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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*?

January 31, 2024?

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 Veterans Trust Fund, Craft Beverage Council, Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission, Health Information Technology, Governor's Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect, Human Trafficking Health Advisory Board, Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council, State Historic Preservation Review Board, Crime Victim Services Commission, Michigan Board of Medicine, Michigan Health Endowment Fund, and Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services.?

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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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_*Veterans Trust Fund*_?

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John Gardner, of Rockwood, is the manager of veteran initiatives and DEI at Roush. He has also served as the Veteran Services Department director for Wayne County and was an active-duty member of the United States Air Force for 24 years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in organizational management from Ashford University, and a Master of Human Resource Management from the University of Arizona. John Gardner is appointed to represent independent veterans for a term commencing January 31, 2024, and expiring February 25, 2024. He succeeds Brain Love who resigned in October to accept appointment as the Director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.?

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The Michigan Veterans Trust Fund was created in 1946 from $50 million in postwar reserve funds. In 1996, the Veterans Trust Fund was provided additional protection by being added to the State Constitution with voter approval of Proposal C. The Veterans Trust Fund was established to provide grants for the emergency needs of veterans. The Veterans Trust Fund, utilizing approximately $2 million in interest earnings from the trust, administers the Emergency Grant Program. Emergency Grants are available to honorably discharged war time service veterans and their dependents during times of unforeseen and short-term financial emergencies or hardships. Veterans Trust Fund grant policies and adjudication, county committee appointments and expenditure from trust earnings are governed by this board.??

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

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_*Craft Beverage Council*_?

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Brian Confer, of Elberta, is the co-owner of Storm Cloud Brewing in Frankfort. Brian holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in photography from the Minneapolis College of Arts and Design. He is also a member of the Michigan Brewer?s Guild and serves on their Conference Planning Committee. Brian Confer is appointed to represent craft brewers for a term commencing January 31, 2024, and expiring September 30, 2026. Brian succeeds Scott Graham whose term has expired.??

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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.??

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

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_*Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission*_

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Jane Nickert, of Pinckney, is the director of nursing for the Washtenaw County Health Department. Previously, she was a manager at the Institute for Population Health in Detroit. She earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing, a Master of Nursing, and a Master of Science Business Administration from Madonna University. Jane Nickert is appointed to represent local health departments for a term commencing January 31, 2024, and expiring December 14, 2025. She succeeds Chioma Ejiofor who has resigned.?

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The Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission focuses on implementing the recommendations of the former Child Lead Poisoning Elimination Board and monitoring the state?s efforts to eliminate lead exposure in children. The Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the Governor and department director to coordinate and collaborate with all levels of government and stakeholders regarding programs and policies related to the elimination of child lead exposure.???

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

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_*Health Information Technology*_?

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Jessica Robinson, of Grand Blanc, is the digital inclusion manager for the State of Michigan. Prior to this, she was an instructor at Central Michigan University; and a community school director, program director at the Crim Fitness Foundation. Robinson received a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in health science from Central Michigan University. Jessica Robinson is appointed to represent purchasers or employers for a term commencing January 31, 2024, and expiring on August 3, 2025. She succeeds Camille Pasquel Banks 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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This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.????

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_*Governor's Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect*_?

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Judge Yasmine Isshak Poles, of Birmingham, is a judge of the Michigan 6th Circuit Court who assumed office in 2020. She is also the presiding judge for the Women?s Adult Treatment Court and a part time faculty member at Wayne State University Law School. Judge Poles received her bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and her Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University School of Law. Judge?Yasmine Poles is reappointed to represent civil court judges for a term commencing January 31, 2024, and expiring on December 31, 2026.??

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Created by Executive Order 2013-4, rescinding Executive Order 2010-18, the Governor?s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect is established within the Department of Human Services and is designed as a multidisciplinary task force for the purposes of the federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. The Task Force shall consist of 18 members appointed by the Governor for three-year terms who are professionals with knowledge and experience relating to the criminal justice system and issues of child physical abuse, child neglect, child sexual abuse and exploitation, and child maltreatment related fatalities.?

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

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_*Human Trafficking Health Advisory Board*_?

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Brigette Robarge, of Belleville, is the lead mentor for trafficked youth at Common Ground and a member of the Joint Anti-Trafficking Task Force of Southeastern Michigan. She has advocated and walked alongside victims of crime as a support person and assisted multiple survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence. Robarge received her Bachelor of Arts in social work from Eastern Michigan University. Brigette Robarge is reappointed to represent a human trafficking survivor for a term commencing January 31, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2027.???

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The Human Trafficking Health Advisory Board was established to collect and analyze information concerning medical and mental health services available to survivors of human trafficking, identify state, federal and local agencies that are involved with issues relating to human trafficking, and coordinate the dissemination of information concerning medical and mental health services available to survivors of human trafficking in this state. The Board may establish a program to improve public awareness of medical and mental health services available to survivors of human trafficking in this state.??

