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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*?

September 29, 2023?

Contact: [email protected]??

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*Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions*?

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*LANSING, Mich. ?* Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Michigan Workforce Development Board, Michigan Carrot Commission, Michigan Iron Industry Museum Advisory Board, Michigan Intelligence Operations Center for Homeland Security, Health Information Technology Commission, Michigan Board of Respiratory Care, Michigan Board of Audiology, Michigan Board of Pharmacy, and Michigan Board of Counseling. ?

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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.?

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*Michigan Workforce Development Board*?

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Robert Davies, Ph.D., of Mount Pleasant, is the president of Central Michigan University. Davies received a Bachelor of Science in management from the University of Nevada, Reno. He also holds a Master of Business Administration degree in finance and marketing from the University of Oregon and a doctoral degree in higher education administration from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Dr. Davies is reappointed to represent a president of an institution of higher education for a term commencing September 29, 2023, and expiring May 29, 2027.??

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Mayor Mike Duggan, of Detroit, is the 75th Mayor of the City of Detroit. He has been in office since January 2014 and currently is serving his third four-year term. He received a Bachelor of Arts and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Michigan. Mayor Duggan is reappointed to represent a chief elected official of a city or county in this state for a term commencing September 29, 2023, and expiring May 29, 2027.?

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Deeana Ahmed, Ph.D., of Birmingham, is the chief strategy officer of Our Next Energy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and South Asian Studies from the University of Michigan, a Master in Public Health and a Master of Science in Food Policy and Applied Nutrition from Tufts University, and a PhD in Behavioral Nutrition and Neuroscience from Columbia University. She is appointed to represent mobility business enterprises for a term commencing September 29, 2023, and expiring May 29, 2026. She succeeds Jessica Robinson, who has resigned.?

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Rachel Lutz, of Detroit, is the owner of the Peacock Room Boutique. She attended Wayne State University. She is reappointed to represent small business owners for a term commencing September 29, 2023, and expiring May 29, 2027.?

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Cynthia Pasky, of Detroit, is the founder of Strategic Staffing Solutions. She is reappointed to represent female-owned business enterprises for a term commencing September 29, 2023, and expiring May 29, 2027. She has been designated to continue serving as chair.???

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The Workforce Development Board is responsible for the development and continuous improvement of the workforce development system in Michigan. The Board will act as an advisory body and will assist the Governor with the development, implementation, and modification of Michigan's four-year state plan pursuant to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and advance the Governor's ?60 by 30? goal of helping 60% of our workforce achieve a post-secondary degree or certification by 2030.??

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

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*Michigan Carrot Commission*?

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Craig Brandt, of Imlay City, is a fresh carrot grower from Imlay City and 4th generation farmer. He is a co-owner of valley farms, where he works 1600 acres which includes 550 acres of carrots. He holds an MBA from Baker College. Mr. Brandt is appointed to represent growers, for a term commencing September 29, 2023, and expiring October 31, 2024. He succeeds William Schwass whose term has expired.??

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Ryan Malburg, of Hart, farms 1400 acres in Oceana County of which 100 acres are carrots for the processed market. Growing carrots at Malburg Acres started with Ryan?s father more than 30 years ago. Mr. Malberg is reappointed to represent growers for a term commencing September 29, 2023, and expiring October 31, 2025.?

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Jared Oomen, of Pentwater, farms 4000 acres of conventional and organic crops which includes 600 acres of carrots for processing. Jared is part of an innovative operation willing to try new things to improve their carrot production. He holds a degree in agricultural industries from Michigan State University. Mr. Oomen is reappointed to represent growers for a term commencing September 29, 2023, and expiring October 31, 2025.?

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Lee Oomen, of Walkerville, is a fieldman for IPC Arbre Farms, a vegetable processor in Oceana County.??

In his professional capacity, he works with growers who supply carrots to IPC. Lee also farms in his spare time. Mr. Oomen is reappointed to represent growers for a term commencing November 1, 2023, and expiring October 31, 2026.?

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Ralph Oomen, of Hart, has been farming for 37 years. He currently owns 1800 acres of farmland. Along with his brother, he owns and operates Oomen Brother?s Farm. Mr. Oomen is reappointed to represent growers for a term commencing November 1, 2023, and expiring October 31, 2026.?

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The Michigan Carrot Commission promotes the production and consumption of carrots grown in Michigan and assists in the agricultural research and development of carrot farming.?

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

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*Michigan Iron Industry Museum Advisory Board*?

