RELEASE: Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE?

December 21, 2023?

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions?

LANSING, Mich. ? Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Michigan Board of Medicine, Crime Victim Services Commission, Human Trafficking Commission, Black Leadership Advisory Council, Michigan Arts and Culture Council, Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification, Data Collection Agency Governing Board, Committee on the Purchase of Goods and Services from Community Rehabilitation Organizations (Set-Aside Committee), Michigan Veterans? Facility Authority Board of Trustees, Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council, Council on Climate Solutions, Michigan Infrastructure Council, and Michigan Board of Nursing.??

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.?

Michigan Board of Medicine?

Dr. Iltefat Hamzavi, of Northville, is the President and a clinical specialist at Hamzavi Dermatology Specialist in Michigan. Hamzavi holds a Bachelor of Science and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Michigan. He currently serves as the senior staff physician in the department of dermatology at Henry Ford Health. He is also a clinical associate professor in the department of dermatology at Wayne State University and serves on many disease awareness boards. Dr. Hamzavi is appointed to represent physicians for a term beginning December 21, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2025. Dr. Iltefat Hamzavi is replacing Venkat Rao who has passed away.???

The Michigan Board of Medicine was originally formed with the enactment of Public Act 237 of 1899. Underlying all of the Board?s responsibilities is the duty 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 medical doctors, and requiring continuing medical education during licensure. The Board also has the obligation to take disciplinary action against licensees who have violated the Michigan Public Health Code. The Board of Medicine consists of 19 voting members: 10 medical doctors, 1 physician's assistant, and 8 public members. Each board member serves four-year terms.?

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

Crime Victim Services Commission?

Dr. Tolulope Sonuyi, of Detroit, is an attending physician at the Detroit Receiving Hospital Department of Emergency Medicine, as well as the Sinai Grace Hospital Department of Emergency Medicine. He is also an assistant professor at Wayne State University's School of Medicine. Dr. Sonuyi received a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles, a Master of Science in Clinical Research and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Michigan. Dr. Sonuyi is reappointed to represent Independents and medical professionals for a term commencing December 21, 2023, and expiring September 27, 2026.???

The Crime Victim Services Commission provides reimbursement expenses on innocent crime victims who suffer a physical injury. The Commission is the state agency charged with overseeing a wide range of funding and services for victims of crime. Its goal is to promote services and supports that protect and enhance the health, safety, dignity, and rights of victims of crime across the state of Michigan.???

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

Human Trafficking Commission?

Ben O?Hearn, of Grand Rapids, is the litigation director for Migrant Legal Aid in Grand Rapids. Additionally, he is the labor trafficking impact group co-chair for the West Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force and is the secretary for the North Kent Connect Board of Directors. O?Hearn received a Bachelor of Arts in theology and mathematics from Aquinas College, a Master of Arts in pastoral studies from the Aquinas Institute of Theology and a Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. O?Hearn is appointed to represent individuals nominated by the Senate Majority Leader for a term commencing December 21, 2023, and expiring March 1, 2025. Ben O?Hearn succeeds Judith Emmons whose term has expired.?

Katie Papke, of Grand Rapids, is a therapist at Life Support Counseling and Coaching LLC. She has previously worked as an adjunct professor within the School of Social Work at Grand Valley State University and as the board vice president for sacred beginnings transitional homes Inc. Papke is also a member of the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence. She received both a Bachelor and Master of Social Work from Florida State University. Papke is appointed to represent individuals nominated by the Senate Majority Leader for a term commencing December 21, 2023, and expiring March 1, 2025. Katie Papke succeeds Kathleen Maitland whose term has expired.??

The Human Trafficking Commission is designed to identify sources for grants that will assist in examining and countering human trafficking, fund research programs to determine the extent and nature of human trafficking in this state, and provide information and training to police officers, prosecutors, court personnel, social services personnel, and other individuals.????

???

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

Black Leadership Advisory Council?

Kelli A. Ellsworth Etchison, of East Lansing, is the chief marketing & diversity officer for Lake Area Federal Credit Union. She holds a Bachelor of business administration from Northwood University. Ellsworth Etchison is reappointed to represent Black leadership in economics for a term commencing January 1, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2026.?