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

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_*Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council*_?

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Joseph Bione, of Troy, is president and founder of the Whitehall Group with over 40 years of experience in manufacturing and restructuring. In the industry, he has served as interim CEO and president for many clients during transition and return to profitability including Constar, CMI Holdings, Venture Industries, Talon Automotive Group, Como Plastics, Detroit Plastic Molding and Kuhlman Automotive Group. Bione earned his Bachelor of Science in business management and his Master of Business Administration in organizational behavior from Gannon University, where he is the recipient of the ?Distinguished Alumni Award? from Gannon University. Joseph Bione is appointed to represent parents and guardians of children with developmental disabilities for a term commencing January 31, 2024, and expiring on September 30, 2026. He is filling a vacant seat on the council.??

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Tiffany Gaiter, of Saginaw, previously served as a secondary education teacher at E.A. Johnson High School. Additionally, she volunteers time helping parents and children diagnosed with autism navigate the special educational system and is an intermediate American Sign Language viewer and signer. Tiffany Gaiter received her Bachelor of Science in a social studies teacher certificate program from the University of Michigan Flint and her Master of Arts in history from the University of Michigan. Tiffany Gaiter is appointed to represent parents and guardians of children with developmental disabilities for a term commencing January 31, 2024, and expiring on September 30, 2026. She is filling a vacant seat on the council.??

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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.??

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

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_*State Historic Preservation Review Board*_?

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Devan Anderson, of Detroit, is a senior project architect with Quinn Evans Architects. His current work includes the rehabilitation of the long-abandoned Michigan Central Train station in Detroit. Mr. Anderson received a Bachelor of Science in architecture from University of Detroit Mercy in 1999. He is a registered architect in the state of Michigan and is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). He is also a member of Preservation Detroit, where he serves as the president of the board of that organization; a member of the Michigan Historic Preservation Network, where he serves as both a board member and as board secretary; and was a founding member of Detroit Synergy Group. He is reappointed to represent historical architecture for a term commencing January 31, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2027.?

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Daniel Bollman, of East Lansing, established a private practice, East Arbor Architecture, in 2007. Additionally, he teaches at Michigan State University in the Department of Planning, Design and Construction and at Lansing Community College. Bollman received a Bachelor of Science in architecture from the University of Michigan and graduated with honors. He then received a Master of Architecture and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Michigan. He is a registered architect in the State of Michigan and is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). He is reappointed to represent historical architecture for a term commencing January 31, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2027.?

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The Michigan State Historic Preservation Review Board reviews and approves each national register nomination prior to submission to the Keeper of the National Register, has appellate jurisdiction under the Local Historic Districts Act, as amended, and provides general advice, guidance and professional recommendations to the State Historic Preservation Office on matters related to historic preservation.??

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

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_*Crime Victim Services Commission*_?

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Thomas Clement, of East Lansing, is the vice president of operations and general counsel for the Michigan Retailers Association. He has also served as general counsel for the Michigan Supreme Court and as a division chief for licensing and regulatory affairs for the Michigan Attorney General?s Office. Thomas Clement received his Bachelor of Arts in political science from Western Michigan University, as well as his Juris Doctor from Michigan State University. Thomas Clement is reappointed to represent Independents and members admitted to practice law in this state for a term commencing January 31, 2024, and expiring September 26, 2026.???

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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.???

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

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_*Michigan Board of Medicine*_?

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Dr. Holly Gilmer, of Detroit, is an attending neurosurgeon working in the metro Detroit region of Michigan. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English/pre-med from Harvard University and attended the University of Michigan Medical School to obtain her MD. She has also served as an associate professor in neurosurgery for Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine and as assistant professor for Wayne State University. Dr. Gilmer has been on the Michigan Board of Medicine since 2019 and current serves as the vice-chair. Holly Gilmer is reappointed to represent physicians for a term commencing January 31, 2024, and expiring on December 31, 2027.????

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Dr. Michael Lewis, of Royal Oak, is the current chair of anesthesiology at Henry Ford Health Systems in Detroit, and the interim chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at Michigan State University.?He earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology from University College in London, England. He also holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from University College in London, England. Michael Lewis is reappointed to represent physicians for a term commencing January 31, 2024, and expiring on December 31, 2027.????

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Angela Trepanier, of Livonia, is the director for the Genetic Counseling Graduate Program at the Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics at Wayne State University School of Medicine. She holds a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science in Genetics and Cell Biology from the University of Minnesota. ?Angela Trepanier is reappointed to represent genetic counselors for a term commencing January 31, 2024, and expiring on December 31, 2027.?

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Dr. Brigitte Lorenz, of Rochester, is an obstetrician-gynecologist affiliated with the Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Wayne State University and obtained her MD from the Wayne State School of Medicine. Brigitte Lorenz is appointed to represent physicians for a term commencing January 31, 2024, and expiring on December 31, 2027. She is succeeding Ali Moiin whose term has expired.??

