RELEASE: Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE?

August 10, 2023?

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions?

LANSING, Mich. ? Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the State Historic Preservation Office, State Land Bank Authority, Board of Podiatric Medicine, Council on Climate Solutions, State of Michigan Retirement Board, State Police Retirement Board, Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers, Commission on Services to the Aging, Michigan Veterans' Memorial Park Commission, Michigan Women's Commission, and Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority Board of Commissioners.?

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.?

State Historic Preservation Officer?

Ryan Schumaker, of Tecumseh, most recently served as Architectural Historian Team Leader for The Mannik & Smith Group, Inc. He has also worked for the City of Detroit as Deputy Director and Grant Coordinator for the Historic Designation Advisory Board, where he successfully applied for and was awarded three National Park Service grants to document and preserve the history of underrepresented communities. Schumaker previously worked for the City of Detroit's Housing & Revitalization and Planning & Development departments leading its administration of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act reviews for the City's U.S. Housing & Urban Development funding. Schumaker holds a Master of Science in Historic Preservation Planning from Eastern Michigan University and a Bachelor of Arts in Public History from Western Michigan University. He is currently a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and a federally certified (36 CFR Part 61) Architectural Historian. Schumaker will serve as the State Historic Preservation Officer for a term commencing September 5, 2023, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.??

The State Historic Preservation Officer is appointed by the governor to administer the State Historic Preservation Office and Michigan's historic preservation program in compliance with 36 CFR ? 61.4, including the employment of a professionally qualified staff. Executive Order No. 2019-13 transferred the State Historic Preservation Office from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to the Michigan Strategic Fund.??

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.? ?

State Land Bank Authority Board of Directors??

Dr. Lisa Webb Sharpe, of Okemos, is chief operating officer at Peckham, Inc. She is also a former executive vice president of Lansing Community College, director of the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget, and deputy chief of staff to Governor Granholm. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Personnel and Industrial Relations from Eastern Michigan University, Master of Business Administration in International Business from Wayne State University, and Doctorate in Community College Leadership from Ferris State University. Dr. Webb Sharpe is reappointed for a term commencing August 10, 2023, and expiring July 31, 2027.?

The State Land Bank Authority works to create a positive economic impact on Michigan communities by recycling land to productive use. They work in a coordinated manner to foster the development of property to promote and support land bank operations at the county and local levels. The authority consists of 7 members, 4 appointed by the Governor. After the initial appointments, members must be appointed for a 4-year term.??

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.???

Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery??

Dr. Erik Kissel, of Bloomfield, is partner at Foot and Ankle Specialists of Southeast Michigan. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Michigan and his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.? Dr. Kissel is reappointed to represent podiatrists for a term commencing August 10, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2027.??

The Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery was formed to license and regulate the practice of podiatric medicine and surgery, which is defined in the Public Health Code as the evaluation, diagnosis, management, and prevention of conditions of the lower extremities, including local manifestations of systemic disease in the human foot and ankle, by attending to and advising patients and through the use of devices, diagnostic tests, drugs and biologicals, surgical procedures, or other means.?

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

Council on Climate Solutions?

Brandon Hoffmeister, of Ann Arbor, is the senior vice president of governmental, regulatory, and public affairs for Consumers Energy. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Harvard College and a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School. Mr. Hoffmeister is reappointed for a term commencing August 10, 2023, and expiring February 3, 2027.?

Dr. Phyllis Meadows, of Ann Arbor, is a senior fellow in health programming for The Kresge Foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Oakland University, and a Master of Science in Health Nursing and PhD. in Sociology from Wayne State University. Dr. Meadows is reappointed for a term commencing August 10, 2023, and expiring February 3, 2027.???

Lana Pollack, of Ann Arbor, is retired and most recently served as the Chair of the U.S. Section of the International Joint Commission. She has also served as the President of the Michigan Environmental Council, and a State Senator in the Michigan Senate. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Michigan, and a Master of Arts in Education also from the University of Michigan. Mrs. Pollack is appointed for a term commencing August 10, 2023, and expiring February 3, 2025.? She succeeds Phillip Roos who has resigned.?