Michele Samuels, of Farmington Hills, is the vice president, general auditor, and compliance officer for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of Windsor and an Executive MBA from Michigan State University. Samuels is reappointed to represent Black leadership in health and wellness for a term commencing January 1, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2026.?

Michelle Sourie Robinson, of West Bloomfield, is the president and CEO of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council. She holds a Bachelor of Science in organizational administration from Oklahoma State University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Kansas. Sourie Robinson is reappointed to represent Black leadership in economics for a term commencing January 1, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2026.?

Marshall Collins Jr., of Traverse City, is the Health and DEIB Coordinator at Northwest Education Services. Collins holds a Bachelor of Arts in secondary education from Concordia University. Collins is appointed to represent Black leadership in public policy a term commencing January 1, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2026. Marshall Collins succeeds Robert Womack who has resigned.??

Christopher Burtley, of Flint, is the VP of Strategy and Chief of Staff to the CEO/Co-Chairman at D.C. United. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in international relations from Michigan State University's James Madison College and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School. Burtley was appointed to the Council in 2020 to represent Black leadership in law, and a member between the ages of 18-35. Christopher Burtley is being designated as co-chair of the Black Leadership Advisory Council.?

The Black Leadership Advisory Council acts in an advisory capacity to the governor and develops, reviews, and recommends policies and actions designed to eradicate and prevent discrimination and racial inequity in Michigan.?

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

Michigan Arts and Culture Council?

David Kronberg, of Marquette, is the CEO and co-founder of Van Abel and Kronberg Design LLC, a design and leadership solution for businesses and government. He is also the director of entrepreneurial services and outreach for Innovate Marquette SmartZone. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in studio art as well as a Master of Arts in education and studio art from Northern Michigan University. Kronberg is appointed for a term commencing December 21, 2023 and expiring September 1, 2026. David Kronberg succeeds Jessica Care Moore whose term has expired.??

Alanna Maguire, of Plymouth, is the senior accountant for RINA Consulting Incorporated. She is also the president of Fair Michigan Foundation, a non-profit advocacy group for LGBTQ+ people and women in Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political psychology and origins of civil unrest from the University of Michigan along with a Master of Public Policy from Michigan State University. Maguire is also an elected member of the Plymouth City Commission. Maguire is appointed for a term commencing December 21, 2023 and expiring September 1, 2026. Alanna Maguire succeeds Ara Topouzian whose term has expired.?

Robert Womack, of Grand Rapids, previously served as a Kent County Commissioner and as co-chair of the Black Leadership Advisory Council. Womack is also the general manager of Community Empowerment Radio Inc. and hosts his own radio show which boasts a strong following in West Michigan. Womack attended Grand Rapids Community College. Womack is appointed for a term commencing December 21, 2023, and expiring September 1, 2024. Robert Womack succeeds Deborah Mikula who has resigned.??

Darryl Brown, of St. Ignace, is retired from the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa where he served in a communications role until 2008. Brown has worked for countless grant funded projects and organizations. He is a lifelong artist, writer, public speaker, and event markerter. In the past, Brown has served as a curator for the Fort De Buade Museum in St. Ignace. He currently helps coordinate for the Rendezvous at the Straits Powwow of St. Ignace. Brown has helped bring the Indigenous Art Exhibit to St. Ignace, worked as a volunteer with Michigan State University Extension, helped raised funds for local the chamber of commerce, and worked with MSU and Northern Michigan University on the World Peace Art Project. Darryl Brown is reappointed for a term commencing December 21, 2023, and expiring September 1, 2026.?

Anessa Kramer, of Bloomfield Hills, is a partner and board member at Honigman, LLP. She is a member of the board of directors of The Jewish Fund, The Roeper School, and the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. Kramer was recognized as one of Michigan?s Super Lawyers in 2016 and as one of three Band 1 Lawyers in Intellectual Property in 2017. Kramer holds a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor degree from The George Washington University Law School. Anessa Kramer is reappointed for a term commencing December 21, 2023, and expiring September 1, 2026.?

