RELEASE: Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Michigan Asparagus Marketing Advisory Board, Michigan Bean Commission, Michigan Blueberry Commission, Michigan Craft Beverage Council, Michigan Dairy Market Program Committee, Michigan Soybean Committee, Certificate of Need Commission, State Boundary Commission, Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee, Michigan Truck Safety Commission, Michigan Board of Psychology, Michigan Board of Licensed Midwifery, Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy, Michigan Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons, Michigan Board of Respiratory Care, Michigan Board of Social Work, Michigan Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, and Michigan Education Trust Board of Directors.

This week, the State of Michigan would like to offer a special thanks to all of the hardworking individuals, families, farms, and businesses working to put food on the tables of households across the state. Many of today’s appointees are multigenerational farmers, who—alongside the previous and next generation—are ensuring Michigan’s agricultural legacy is preserved. The Craft Beverage Council and the five Commodity Board appointments announced today are just some of the 22 boards and commissions housed within the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development that help ensure Michiganders find good paying jobs wherever and however they choose to Make it in Michigan.

Kevin Burmeister, of Shelby, is a third-generation grower responsible for 37 acres of asparagus production on his family’s fruit and asparagus farm. Mr. Burmeister holds other agricultural leadership positions, including managing chemical application and hiring personnel through H-2A programs for Lakeshore Farms, Inc. Mr. Burmeister is reappointed to represent growers-at-large, for a term commencing November 21, 2023, and expiring November 13, 2026.

Scott Hassle, of Decatur, is responsible for asparagus production on his family’s large fruit, vegetable and grain operation. Mr. Hassle has extensive agricultural board experiences on both the Michigan Apple Committee and Michigan State Horticultural Society. He holds an Associate of Arts and Science in agribusiness from Michigan State University. Mr. Hassle is reappointed to represent southern Michigan growers-at-large, for a term commencing November 21, 2023, and expiring November 13, 2026.

Nick Oomen, of Hart, is a third-generation farmer. Alongside his dad, he grows asparagus, tart cherries, and many other vegetables. They freshly pack, market, and ship their own asparagus. Mr. Oomen applies his expertise through his role as a member of the Oceana County Farm Bureau, as well as his service to this Board. He holds an agricultural industries certificate from Michigan State University. Mr. Oomen is reappointed to represent growers-at-large, for a term commencing November 21, 2023, and expiring November 13, 2026.

William Schwass, of Scottville, along with his brother, son, and nephew operate a large vegetable and grain operation based in Mason County. With almost 40 years of farming experience in the vegetable industry, Mr. Schwass has expanded operations of his family farm across multiple counties. He holds a diesel and heavy equipment certificate from West Shore Community College. Mr. Schwass is reappointed to represent growers-at-large, for a term commencing November 21, 2023, and expiring November 13, 2026.

Steve Riley, of Mears, is responsible for asparagus production on his family’s fruit and vegetable farm. The Riley family recently built a new 25,000 sq. ft. asparagus receiving station. Mr. Riley has a strong commitment to the industry and to his community, as evident in his positions on local school board and his church’s Deacon Board. Mr. Riley is appointed to represent growers-at-large, for a term commencing November 21, 2023, and expiring November 13, 2026. He succeeds John Williams whose term has expired.

The Michigan Asparagus Marketing Advisory Board seeks to promote the production and consumption of asparagus grown in Michigan, as well as to assist in the agricultural research and development of asparagus farming.

Ted Bauer, of Reese, is the fifth-generation owner of Laracha Farms and chairman of the labor board for Bayside Beans. In addition to overseeing the production of dry beans at his farm, Mr. Bauer manages all HR responsibilities. He volunteers at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church and is serving on their Wages and Benefit Committee. He holds an associate degree in agribusiness from Michigan State University. Mr. Bauer is reappointed to represent district 2 for a term commencing January 1, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2026.