Dr. Samuel Stopler, of Detroit, is an assistant professor for the University of Michigan School for Environmental and Sustainability. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Brown University and a Ph.D. in Public Policy from Harvard University. Dr. Stopler is reappointed for a term commencing August 10, 2023, and expiring February 3, 2027.???

The Council on Climate Solutions was created by Governor Whitmer?s Executive Order 2020-182. The Council acts in an advisory capacity to Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to formulate and oversee the implementation of the MI Healthy Climate Plan, which will serve as the action plan for this state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition toward economywide carbon neutrality.?

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

State of Michigan Retirement Board?

Felipe Kairian-Tores, of Royal Oak, is an assistant prosecuting attorney for Wayne County and a judge advocate for the Michigan Army National Guard 46th Military Police Command. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University. Captain Karian-Torres is reappointed to represent a current or former officer or enlisted person in the Michigan Military Establishment who is a member or retirant under the Military Retirement Provisions, for a term commencing August 10, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2026.???

The State of Michigan Retirement Board was created by Executive Order 2015-13, and consolidated the State Employees' Retirement System Board, the Judges' Retirement System Board, and the Military Retirement Provisions. Housed in the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget, in the Office of Retirement Services, the Retirement Board will provide oversight of the three systems that service nearly 88,000 active and retired employees.???

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.?

State Police Retirement Board?

James Grady, of Westland, is a captain with the Michigan State Police and serves as an Assistant Division Commander. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice/Criminology from Eastern Michigan University. Captain Grady is reappointed to represent an officer member of the retirement system having the rank of lieutenant or above, for a term commencing August 10, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2025.???

The Michigan State Police Retirement Board provides oversight of the Michigan State Police Retirement System.? The board was created under Public Act 182 of 1986.??

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.?

Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers?

Ashlee Carnahan, of Detroit, is the manager of nutrition and education services as well the internship director for the Henry Ford Hospital Dietetic Internship program. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Western Michigan University and a Master of Science from Central Michigan University. She is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 10, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2027. She succeeds Morgan McCaul whose term has expired.??

Tracey Covassin, of Holt, is a professor and licensed athletic trainer for Michigan State University?s Department of Kinesiology. She holds a Master of Science from University of Nevada Las Vegas and a Ph.D. in Kinesiology from Temple University. She is appointed to represent athletic trainers for a term commencing August 10, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2027. She succeeds Megan Snow whose term has expired.??

Michael Braid, of Twin Lake, is the director of athletic training at i?Move Sports Performance and Outpatient Therapy. Mr. Braid graduated from Central Michigan University with a bachelor?s in Sports Medicine and earned his Master of Science in Physical Education from Northern Illinois University. He is reappointed to represent athletic trainers for a term commencing August 10, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2027.????

Katherine Kelley-Hart, of Lansing, is Head Swimming Coach and a fifth-grade teacher at Waverly Community Schools. Ms. Kelley-Hart attended Washtenaw Community College with a focus in elementary education and received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Alma College.? She is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 10, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2027.?????

The Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of approximately 1,028 athletic trainers. The practice of athletic training, as defined in the Public Health Code, means the treatment of an individual for risk management and injury prevention, the clinical evaluation and assessment of an individual for an injury or illness, the immediate care and treatment of an individual for an injury or illness, and the rehabilitation and reconditioning of an individual's injury or illness.?

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

Commission on Services to the Aging?

Arjan Kallou, of Troy, is the programs operations director at United Community Family Services. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration with a minor in Human Resources from Baker College. She also holds an Assoicate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology. She serves on the Board of the master's in public health Program at Oakland University. Ms. Kallou is appointed for a term commencing August 10, 2023, and expiring July 28, 2026.?