Cindy Meyers Foley, Grand Rapids, is the director and CEO of the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Foley has developed two research studies with Harvard?s Project Zero and regularly keynotes a variety of museum, art, and education conferences. Meyers Foley holds a Bachelor of Arts in individual studies of the arts from the University of Kentucky, and a Master of Arts in art education from The Ohio State University. Meyers Foley is appointed for a term commencing December 21, 2023, and expiring September 1, 2026. Cindy Meyers Foley succeeds Nheena Ittner whose term has expired.?

The Michigan Arts and Culture Council serves to encourage, develop, and facilitate an enriched environment of creative and cultural activity in Michigan. The Council envisions a Michigan where every citizen celebrates the state's cultural treasures and arts, and cultural experiences are accessible to all its citizens.??

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

Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification?

Dr. Derek S. Caveney, Ph.D., of Plymouth, is an executive engineer for Toyota?s North American operations. He holds a Bachelor of Science in engineering and applied mathematics from Queen?s University and a Master of Science and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of California at Berkley. Dr. Caveney is reappointed to represent business, policy, research, or technological leaders in future mobility for a term commencing December 21, 2023, and expiring October 22, 2027.?

Chris Nevers, of Dundee, is the director of environmental engineering and policy at Rivian Automotive. He holds a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from the University of Toledo and a Master of Engineering in automotive engineering from the University of Michigan. Nevers is reappointed to represent business, policy, research, or technological leaders in future mobility for a term commencing December 21, 2023, and expiring October 22, 2027.??

The Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification serves in an advisory capacity to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, the Governor, and the Legislature, providing annual recommendations on changes in state policy. In doing so, the Council works to ensure Michigan continues to be an epicenter of future transportation solutions around mobility and electrification.?????

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

Data Collection Agency Governing Board?

Emily McDonough, of Williamston, is a deputy director with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. She holds a Bachelor of Science in biology from Michigan State University and received a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. McDonough is reappointed for a term commencing January 1, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2024.??

The Data Collection Agency Governing Board is responsible for the determination of workers' compensation data requirements for establishing workers' disability compensation insurance rates.??

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

Committee on the Purchase of Goods and Services from Community Rehabilitation Organizations (Set-Aside Committee)?

Nathan Kammer, of Swartz Creek, is a state administrative and grant manager in the division of Michigan Rehabilitation Services, a role he has had for over a year and has been with the department since 2010. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from Saginaw Valley State University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Michigan ? Flint. Kammer is appointed to represent Michigan Rehabilitation Services, for a term commencing December 21, 2023, and expiring March 31, 2024. Nathan Kammer succeeds Melissa Potter who has resigned.?

The Committee on the Purchase of Goods and Services from Community Rehabilitation Organizations was designed to oversee the purchase of goods and services from community rehabilitation organizations by identifying, reviewing, and recommending approval or disapproval to the state administrative board requests from community rehabilitation organizations to provide goods and services for purchase by the Department of Technology, Management and Budget.????

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

Michigan Veterans? Facility Authority Board of Trustees??

Leon Bauer, of East China, is currently retired. Prior to his retirement, he served as the regional director of operations for Midwest Care Facilities. He is also a sergeant and noncommissioned officer of the US Army as well as a registered nurse. Further, Bauer received his associate degree in nursing from St. Clair Community College and his nursing home administrator certificate at Michigan State University. Bauer is appointed to represent the interests of one or more congressionally chartered veterans? organizations for a term commencing December 21, 2023, and expiring April 15, 2025. Leon Bauer succeeds Larry Yachcik who has resigned.??

The Michigan Veterans? Facility Authority Board of Directors governs the Michigan Veterans? Facility Authority and consists of the Director of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and eight members appointed by the Governor who have professional knowledge, skill, or experience in long-term care, health care licensure or finance, or medicine.???

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

Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council?

Rosalie Austin, of Holland, is a member of the Partners Advancing Self Direction (PAS) as well as the health disparities workgroup for MDHHS. Austin is appointed to represent a parent or guardian of a child with developmental disabilities for a term commencing December 21, 2023, and expiring September 30, 2027. Rosalie Austin succeeds Bradley Rivard whose term has expired.??