Stephen Ewald, of Unionville, is the president of Ewald Farms, Inc. and is chair of the Organic Farmers of Michigan Board. He is a member of the Farm Produce Insurance Authority and is chairman of the Bean Commission Production Research Advisory Board. Mr. Ewald focuses on organic farming practices, overseeing soil nutrient and weed management systems at his farm. Mr. Ewald is reappointed to represent growers-at-large, for a term commencing January 1, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2026.

The Michigan Bean Commission is headquartered in Frankenmuth, the heart of the growing area. The primary objectives of the Commission are research and promotion. There are more than 2,300 growers registered with the Michigan Bean Commission who are dedicated to bringing consumers the highest quality dry beans and who are recognized worldwide as industry leaders.

Becky Hotovy, of Hartford, is the COO of First Pick Farms LLC where she manages daily farm operations. Prior to this she was a manager at Borden Processing. Ms. Hotovy is appointed to represent district 1, for a term commencing January 1, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2026. She succeeds Dennis Vander Kooi whose term will expire December 31, 2026.

The Michigan Blueberry Commission is housed within the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and was created through the farmer-initiated process outlined in the Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act. The Commission was created with the goal of improving the economic position and competitiveness of the Michigan blueberry industry by supporting research, education, and promotion program.

Michael Chetcuti, of Northport, is a partner with Farm + Ferment, Bigalora Wood Fired Cucina, Arbor Brewing Co, Baia Estate Winery, and the Michigan Hop Alliance. He is the principal owner of American Expedition Vehicles and Streetcar USA. Mr. Chetcuti is also active in land conservancy issues with the Leelanau Conservancy. Mr. Chetcuti is reappointed to represent restaurants that hold a class C license and serve Michigan wines, beer, or spirits, for a term commencing November 21, 2023, and expiring September 30, 2026.

Mardonn Chua, of Ann Arbor, is the cofounder and CTO of Endless West. Mr. Chua oversees the organization’s 60,000+ gallons of production each year. He holds a Bachelor of Science in biotechnology from the University of British Colombia, and was a visiting scientist working on biomedical engineering, cell and molecular biomechanics at Columbia University. Mr. Chua is appointed to represent large distillers, for a term commencing November 21, 2023, and expiring September 30, 2025. He succeeds Zachary Owen whose term has expired.

The Michigan Craft Beverage Council replaced the Grape and Wine Industry Council. The Council will award grants for research into winemaking, hops, barley, beer, and spirits; conduct market surveys and analysis; and offer other programs that encourage the agricultural elements related to Michigan's craft beverage industries. The council's activities are funded exclusively by non-retail, non-wholesale liquor license fees.

Jeremy Beebe, of Whittemore, is a first-generation dairy farmer and the owner of Double B Dairy, LLC. Mr. Beebe is a State Delegate of the Michigan Milk Producers Association, the same organization that named him the runner-up for the 2018 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator. He holds a certificate in animal science and dairy management from Michigan State University. Mr. Beebe is reappointed to represent the Michigan Milk Producers Association, for a term commencing January 1, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2026.

B.J. Eisenga, Jr., of Tustin, is the manager and owner of Midget Mountain Dairy, LLC where he leads a 200 head dairy operation. Mr. Eisenga Jr. has been responsible for herd and crop management at his farm for almost 30 years. He handles various roles at his farm, overseeing finances and coordinating employee recruitment and training. Mr. Eisenga is reappointed to represent the Dairy Farmers of America, for a term commencing January 1, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2026.

Carol Marz-Evans, of Litchfield, is the manager of Evans Dairy Farm. Prior to this role, she was the quality assurance manager at ConAgra Foods. Ms. Marz-Evans is a member of the Michigan Shorthorn Breeders Association and Hillsdale County Dairy Promotion Board. She was named the Outstanding Youth Dairy Cooperator by the Michigan Milk Producers Association. Ms. Marz-Evans is reappointed to represent the Michigan Milk Producers Association, for a term commencing January 1, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2026.

Bryan Hull, of Fenwick, is the owner of Hull Dairy Farm, LLC. He and his wife milk 215 cows and farm 500 acres of corn, hay, and wheat, as well as raise replacement heifers. Mr. Hull has been on the Michigan Dairy Marketing Committee since 2006 and a board member of the Untied Dairy Industry of Michigan since 2000. Mr. Hull is reappointed to represent the Dairy Farmers of America, for a term commencing January 1, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2026.

