barber Lopez, of Detroit, is the executive director of AMANDLA, a council of Metro Detroit grassroots organizations that are concerned with crimes against children. She is also the co-director and founder of BombaR?ca Cultural Arts Organization. Ms. Barber Lopez holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Wayne State University. Ms. Barber Lopez is reappointed for a term commencing April 13, 2023, and expiring December 10, 2024.?

Monteze Morales, of Kalamazoo, is currently the Kalamazoo County Commissioner for District 2. Previously, Monteze served as the Director of Kalamazoo Promise Services at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, and as a Kalamazoo Promise Expert for Higher Education. Ms. Morales received a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education and Teaching from Western Michigan University. Morales is reappointed for a term commencing April 13, 2023, and expiring December 10, 2024.?

Abril Valdes Siewert, of Huntington Woods, is an attorney at Valdes Law, PLLC. She formerly worked as an immigrant rights attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan. She received her J.D. from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts in English from California State University Los Angeles. Valdes Siewert is reappointed for a term commencing April 13, 2023, and expiring December 10, 2024.?

Elias Gutierrez, of Detroit, is the owner of My SW Office, a co-working space. Gutierrez is also the founder and owner of the Latino Press, the largest Hispanic publishing company in Southeast Michigan for over 30 years. He received a degree from the Universidad de Santiago in Industrial Design. Gutierrez is appointed to represent for a term commencing April 13, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2026. ?

Vanessa Guerra, of Saginaw, is the Saginaw County Clerk. She previously served three terms as the Representative for Michigan House District 95. Guerra earned her J.D. at the University of Detroit Mercy. Guerra is appointed for a term commencing April 13, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2026. She succeeds Monica Reyes whose term has expired.?

Juan (Johnny) Rodriguez, of Holland, is the Executive Director of Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP) where he uses his talents of networking and uplifting the work of Latin Americans. He is a graduate of Hope College receiving a bachelor?s degree in education. Rodriguez is appointed for a term commencing April 13, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2026.?

The Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan was created to develop a unified policy and plan of action to serve the needs of Michigan's Hispanic and Latino people. The law directs the Commission to advise the Governor, the Legislature, and the office concerning the coordination and administration of state programs serving the Hispanic and Latino population.???

Frank Bayer, of Clinton Township, is currently the owner of Michicode, a construction code consulting and educational service, and the plan review coordinator for the City of Sterling Heights. He completed the machine tool technology program at the Detroit Institute of Technology. Mr. Bayer is reappointed to represent municipal building inspectors for a term commencing April 13, 2023, and expiring January 31, 2027.??

Brad Bartholomew, of Kalamazoo, is currently the Owner of Bartholomew Heating & Cooling and Energy Saving Services. He holds licenses in mechanical contracting and building performance analysis. Mr. Bartholomew is reappointed to represent industrial management, for a term commencing April 13, 2023, and expiring January 31, 2027.?

Mark Lee, of Kalamazoo, is the owner of Better World Builders. Mark received his Bachelor of Science in environmental science and industrial engineering from Western Michigan University. Mr. Lee is reappointed to represent residential builders, for a term commencing April 13, 2023, and expiring January 31, 2027.?

Glenn Davis, of Bloomfield Hills, is the chief of construction inspections for the City of Detroit. He received carpenter apprenticeship and journeyman training from the Regional Building Committee. Mr. Davis is reappointed to represent municipal building inspectors, for a term commencing April 13, 2023, and expiring January 31, 2027.?

Todd Drouillard, of West Bloomfield, is principal in charge of Harley Ellis Devereaux, an architecture and engineering firm. He received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Master of Architecture from Lawrence Technological University. Mr. Drouillard is reappointed to represent the field of architecture, for a term commencing April 13, 2023, and expiring January 31, 2027.?

Jeffrey Zielke, of Ortonville, is an assistant building official for the City of Birmingham. He received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Lawrence Technological University. Mr. Zielke is reappointed to represent municipal building inspectors, for a term commencing April 13, 2023, and expiring January 31, 2027.?

Phillip Copeland, of Holly, currently serves at the vice president of engineering at Champion Home Builders, Inc. He received a Bachelor of Science in Civil-Construction Engineering from Michigan Technological University. Mr. Copeland is reappointed to represent the field of premanufactured building, for a term commencing April 13, 2023, and expiring January 31, 2027.?

The State Construction Code Commission was created to improve the quality of housing for Michigan residents while assisting the housing industry. The Commission may study the effect of the code, and other related laws, to ascertain their effect on the cost of building construction and maintenance, and the effectiveness of their provisions for insuring the health, safety. and welfare of the people of this state. The Commission may take testimony and hold hearings relating to any aspect or matter relative to the administration or enforcement of this act.??

Joshua M. Wease, of Okemos, is a licensed attorney for the IRS. He previously served as a clinical professor of law at Michigan State University and the director of the Alvin L. Storrs Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic. He received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology, as well as his Juris Doctorate from Michigan State University. Mr. Wease is appointed to represent attorneys for a term commencing May 1, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2023. He succeeds Steven Bieda who has resigned.??