The Commission on Services to the Aging (CSA), a 15-member body appointed by the Governor, advises the Governor and Legislature on coordination and administration of state programs, changes in federal and state programs, and the nature and magnitude of aging priorities. The Commission also reviews and approves grants made by the Aging & Adult Services Agency (AASA) and participates in development of the state plan and budget as required by the federal Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended. Commission meetings are held monthly and are open to the public.?

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

Michigan Veterans' Memorial Park Commission?

Andrew Cosgrove, of Grand Ledge, is the director of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs at Lansing Community College. He served with the Michigan Army National Guard, and he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Michigan State University. Mr. Cosgrove is reappointed for a term commencing August 10, 2023, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.?

The Michigan Veterans? Memorial Park Commission advises on the development, management, and maintenance of the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Park in Lansing, the operation of programs exclusive to the park, and the security services and enforcement of rules for the care and preservation of the park.?

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.?

Michigan Women's Commission?

Danielle K. Atkinson, of Royal Oak, is the founding director of Mothering Justice. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Political Science from Pfeiffer University. Ms. Atkinson is reappointed for a term commencing August 10, 2023, and expiring July 15, 2026.?

Sabala R. Mandava, M.D., of Bloomfield Hills, is a senior staff radiologist and the vice chair of radiology at Henry Ford Hospital. She earned her medical degree from the Guntar Medical College in India, had her internship with Hurley Medical Center, residency in diagnostic radiology at Michigan State University, and fellowship in women?s imaging at Henry Ford Hospital. Dr. Mandava is reappointed for a term commencing August 10, 2023, and expiring July 15, 2026.?

Misti M. Rice, of Rochester Hills, is the executive director of government affairs for Magna International, Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Northeastern State University, Master of Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Tulsa. Ms. Rice is appointed for a term commencing August 10, 2023, and expiring July 15, 2026.?

Faye Nelson, of Grosse Pointe Woods, is the Michigan director for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Mercy College of Detroit and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit School of Law. Ms. Nelson is reappointed for a term commencing August 10, 2023, and expiring July 15, 2026.?

Vivian Rogers Pickard, of Grand Blanc, is the president and CEO of the Pickard Group, LLC. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services Administration from Ferris State University, a Master of Business Administration in Personnel Management from Central Michigan University, and an honorary doctorate from Ferris State University. Ms. Pickard is reappointed for a term commencing August 10, 2023, and expiring July 15, 2026.?

Dr. Geneva Williams, Ed.D., of Detroit, is the chief executive officer of Dr. Geneva Speaks, LLC. She earned her Doctor of Education with a concentration in Educational Leadership and Public Policy from Wayne State University and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Speech from Morgan State University. She also has a Master of Social Services from Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Research. Dr. Williams currently serves on the Commission and is designated as chair.??

D. Sue Townsel, of West Bloomfield, is the manager for pediatric oncology at Beaumont Health. She received a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology from Michigan State University and a Master of Science in Social Work from Wayne State University. Ms. Townsel currently serves on the Commission and is designated as vice chair.?

The Michigan Women's Commission was created by statute in 1968. The Commission?s duties include reviewing the status of women in Michigan, directing attention to critical problems confronting women, recommending ways of overcoming discrimination, enabling women to develop skills, conducting surveys, and recognizing women's accomplishments and contributions to Michigan.?

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

Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority Board of Commissioners?

Stephen Pontoni, of Brighton, is the executive director for the Michigan Association for Justice and the director of the Mid-American Global Education Council. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Mr. Pontoni is reappointed for a term commencing June 8, 2023, and expiring May 2, 2027.??

The Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority Board of Commissioners is a seven-member board that governs the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority. The Board of Commissioners makes policy decisions for the Authority, including approving expenditures, acquiring land, planning of new parks and facilities, approving fees and charges, awarding contracts through competitive bidding, and other matters necessary to provide regional recreation.??

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.?

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