RELEASE: Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE?

July 27, 2023?

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions?

LANSING, Mich. ? Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Elevator Safety Board, Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission, Water Use Advisory, and Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services. ?

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.?

Elevator Safety Board??

Joshua Jacobs, of Leroy, is a serviceman for Elevator Services in Grand Rapids since 2022 and has over 24 years of experience in the elevator industry. He is a licensed Elevator Journeyperson and Elevator Contractor and completed journeyperson training with the National Elevator Industry Education Program. Mr. Jacobs is reappointed to represent manufacturers of elevators used in this state for a term commencing July 27, 2023, and expiring July 22, 2027.??

The Elevator Safety Board promulgates rules and prepares examinations in relation to contractor licenses. The Board also conducts hearings to determine whether an elevator contractor license or certificate of competency or commission should be suspended or revoked.???????

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

Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission??

Byron Osbern, of Detroit, is a Business Representative for IBEW Local 58. Additionally, he has also held positions on the Detroit Charter Commission 2018, Detroit Board of Ethics, Detroit Mayors Workforce Development Board, and the Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Community Council. Mr. Osbern is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing July 27, 2023, and expiring June 5, 2027.?

The Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission is the successor to the Michigan Boxing Commission and is responsible for the regulation of professional boxing and mixed martial arts. The Commission and the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs are vested with management, control, and jurisdiction over all professional boxing, professional or amateur mixed martial arts, or unarmed combat contests or events conducted in this state.??

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

Water Use Advisory Council?

Frank Ettawageshik, of Harbor Springs, is a founding member of Michigan Tribal Advocates and serves as the Executive Director of United Tribes of Michigan. He has a long history of leadership within the tribal community, first as a member of the board, vice chairman, and eventually as Chairman of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. Mr. Ettawageshik is reappointed to represent Indian Tribes, for a term commencing July 27, 2023, and expiring February 26, 2027.?

Dave Hamilton, of Haslett, is a retired water management professional having most recently served as a senior policy advisor for The Nature Conservancy. He also held numerous positions in the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality over the course of his career all relating to water use and management. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering from MSU and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Water Resources from MIT. Mr. Hamilton is reappointed to represent statewide conservation organizations, for a term commencing July 27, 2023, and expiring February 26, 2027.?

Katy Lindstrom, of Saline, is a Senior Environmental Engineer at Barr Engineering Co. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering from Michigan Tech, and a Master of Science in Hydrologic Science and Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines. Ms. Lindstrom is appointed to represent professional hydrologists and hydrogeologists, as defined in section 32706c, with hydrogeology field experience, for a term commencing July 27, 2023, and expiring February 26, 2027. She succeeds James Nicholas, whose term has expired.?

Dave Maturen, of Vicksburg, is currently the president of the Michigan Lakes & Streams Association. He is also a former member of the state house representing the 63rd district from 2015 to 2018 holds a bachelor?s degree in business administration and a Master of Public Administration degree from Western Michigan University. Mr. Maturen is appointed to represent a statewide riparian landowners association, for a term commencing July 27, 2023, and expiring February 26, 2027. He succeeds Mike Gallagher, whose term has expired.?

Patrick J. Staskiewicz, P.E., of Grand Haven, is the Public Utilities Director at Ottawa County Road Commission. He holds a Bachelor of Science, Civil and Environmental Engineering from Michigan State. He also holds a Professional Engineer license in the state of Michigan and Waterworks System Operator licenses from EGLE: S-1 (water distribution), D-2 (limited treatment).? He has over 30 years of experience in municipal drinking water and wastewater systems and is the Past-Director of the Michigan Section, American Water Works Association (AWWA) and is a Past-Vice-President of AWWA. Mr. Staskiewicz is reappointed to represent municipal water suppliers, for a term commencing July 27, 2023, and expiring February 26, 2027.?

The Water Use Advisory Council advises the Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Natural Resources, and Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on the State?s Water Use Program, which includes the following major elements: Great Lakes Compact; water withdrawal; and water use conflict.?

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

Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services?

Margi Williams, of Mattawan, is the Managing Partner and Career/Transition Employment Specialist at Diversified Career Services. She has a bachelor's of business administration from Baker College, and a Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Baker College. Ms. Williams is appointed to represent business, industry or labor for a term commencing July 27, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2024.???

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Kelsey Hockaday, of Midland, is the Quality Assurance Manager at the Disability Network of Mid-Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Science in History from Northern Michigan University. Ms. Hockaday is appointed to represent business, industry or labor for a term commencing July 27, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2024. ??

Kathryn Flagstadt, of Marquette, is retired as the Site Manager at Michigan Rehabilitaion Services. She is a member of the State Employee Retirees Association, and the Marquette County Aging Services Advisory Committee. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from Northern Michigan University and a Master of Social Work from Michigan State University. Ms. Flagstadt appointed to represent vocational rehabilitation programs for a term commencing July 27, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2025.??

The Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services reviews, analyzes, and advises Michigan's rehabilitation programs and services, and advises the department director and Governor. The Council works in partnership with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs' Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (LEO-BSBP).?

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

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