The Michigan Tax Tribunal is an administrative court that hears tax appeals for all Michigan taxes. Most of the Tribunal's appeals involve property tax; however, the Tribunal also hears business and individual tax disputes. The Tribunal is divided into two divisions: the "Entire Tribunal" and the "Residential Property and Small Claims" Division.??

Megan Buck, of Iron Mountain, is the Director at the Dickinson County Library. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Michigan Technological University and a Master of Library and Information Science from Wayne State University. Ms. Buck is appointed to represent the Michigan Library Association for a term commencing April 13, 2023, and expiring October 1, 2025. She succeeds Trisha Deming-Burns whose term has expired.?

Audrey Barker, of Alto, is a public librarian that specializes in the youth at the Kent District Library. She holds a Bachelor of Science in economics from Grand Valley State University. Ms. Barker is appointed to represent public libraries for a term commencing April 13, 2023, and expiring October 1, 2025. She succeeds Carol Taggart whose term has expired.??

De?Janae Douglas, of Southfield, is an Outreach and Engagement Coordinator at Wayne State University. She holds Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies along with master?s in educational leadership from Wayne State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Michigan State University. Dr. Douglas is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing April 13, 2023, and expiring October 1, 2025. She succeeds Kristina Reynolds whose term has expired.?

The Library of Michigan Board of Trustees makes recommendations to the Michigan Department of Education regarding the Library?s services, budget, and proposed governing rules. The Board of Trustees also makes recommendations regarding the employment of other administrative and general assistants and employees of the library as are necessary for the care and management of the library, including the Law Library Branch of the Library.???

Gwyn Atkinson-Lewis, of North Street, has 15 years of experience working on a fifth-generation farm. She has also worked for Judge Cynthia Platzer as an electronic recorder and worked for 6 years in various roles for House and Senate Democrats in Lansing. She holds a dual major bachelor?s degree from Michigan State University in Political Theory/Constitutional Democracy and International Relations. Ms. Atkinson-Lewis is appointed to represent agricultural interests for a term commencing April 13th, 2023 and expiring June 10, 2026. She succeeds Carl Bednarski whose term has expired.??

Mr. Brian Bourdages, of Traverse City, is a self-employed Farmland Protection Consultant. He also has a decade of experience in a previous role as the Farmland Program Manager at Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Philosophy from Western Michigan University. Mr. Bourdages is reappointed for a term commencing April 13th, 2023 and expiring June 10, 2026.??

Dr. Mary Heidemann, of Rogers City, is a Regional Planner for Eastern Upper Peninsula Planning Commission. Over the course of her career, she has served a wide variety of roles in both the agricultural land use space, as well as in the field of historical preservation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art and Architectural History from Reed College, a Master of Art in Public Policy from University of Wisconsin, a Master of Science in Historic Preservation from Eastern Michigan University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin in Land Resources. Dr. Heidemann is appointed for a term commencing April 13th, 2023 and expiring June 10, 2026. She succeeds Margaret Kohring whose term has expired.??

Mr. Remy Long, of Manchester, is the Deputy Manager of Natural Area Preservation, Land Acquisition & Sustainability for the City of Ann Arbor. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and International Relations from Western Michigan University and a Master of Science in Environmental Behavior from the University of Michigan. Mr. Long is appointed for a term commencing April 13th, 2023 and expiring June 10, 2026. He succeeds Jonathan Jarosz whose term has expired.??

Mr. Greg Thon, of Kingsley, is the Director of Business Development at Harvey Milling and has over a decade of various experience in the agricultural industry. He also owns and operates his own farm in Northern Michigan. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agribusiness Management from Michigan State University. Mr. Thon is appointed to represent agricultural interests for a term commencing April 13th, 2023 and expiring June 10, 2026. He succeeds Kenneth DeCock whose term has expired.??

The Agricultural Fund Board was created to manage the distribution of grants to preserve farmland and help conserve Michigan's agricultural heritage.??

Matt Holyz is a third-generation farmer who works over 1800 acres. He currently serves as president of the committee. Mr. Holyz holds an Associate Degree in Business management from Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Mr. Holyz is reappointed represent district 7 growers, for a term commencing April 13, 2023 and expiring March 5, 2026.?

Ned Wyse has 47 years of farming experience and works over 600 acres. He holds an associate degree in liberal arts from Hesston College and a bachelor?s degree in English from Eastern Mennonite College. Mr. Wyse is reappointed to represent district 2 growers, for a term commencing April 13, 2023 and expiring March 5, 2026.??

Dave Rupprecht is the VP of Zwerk & Sons Farms and has been with the farm since 1986. He works 7500 acres of land and now oversees the farm?s trucking and storage operations. He on the MSU Extension Advisory Committee and is a leader within the dry bean farming industry. Mr. Rupprecht is reappointed to represent district 7 growers, for a term commencing April 13, 2023 and expiring March 5, 2026.?

The Michigan Corn Marketing Program Committee enhances the economic position of Michigan corn growers by providing for the growth and expansion of the corn industry in Michigan through foreign and domestic market development, promotion, and research that will stimulate the demand for corn.????

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