Robert Mercure, of Marquette, is a retired teacher and school administrator. He holds a bachelor of Science in History and Geography as well as a Masters of Arts in Recreation from Northern Michigan University. He is currently an active volunteer with the Marquette Regional History Center helping the center raise funds and assists in the outreach programs. Mr. Mercure is appointed to represent the city of Marquette for a term commencing September 29, 2023, and expiring October 4, 2026. He succeeds Victoria Leonhardt, whose term has expired.?

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Harold Fitch, of Williamston, is the president of H. R. Fitch Consulting Services LLC. He has previously served as the director of the Oil, Gas, and Minerals Division of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Michigan Technological University. Mr. Fitch is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing September 29, 2023, and expiring October 4, 2026. He succeeds Michael Gregory, whose term has expired.?

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The Michigan Iron Industry Museum Advisory Board advises the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment on policies, plans and programs concerning the Michigan Iron Industry Museum. The Board supports education programs and public use of the facility.????

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

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*Advisory Board for the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center for Homeland Security*?

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Brian Slocum, of Novi, is the COO of ITC Holding. He holds a bachelor or science in electrical engineering from Wayne State University and an MBA from University of Michigan ? Dearborn. Mr. Slocum is reappointed to represent residents of the state not connected to law enforcement, for a term commencing September 29, 2023, and expiring April 11, 2027.???

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Thomas L. Reich, of Eaton Rapids, is the Sheriff of Eaton County, and has 32 years of law enforcement experience. He holds an associate degree in criminal justice from Lansing Community College. In 2019 he was recognized as Michigan Sheriff of the Year. Sheriff Reich is reappointed to represent Michigan Sheriff?s Association for a term commencing September 29, 2023, and expiring April 11, 2027.??

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The Advisory Board for the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center for Homeland Security shall collect, evaluate, collate, and analyze information and intelligence and then, as appropriate, disseminate this information and intelligence to the proper public safety agencies so that any threat of terrorism or criminal activity will be successfully identified and addressed.??

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These appointments are not subject to the Advice and Consent of the Senate.???

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*Health Information Technology Commission *?

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Dr. Walker Foland, of West Branch, is an emergency physician for Covenant Health Care and works part time at Hills and Dales Hospital. Dr. Foland also works as a telehealth physician at AmazonCare and American Well. He received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Michigan State University. Dr. Foland is reappointed to represent Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and surgery, for a term commencing September 29, 2023, and expiring August 3, 2027.????

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Renee Smiddy, of Howell, is the senior director of finance policy for the Michigan Health and Hospital Association. She previously worked as a senior performance measurement analyst for Henry Ford Health System. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University in international relations and business management along with a Master of Science in business analytics from the University of Michigan.? Ms. Smiddy is reappointed to represent the general public, for a term commencing September 29, 2023, and expiring August 3, 2027.?

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Dr. Michael Zaroukian, of Okemos, is a licensed physician and professor emeritus for the Department of Medicine within the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University. From 2011-2022 Dr. Zaroukian served as the Vice President & Chief Medical Information Officer, Sparrow Health System. He is a member of the American Board of Internal Medicine and past chair of the MSU Internal Medicine Residency Training and Evaluation Committee. Dr. Zaroukian received his Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of Michigan, his M.D. as well as a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Michigan State University. Dr. Zaroukian is reappointed to represent medical doctors, for a term commencing September 29, 2023, and expiring August 3, 2027.????

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Jeffrey Chin, of Grosse Pointe Park, is currently a manager at Michigan Medicine for Health Information Exchange and Interoperability and Dataworks, with previous work as a team lead for U of M Health System, having over 11 years of experience in the Health Informatics discipline specializing in the study and implementation of healthcare information technology product. Chin graduated from The University of Michigan ? Ann Arbor with a bachelor's in economics and music and later obtaining a master's in health services administration. Mr. Jeff Chin is also a volunteer at Covenant Community Care. Mr. Chin is appointed to represent hospitals, for a term commencing September 29, 2023, and expiring August 3, 2025. He succeeds Heather Wilson who has resigned.??

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Alison Arnold Ph.D., of Traverse City, is currently the executive director for the College of Medicine Rural Health Equity Institute for Central Michigan University. Arnold has previous experience as a Community Director Office of K12 Outreach for Michigan State University. Arnold graduated from Wittenberg University with a bachelor?s in English and Secondary Education and from Central Michigan University with a doctorate in Educational Leadership. Ms. Arnold is appointed to represent schools of medicine in Michigan, for a term commencing September 29, 2023, and expiring August 3, 2025. She succeeds Norman Beauchamp who has resigned.??