Brian Preston, of Quincy, is a member with Preston Dairy, LLC. In addition to his family’s farming business, Mr. Preston is heavily involved in the Michigan Milk Producers Association, serving as their Local and District Chair. He holds a Bachelor of Science in agribusiness management from Michigan State University. Mr. Preston is reappointed to represent the Michigan Milk Producers Association, for a term commencing January 1, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2026.

The Michigan Dairy Market Program Committee works in conjunction with the United Dairy Industry of Michigan to promote the sale of dairy products and to educate consumers, health professionals, and educators about the dairy industry and the nutritional benefits of Michigan's dairy products.

Nathan McCalla, of Ann Arbor, is a farmer who along with his father and brother operate their family farm in Ann Arbor. They grow a crop rotation that includes 900 acres of soybeans, as well as corn, wheat, pumpkins, and hay on the farm dating back to 1912. He holds a Bachelor of Science in agribusiness from Michigan State University. Mr. McCalla is appointed to represent District 3, for a term commencing November 21, 2023, and expiring September 23, 2026. He succeeds Laurie Isley whose term has expired.

Sara Trattles, of Colon, is a Vice-President of Agribusiness Lending at GreenStone Farm Credit Services. She grows 450 acres of soybeans, as well as corn, seed corn, and alfalfa on her farm. She holds a Bachelor of Science in agribusiness management from Michigan State University and a Master of Agribusiness Management from Kansas State University. Ms. Trattles is appointed to represent District 1, for a term commencing November 21, 2023, and expiring September 23, 2026. She succeeds Dan Rajzer whose term has expired.

The Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee develops procedures relating to the soybean marketing program and recommends amendments to the marketing program. The Committee prepares the estimated budget required for the proper operation of the marketing program, develops methods for collecting and auditing the assessments, and collects and assembles information and data necessary for proper administration of the marketing program.

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

Debra Guido-Allen, of Sterling Heights, is the chief operating officer of the Corewell Health Dearborn Hospital. Ms. Guido-Allen worked within the Beaumont health system for over 36 years as the chief nursing officer, and vice president of nursing and nursing support services. She received a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Oakland University and a Master of Business Administration in healthcare administration from American InterContinental University. Ms. Guido- Allen is reappointed to represent nurses and Democrats, for a term commencing November 21, 2023, and expiring January 1, 2025.

Greg Salwin, of Clarkston, is the Senior Manager of Health Care Initiatives & Program Management for Stellantis (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, LLC). As part of his duties in this role, he leads the Health Care Task Force comprised of external consultants, health care plan representatives, and internal and external subject matter experts. Mr. Salwin received his Bachelor of Arts in psychology as well as his Master of Public Administration from Oakland University. Mr. Salwin is appointed to represent companies that are self-insured for health coverage and Republicans, for a term commencing November 21, 2023, and expiring January 1, 2025. He succeeds Melanie Lalonde whose term has expired.

James “Chip” Falahee, of Portage, is the Senior Vice President of Legal & Legislative Affairs for Bronson Healthcare Group. He joined Bronson in 1987 and has more than 40 years of experience in health care law and legislation. Mr. Falahee received his Bachelor of Arts in English and political science from the University of Michigan and his Juris Doctor from Wayne State University. Mr. Falahee is reappointed to represent hospitals and Republicans, for a term commencing November 21, 2023, and expiring April 9, 2025.

Ashok Kondur, M.D., of West Bloomfield, is Vice President of Cardiology Services for Dearborn Cardiology. Mr. Kondur is also the chair of the department of Cardiology for Garden City Hospital. He received his Bachelor of Science in biology from Sarvodaya College, his Doctor of Medicine from Osmania Medical College, and his Master of Business Administration from Indiana University. Mr. Kondur is appointed to represent companies that are not self-insured for health coverage and Democrats, a different seat from the one previously held, for a term commencing November 21, 2023, and expiring January 1, 2026. He succeeds Lorissa MacAllister whose term has expired.

