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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE* 

July 14, 2023 

Contact: [email protected]  

  

*Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions* 

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*LANSING, Mich. —* Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Workers’ Disability Compensation Appeals Commission, Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission, Michigan Waterways Commission, and Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports. Today’s appointees represent Michigan’s young professionals, communities of color, seniors, and more. The appointees announced this week build on Governor Whitmer’s work to ensure appointees reflect Michigan’s diverse population. Sixty percent of appointees are women or people of color, and the Whitmer cabinet is the most diverse in Michigan history. 

 

*Workers’ Disability Compensation Appeals Commission * 

 

Daryl Royal, of Wayne, is an attorney and currently serves as chairperson of the commission since his appointment in 2019. Previously, he was the owner of his private practice law firm in Dearborn for over 30 years, primarily focusing on social security disability insurance and workers’ compensation where he has had cases before the Michigan Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Pre-Law from Michigan State University and his Juris Doctor from the Wayne State University Law School. Mr. Royal is reappointed for a term commencing August 1, 2023, and expiring July 31, 2023. He is also redesignated to continue serving as chair. 

 

The Workers' Disability Compensation Appeals Commission created in Executive Order No. 2019-13 handles, processes, and decides appeals from orders of the director and the workers' compensation magistrates as provided for under the Worker's Disability Compensation Act of 1969. The Commission may promulgate rules on administrative appellate procedure for purposes under the act.  

  

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.   

 

*Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission* 

 

Alejandra Del Pino, of Lansing, is an attorney and has been a commissioner at the Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission since 2019. Previously, she was a project manager for the Michigan Health and Hospital Association. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies from the University of Ottawa and a Juris Doctor from Cooley Law School. Ms. Del Pino is reappointed for a term commencing August 1, 2023, and expiring July 31, 2027. 

 

Andrea Rossi, of Fenton, is an attorney and has been a commissioner at the Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission since 2019. Previously, she was the director of development, special projects, and a former staff attorney for Legal Services of Eastern Michigan in Flint. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Women and Gender Studies from Oakland University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan – Flint, and a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University. Ms. Rossi is reappointed for a term commencing August 1, 2023, and expiring July 31, 2027. 

 

The Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission serves Michigan's employees, employers, and insurers by addressing and impartially resolving appeals of decisions and orders involving workers' compensation and unemployment insurance benefits. The Commission created in Executive Order No. 2019-13 has full authority to handle, process, and decide appeals filed under Michigan Employment Security Act Section 33(2).    

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

 

*Michigan Waterways Commission* 

 

Craig Lehrke, of Moran, is the owner of Mackinac Sailing. He is also a retired school administrator, and 28-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, and a former Mackinac County Commissioner. He is a graduate of Central Michigan University with Bachelor of Science in Biology and Geography, He also holds a Master of Education from Saginaw Valley State, and a National Security and Strategic Studies diploma from the U.S. Naval War College. He holds a U.S. Coast Guard master’s Captain License with an Auxiliary Sail Endorsement and has extensive training in Emergency/Crisis Management at the Michigan State Police Academy, FEMA Institute, and National Fire Academy. Mr. Lehrke is appointed to represent the general public, for a term commencing July 14, 2023, and expiring September 18, 2023. He succeeds Mark Yonan who has resigned.  

The Michigan State Waterways Commission is responsible for the acquisition, construction, and maintenance of recreational harbors, channels, docking and launching facilities, and administration of commercial docks in the Straits of Mackinac. 

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

 

*Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports* 

 

Bilal Saeed, of Ann Arbor, is a sports marketing entrepreneur and community builder. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University and his Master’s in Sport and Fitness Administration and Management from Wayne State University. Mr. Saeed is appointed for a term commencing July 14, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2025. He succeeds Armond Harris, whose term has expired. 

 

Joseph Dimambro, of Haslett, is the Executive Director of the Playmakers Fitness Foundation, a non-profit based in Okemos. Dimambro graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Mr. Dimambro is appointed for a term commencing July 14, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2025.  He succeeds Kattie Carpenter, whose term has expired. 

 

Anthony Moreno, of Okemos, is a professor of Biomechanics and Sport Performance at Eastern Michigan University. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education at California State University, a Master of Science in Physical Education from the University of Nevada, and a PhD in Kinesiology from Michigan State University.  Dr. Moreno is reappointed for a term commencing July 14, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2025.  

 

Mary Patay, of Mackinac Island, is the Recreation Director for the City of Mackinac and a writer for the Michigan Fitness Foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Psychology from Miami University, a Master of Science in Physical Fitness from the University of North Dakota, and a Ph.D. in Sports & Exercise Science from the University of Northern Colorado. Dr. Patay is reappointed as the Chairperson for a term commencing July 14, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2025.   

 

Florine Mark, of Farmington Hills, is the former president and CEO of The WW (Weight Watchers) Group, Inc. She spent more than 50 years as the leading holder of Weight Watchers International until selling the franchise in 2021. Ms. Mark is reappointed for a term commencing July 14, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2025.   

 

Raul Velasco, of Grand Rapids, is the founder and owner of Alejandro Photography. He is a partner at GR Outside, working with the goal of improving equitable access to outdoor activities. Mr. Velasco is appointed for a term commencing July 14, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2025.  He succeeds Todd Turner, whose term has expired. 

 

The Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports was established in 1992 to improve the health of, and increase physical activity among, Michigan residents.   

 

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

 

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