August 24, 2023 

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Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Workers' Compensation Board of Magistrates, Michigan Propane Commission and Farm Produce Insurance Authority. 

Workers' Compensation Board of Magistrates 

Michael Cantor, of West Bloomfield, is a trial attorney at the firm of Paskel, Tashman, and Walker in Southfield, Michigan. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Wayne State University and a Juris Doctorate from the Detroit College of Law. He is appointed to represent a member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan who has been an attorney licensed to practice in Michigan courts for five years or more for a term commencing August 24, 2023, and expiring July 31, 2027. He succeeds Luke McMurray who has resigned. 

The Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates was established as an autonomous entity within the Workers' Disability Compensation Agency per Executive Order No. 2019-13. Only workers’ compensation magistrates can hear cases for which an application for hearing has been filed with the Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency. The Board of Magistrates hears cases regarding any dispute that arises under the Michigan Worker’s Disability Compensation Act of 1969.  

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

Michigan Propane Commission 

Wayne Kohley, of Norton Shores, is the president of the Excel Propane Company. He is a member of the Michigan Propane Gas Association and the chair of the Governmental Affairs Committee. Mr. Kohley is reappointed to represent individuals engaged in the retail propane industry in this state for a term commencing August 24, 2023, and expiring July 1, 2025. 

The Propane Commission was created by Public Act 332 of 2020 to educate residents, business owners, and other users of propane on the safe use of propane and promote the use of high efficiency appliances and equipment through rebate and incentive programs for Michigan residents.  

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

Farm Produce Insurance Authority 

Gerald Heck, of Monroe, is the owner of Heck Farms, LLC. He holds a Bachelor of Science in agriculture from Michigan State University. Mr. Heck is reappointed to represent the largest Michigan organization exclusively representing wheat producers in Michigan for a term commencing August 24, 2023, and expiring June 20, 2026.  

Terry L. Page, of Lyons, is the owner and operator of Page Farms, LLC. He is the president of the Ionia County Farm Bureau and a member of the National Corn Growers Association and National Soybean Grower Association. Mr. Page is reappointed to represent the largest Michigan organization representing general farm interests in Michigan for a term commencing August 24, 2023, and expiring June 20, 2026. 

The Michigan Farm Produce Insurance Authority is an eight-member board, established under Act 198 of 2003, representing farmers, grain industry, and banking interests. The Authority has the responsibility of establishing, administering, and promoting the Farm Produce Insurance Fund. 

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

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