Dr. Amy Engelhardt-Kalbfleisch, of Clarkston, is the chief medical officer and medical director for utilization management for Henry Ford Hospital. She is a member of the American Medical Assocation as well as the American Osteopathic Assocation. Dr. Englehardt-Kalbfiesch received her Bachelor of Science in microbiology from Michigan State University, her Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan, and her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Des Moines University-College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Englehardt-Kalbfleisch is reappointed to represent physicians licensed under part 175 to engage in the practice of osteopathic medicine and surgery and Democrats, for a term commencing November 21, 2023, and expiring April 9, 2026.

Archie Drake, of Detroit, is the chief executive officer for the Children’s Hospital of Michigan. Mr. Drake is a registered nurse, member of the Michigan Health and Hospital Association Children’s Health Council, and a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He received his Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington and his Master of Business from Amberton University. Mr. Drake is appointed to represent hospitals and Democrats for a term commencing November 21, 2023, and expiring April 9, 2025. He succeeds Ashok Kondur whose term within this seat has expired.

The Certificate of Need (CON) Commission has the responsibility to develop, approve, disapprove, or revise CON Review Standards that are used by the CON Program Section to issue decisions on CON applications. The Commission evaluates the Review Standards for modification on a three-year rotating schedule as identified in the Commission Workplan. The Commission also has the authority to make recommendations to revise the list of covered clinical services subject to CON review.

Linda Preston, of Dowagiac, is the township supervisor for Pokagon Township. She has worked for the township for nearly 40 years. She received a Bachelor of Arts in human environment and design from Michigan State University. Ms. Preston is reappointed for a term commencing November 21, 2023, and expiring November 14, 2026.

The State Boundary Commission is responsible for administering the State Boundary Commission Act and portions of the Home Rule City Act and the Home Rule Village Act. The Commission serves as a quasi-judicial body adjudicating many types of municipal boundary adjustments and recommends, to the Director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, the approval or denial of petitions for incorporations of new Home Rule Cities, new Home Rule Villages, and municipal consolidations. The Commission also recommends approval or denial of certain types of petitions involving land currently under township jurisdiction that is proposed to be annexed into a Home Rule City.

Angela Lugo-Thomas is a Community Engagement Reporter at Planet Detroit. Previously, Angela Lugo-Thomas served as an independent consultant at EduVation, and a Garden Development Specialist at Keep Growing Detroit. Ms. Lugo-Thomas is appointed for a term commencing November 21, 2023, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. She fills a vacant seat appointed by the Governor.

The Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee advises the state on implementation of improvements, master planning and public safety for Belle Isle Park.

Jeremy Burleson, of South Haven, is the director of regional campuses at Lake Michigan College. He received his Bachelor of Science in education from Central Michigan University and his Master of Liberal Studies from Fort Hays State University. Mr. Burleson is reappointed to represent Michigan community colleges for a term commencing November 21, 2023, and expiring August 4, 2025.

Carol Heinowski, of Grand Ledge, is the logistics, safety, and compliance manager at Meijer. She received her Bachelor of Arts in general business administration from Michigan State University. Mrs. Heinowski is reappointed to represent private motor carriers for a term commencing November 21, 2023, and expiring August 4, 2025.

Matthew Brian Hitchcock, of Webberville, is the owner and CEO of MBH Trucking, LLC and owner and president of Chloride Solutions, LLC. He is the chairman and former president of the Michigan Trucking Association. Mr. Hitchcock is reappointed to represent the Michigan Trucking Association for a term commencing November 21, 2023, and expiring August 4, 2025.

Samer Koujane, of West Bloomfield Township, is the Director of Operations for SA Express, Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Science in global supply chain management from Wayne State University. Mr. Koujane is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing November 21, 2023, and expiring August 4, 2025. He succeeds Randy Coplin whose term has expired.