Iris Mehler, of Midland, is the co-founder of 1in6 Consulting, which helps organizations create inclusive workplaces for caregiving employees. Additionally, she founded a support group for parents of children with disabilities in Midland County and surrounding areas. This free support group now includes more than 200 families. Mehler received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Tel Aviv University and a Master of Science in rehabilitation counseling from San Diego State University. Mehler is appointed to represent a parent or guardian of a child with developmental disabilities for a term commencing December 21, 2023, and expiring September 30, 2024. Iris Mehler succeeds Dennis Matthews who has resigned.??

Angel Irvin, East Lansing, has worked as a certified peer mentor for community mental health organizations. Irvin participates in triathlons and 5k events regularly and is most passionate about being a positive role model for what you can do with a physical disability when given the right support. She attended Lansing Community College. Irvin is appointed to represent individuals with a developmental disability for a term commencing December 21, 2023, and expiring September 30, 2027.? Angel Irvin succeeds Ericka Fletcher whose term has expired.??

Belinda Hawks, Fenton, is the director of quality management and planning for the Division of Adult Home and Community Based Services within the Department of Health and Human Services. Hawks received her Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of Louisiana and her Master of Public Administration from the University of Michigan. Hawks is appointed to represent a state agency that administers funds under Title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. ? 1396, et seq.) for a term commencing December 21, 2023, and expiring September 30, 2026. Belinda Hawks succeeds Price Pullins whose term has expired.??

The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council acts as an advocate for people with developmental disabilities to increase access to appropriate treatment, services, and habilitation. The Council?s objectives include supporting and encouraging people to take control of their lives through community-wide, results-oriented action; channeling federal funds, in the form of grants, where they can do the most good; and maintaining and financially supporting a very effective system of local networking groups across the state known as "regional inclusive community coalitions," or RICCs.??

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

Council on Climate Solutions?

Grace Michienzi, of Grand Rapids, is the senior director of policy at the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council and Institute for Energy Innovation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in social relations and policy from Michigan State University. Grace Michienzi is appointed for a term commencing December 21, 2023, and expiring February 3, 2024. Grace Michienzi succeeds Ronald Voglewede who has resigned.??

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.?

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

Michigan Infrastructure Council?

Palencia Mobley, Detroit, P.E. is the midwest manager for the Environmental Innovation Policy Center and was formerly the deputy director and chief engineer of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department. A licensed professional engineer with nearly 20 years of experience in the industry. Mobley holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Michigan and a master's degree in civil and environmental engineering from Wayne State University. Mobley is reappointed for a term commencing January 1, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2026.?

The Michigan Infrastructure Council was created to bring together local utility and infrastructure owners, regional representatives, finance and policy experts, and state department leaders to coordinate infrastructure-related goals and develop a long-term strategy for Michigan?s infrastructure assets. The Council will construct the statewide asset management database, facilitate the data collection strategy, and produce a 30-year infrastructure investment and management strategy for the state of Michigan.??

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

Michigan Board of Nursing?

Dr. Kimberly Lindquist, of Monroe, is the director of nursing operations at Eastern Michigan University. Dr. Linquist is taking over the position at Eastern Michigan University after serving as the dean of health sciences and director of nursing at Monroe Community College and as an associate professor of nursing at Henry Ford Community College. She received a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Eastern Michigan University; a Master of Science in nursing education from the University of Toldeo; and a Ph.D. in Nursing leadership from Walden University. Dr. Lindquist is appointed to represent registered professional nurses with a master's degree who are engaged in nursing education in a licensed practical nurse program for a term commencing December 21, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2027. Dr. Kimberly Lindquist is appointed to fill a vacancy.??

The Michigan Board of Nursing was created to establish qualifications for nurse licensure, to establish standards for education and approve nurse education programs, develop, and implement criteria for assurance of continued competency, and take disciplinary action against licensees when the health, safety, and welfare of the public has been adversely affected.?????

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

###?