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The Michigan Health Information Technology (HIT) Commission's mission is to facilitate and promote the design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of an interoperable health care information infrastructure in Michigan.????

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

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*Michigan Board of Respiratory care*?

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Elizabeth Payne, of Warren, is a strategic accounts executive for Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Previously, she served as talent innovation program catalyst for the State of Michigan Department of Talent and Economic Development, as director of scheduling and logistics for the Executive Office of the Governor. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Michigan State University. Elizabeth Payne is reappointed to represent the general public, for a term commencing September 29, 2023 and expiring December 31, 2026.??

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The Michigan Board of Respiratory Care oversees the licensure requirements and standards for respiratory therapists in the state.??

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

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*Michigan Board of Audiology*?

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Dr. Mary Kassa, of West Bloomfield, is an audiology program coordinator at Wayne State University. She serves as one of the advisors for graduate students in the Doctor of Audiology program and as the advisor for the Wayne State University Student Academy of Audiology. Dr. Kassa also works as a clinical audiologist in the Henry Ford Health System's Division of Audiology, where she also provides clinical instruction to audiology graduate students. Additionally, she is a member of the Michigan Audiology Coalition, the American Academy of audiology, and the Diversity and Inclusion Committee at Wayne State University. Dr. Kassa received her B.A. in communication, sciences, and disorders, and her doctor of audiology from Wayne State University. Dr. Mary Kassa is appointed to represent audiologists, for a term commencing September 29, 2023 and expiring June 29, 2025.??

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The Michigan Board of Audiology was formed with the enactment of the Public Act 97 of 2004 and mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the board to promote and protect the public's health, safety, and welfare. The Board also has the obligation to take disciplinary action against licensees who have adversely affected the public's health, safety, and welfare.?

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

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*Michigan Board of Pharmacy*?

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Grace Sesi, of Troy, is the executive director of pharmacy regulatory affairs for CVS Health. She has worked within CVS for over 20 years and also served in the capacity of Director for CVS HealthHUB Field Leader and the District Leader for the greater Detroit area. Sesi earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from Ohio Northern University. Grace Sesi is reappointed to represent Pharmacists, for a term commencing September 29, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2027.???

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Sandra Taylor, of Farmington Hills, is the director of the pharmacy department at Corewell Health. Taylor has been involved with Pharmacy Operations and Services for over two decades and also served as the Administrator of Clinical Operations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Wayne State University and a Master of Science in Finance from Walsh College of Business. She is also a participant in the Annual STEAM program to support and mentor youth in the community. Sandra Taylor is reappointed to represent Pharmacists, for a term commencing September 29, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2027.???

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Scott Ciarkowski, of Ypsilanti, is the pharmacy manager of medication management, quality, and safety at Michigan Medicine. He has also previously served as the Medication Safety Officer for Michigan Medicine. He holds a Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from Ferris State University along with a Master of Business Administration from Baker College and a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Florida.?Scott Ciarkowski is being appointed to represent Pharmacists, replacing Maria Young, for a term commencing September 29, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2027.???

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Kelli Oldham, of East Lansing, is the director of pharmacy and retail operations with Walgreens Co. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado and a Master of Science in Management in Project Management and Leadership from Regis University, Colorado.?Kelli Oldham is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing September 29, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2027.???

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The Michigan Board of Pharmacy regulates, controls, and inspects the character and standards of pharmacy practice and of drugs manufactured, distributed, prescribed, dispensed, and administered or issued in the state of Michigan. The Board also has the obligation to discipline licensees who have adversely affected the public's health, safety, and welfare.????

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

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*Michigan Board of Counseling*??

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Charles Hughes, of Gaylord, is a behavioral health counselor at Munson Grayling Hospital and Physician Network. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from Central Michigan University and a Master of Arts in Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University. Charles Hughes is reappointed to represent Individuals engaged primarily in providing counseling techniques, behavior modification techniques, or preventive techniques to clients for a term commencing September 29, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2027.???

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The Michigan Board of Counseling works to oversee the practice of approximately 9,099 Counselors across the state of Michigan. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the Board to promote and protect the public's health, safety, and welfare. The Board also has the obligation to take disciplinary action against licensees who have adversely affected the public's health, safety, and welfare. ??

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

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