Jeffrey T. Lee, of Canton, is a trustee and business agent with the Teamsters Local 337. He is a veteran of the United States Navy and a former truck driver with Kellogg's. Mr. Lee is reappointed to represent organized labor for a term commencing November 21, 2023, and expiring August 4, 2025.

Jeremy Worm, Ph.D., of Ahmeek, is the associate director of APS Labs and director of Mobile Lab at Michigan Technological University. He received his Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Michigan Technological University. Dr. Worm is reappointed to represent 4-year colleges or universities for a term commencing November 21, 2023, and expiring August 4, 2025.

The Michigan Truck Safety Commission (MTSC) is the only organization in the nation dedicated to commercial truck driver education and training supported solely by the industry it serves. The Commission is committed to enhancing truck and truck driver safety by providing truck driver education and training, heightening all drivers' awareness of the operational characteristics and limitations of trucks, initiating data collection and research, and supporting enforcement of motor carrier safety laws.

Hsin Wang, of West Bloomfield, is an OB/GYN with Detroit Medical Center and has worked there since 2012. She holds a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from the University of Michigan, and an M.D. from the Wayne State University School of Medicine. Dr. Wang is reappointed to represent board certified obstetrician-gynecologists for a term commencing January 1, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2027.

Housed within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, in conjunction with LARA, the Michigan Board of Licensed Midwifery establishes and implements the licensure program for the practice of midwifery in the state.

Emily Short, of Davison, is a licensed Marriage and Family therapist at Brighter Tomorrow in Clarkston, Michigan. Short holds a Bachelor of Science in biology from Saginaw Valley State University, a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Wayne State University, and a Master of Arts in marriage and family therapy. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy. Ms. Short is reappointed to represent marriage and family therapists for a term commencing November 21, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2027.

The Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy was created under Article 15 of Public Act 299 of 1980, as amended, the Occupational Code, to license and regulate the practice of marriage and family therapy in Michigan. The Public Health Code 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 and to take disciplinary action against licensees who have adversely affected it.

Charmeka Newton, of Caledonia, is a licensed psychologist who currently works as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of North Dakota and as an Adjunct Faculty member at Western Michigan University. Newton holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and communities from the University of Michigan – Dearborn, a Master of Arts in community psychology and social change from Pennsylvania State University, and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University. Charmeka Newton is reappointed to represent psychologists for a term commencing January 1, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2027.

Frances Brown, of Macomb, is a licensed psychologist who is the retired President of the Michigan School of Psychology in Farmington Hills. Brown holds a Bachelor of Science in administration from Central Michigan University, a Master of Arts in clinical psychology from the Center of Humanistic Studies, and a Doctor of Clinical and Humanistic Psychology from the Michigan School of Psychology. She is also a commissioner on the American Psychological Associations’ commission on accreditation. Frances Brown is reappointed to represent psychologists for a term commencing January 1, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2027.

Dr. Courtenay Morsi, of Okemos, who was previously appointed to the Michigan Board of Counseling, is an assistant professor in the school psychology program at Michigan State University. She previously worked as a practitioner with Ingham Intermediate School District from 2015-2019 and as a faculty member in the Psychology Department at Utah State University from 2012-2015. Dr. Barrett holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Emory University, a Master of Art in school psychology and a Ph.D. in school psychology from the University of Maryland. Dr. Morsi is appointed to represent psychologists for a term commencing January 1, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2027. She is succeeding Byron Douglas whose term has expired.

The Michigan Board of Psychology was originally formed with the enactment of Public Act 257 of 1959. The Public Health Code 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 implements this responsibility by ascertaining minimal entry level competency of health practitioners. The Board also has the obligation to take disciplinary action against licensees who have adversely affected the public's health, safety, and welfare.

Benjamin Smith, of Farmington Hills, is a Principal at Summit Commercial in Detroit, Michigan. Smith holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Howard University and a Juris Doctor from Wayne Law School. Additionally, he was also commissioned as an officer at the U.S. Coast guard Officer Candidate School at Yorktown, Virgina. Benjamin Smith is reappointed to represent real estate brokers and salespersons for a term commencing November 21, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2027.