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Dr. Stephen Zintsmaster, of Beverly Hills, is the medical director of general radiology at the Beaumont Troy Hospital. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Michigan State University and a Master of Public Health from Michigan State University. He obtained his MD from the Wayne State University School of Medicine in 2014. Stephen Zintsmaster is appointed to represent physicians for a term commencing January 31, 2024, and expiring on December 31, 2027. He is succeeding Bryan Little whose term has expired.?

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The Michigan Board of Medicine works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of medical doctors in the state. 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 medical doctors and requiring continuing medical education during licensure.???

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

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_*Michigan Health Endowment Fund Board*_?

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Zaineb Hussein, of Dearborn Heights, is the chief of staff for the mayor of the City of Deaborn. Hussein formerly served as deputy chief of staff for the Michigan Secretary of State, where she developed actionable recommendations to improve efficiency, expand partnerships, protect election integrity, and enhance voter access. She has a Bachelor of Arts in art, history, and political science from the University of Michigan and a Master of Counseling from Spring Arbor University. Zaineb Hussein is appointed to represent nominee of the speaker of the house of representatives for a term commencing January 31, 2024, and expiring October 1, 2027. She succeeds Susan Jandernoa whose term has expired.???

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David Nyberg, of Marquette, is the Executive Director of Business Engagement and Economic Development at Northern Michigan University since 2018. He holds a Juris Doctor and a Bachelor of Arts in political science, both from Michigan State University. David Nyberg is appointed to represent nominee of the Senate Minority Leader for a term commencing January 31, 2024, and expiring October 1, 2027.?He succeeds Tina Reynolds whose term has expired.????

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Lynn Chen-Zhang, of Portage, is the CEO of Zhang Financial. Lynn earned a master's in accounting from Western Michigan University and an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. Lynn Chen-Zhang is appointed to represent nominee by House of Representatives Minority Leader for a term commencing January 31, 2024, and expiring October 1, 2027. She succeeds Zaineb Hussein whose term has expired.????

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The Michigan Health Endowment Fund Board was created as a result of the Nonprofit Health Care Corporation Reform Act. The Fund's purpose is to benefit health and wellness through funding of programs for minor children and seniors through the state with a significant focus on infant mortality, wellness and fitness programs, access to healthy food, technology enhancements, health-related transportation needs and foodborne illness prevention.?????

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

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_*Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services*_?

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Karen Wang, of Northville, is a transition specialist for the Michigan Alliance for Families. Karen Wang received her Bachelor of Arts from Cornell and her Master of Arts from the University of Michigan. Karen Wang is reappointed to represent parent training and information centers established under Section 671 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for a term commencing January 31, 2024, and expiring on December 31, 2026.????

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William Ernzen, of Bloomfield Township, is a managing director for Slalom Detroit.?He brings nearly 30 years of experience helping companies achieve transformational outcomes. He is passionate about helping clients drive and harness value. Bill and his wife Wendy have a daughter with profound autism, which has led Ernzen to serve on the Autism Alliance of Michigan board for many years. He also chairs the AAOM Employment committee. Ernzen received his Bachelor of Arts in economics from Kalamazoo College. William Ernzen is reappointed to represent business, industry, or labor for a term commencing January 31, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2026.???

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Kellie Blackwell, of Holt, is the Michigan Assistive Technology Program Co-Director of the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition.?She received her certificate and Master of Arts in rehabilitation counseling from Michigan State University. Kellie Blackwell is reappointed to represent current or former applicants for, or recipients of, vocational rehabilitation services, for a term commencing January 31, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2026.? ?

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Brent Mikulski, of Canton, is president and CEO for Services to Enhance Potential in Dearborn. He is also an administrative and program supervisor for CARF International and previously worked as vice president of Team Mental Health Services. Brent Mikulski received his Bachelor of Science in mathematics from the University of Oklahoma and his Master of Business from Wayne State University. Brett Mikulski is reappointed to represent community rehabilitation program service providers, for a term commencing January 31, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2026.??

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Carol Bergquist, of Escanaba, is the Director of Vocational Rehabilitation Services for the Hannahville Indian Community. She has also served as the director of university associates and as an adjunct professor at Michigan State University. Bergquist received her Bachelor of Science in education from the University of Wisconsin. She also received her Master of Arts in rehabilitation counseling, Doctorate of rehabilitation counseling, and a certification in special education administration from Michigan State University. Carol Bergquist is reappointed to represent the director of a project carried out under Section 121 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, providing vocational rehabilitation services grants to the governing bodies of an Indian tribe or to a consortium of tribal governing bodies, for a term commencing January 31, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2026.??

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The Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services reviews, analyzes, and advises Michigan's rehabilitation programs and services, and advises the department director and Governor. The Council works in partnership with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs' Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (LEO-BSBP).?

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

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