The Michigan Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons was created under Article 25 of Public Act 299 of 1980, as amended, to license and regulate the practice of real estate brokers and salespersons in Michigan. The Board works with the department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of real estate salespersons, associate real estate brokers, real estate brokers, and branch offices.

Emily Pokora Zyla, of Rockford, is a licensed respiratory therapist who works at Ferris State University in various roles including being an instructor for students in the BSRT Program, as well as the Program Coordinator and Department Chair. Zyla holds a Bachelor of Science in health sciences from Grand Valley State College, a Master of Science in respiratory care leadership, and a certificate of completion in respiratory care from the University of Chicago Hospital and Clinics. Emily Pokora Zyla is reappointed to represent respiratory therapists for a term commencing January 1, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2027.

The Michigan Board of Respiratory Care oversees the licensure requirements and standards for respiratory therapists. Respiratory care services mean preventative services, diagnostic services, therapeutic services, and rehabilitative services under the written, verbal, or telecommunicated order of a physician to an individual with a disorder, disease, or abnormality of the cardiopulmonary system as diagnosed by a physician.

Danielle Hoover, of Milan, is a licensed social worker who works for Washtenaw County Community Mental Health as a social worker. Ms. Hoover holds a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Social Work, and a Master of Social Work from Eastern Michigan University. Danielle Hoover is reappointed to represent individuals engaged primarily in practice of social work for a term commencing January 1, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2027.

The Michigan Board of Social Worker was created under Article 16 of Public Act 299 of 1980, as amended, the Occupational Code, to register social workers in Michigan. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the board to promote and protect the public's health, safety, and welfare. The Board implements this responsibility by ascertaining minimal entry level competency of health practitioners. The Board also has the obligation to take disciplinary action against licensees who have adversely affected the public's health, safety, and welfare.

Ayanna Neal, of Lansing, is an attorney with Grewal Law PLLC in Okemos where she has worked since 2019. Previously, she has also worked for the Ingham County Prosecutor’s office. Neal holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from Cooley Law School. Ayanna Neal is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing January 1, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2027.

The Michigan Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery was originally formed with the enactment of Public Act 162 of 1903. The Public Health Code 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. This responsibility is implemented by the Board by ascertaining minimal entry level competency of health practitioners and verifying continuing medical education during licensure. The Board also has the obligation to take disciplinary action against licensees who have adversely affected the public's health, safety, and welfare.

Andrew Meisner, of Huntington Woods, is the CEO of Community Unity Bank. He previously served as Oakland County Treasurer, as Chairman of the Michigan Land Bank Authority Board of Directors, and as a State Representative. While serving as a State Representative, he served as Assistant Democratic Leader and as vice-chair of the House Commerce Committee and Ethics, Oversight and Campaign Finance Committee, and served as a member of the Tax Policy Committee. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Michigan, and his Juris Doctor from University of Detroit-Mercy School of Law. Mr. Meisner is appointed as the nominee of the senate majority leader for a term commencing November 21, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2023.

Dr. Richard Pappas, of Grand Rapids, is the president of Davenport University. He holds a Doctor of Education Degree and a Master of Arts in higher education and business management from the University of Michigan as well as his Bachelor of Arts in business education from Eastern Michigan University. Dr. Pappas is reappointed to represent presidents of private colleges for a term commencing January 1, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2027.

Dr. Charles Lepper, of Ada, is the 11th president of Grand Rapids Community College. Previously, he was a Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Salt Lake City Community College. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in human resources and personnel management from Ball State University, a Master of Secondary Education from Grand Valley State University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Administration, and Foundations from Indiana State University. Dr. Charles Lepper is appointed to represent presidents of community colleges for a term commencing November 21, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2024.

The Michigan Education Trust (MET) was established pursuant to Public Act 316 of 1986 as Michigan’s prepaid tuition program. MET is a “qualified tuition program” under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code which provides tax exemption for the trust and tax exemption of earnings for contract participants who use MET funds to pay for qualified higher education expenses. The MET Board of Directors are responsible for policy development, investment initiatives, program development, and implementation. 

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