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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*?

February 15, 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 Statewide Independent Living Council, Governor's Task force on Child Abuse and Neglect, Governor's Educator Advisory Council, Michigan Community Service Commission, Michigan State Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision and Michigan Workforce Development Board.?

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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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_*Statewide Independent Living Council*_

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Dr. Yasmina Bouraoui, of Lansing, is the executive director of the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC). Dr. Bouraoui previously served as deputy director of MDDC. Dr. Bouraoui holds a master's degree in public health, and a doctorate in Public Health Policy, both from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Dr. Yasmina Bouraoui is appointed to represent the designee of the Department of Health and Human Services, with knowledge of all programs within that department impacting individuals with disabilities for a term commencing February 15, 2024, and expiring February 14, 2027.??

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The Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council is charged with developing the state plan as provided in Section 704(a)(2) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 USC 796c(a)(2). The Council may work with centers for independent living to coordinate services with public and private entities to improve services provided to individuals with disabilities and conduct resource development activities to support the Council and the provision of independent living services by centers for independent living.??

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

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

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Nichole Smithson, of Grand Blanc, is a solo practitioner with practice primarily in child neglect, criminal and juvenile delinquency matters. Smithson has also worked as an associate attorney. Smithson received her Bachelor of Arts in multicultural and gender studies from California State University, her Master of Arts in women's studies from Eastern Michigan University, and her Juris Doctor from Michigan State University. Nichole Smithson is reappointed to represent defense attorneys or public defenders for child abuse cases for a term commencing February 15, 2024, and expiring 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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_*Governor's Educator Advisory Council*_?

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Zainab Chami, of Deaborn, is an English language arts teacher at Fordson High School in Dearborn. She is recognized as a leader in education as a member of the Galileo Institute for Teacher Leadership at Oakland University, having served as her English department chair, as an AP English Language and Composition Reader. Chami earned her Master of Arts in teaching and Bachelor of Arts in English literature from The University of Michigan-Dearborn. Zainab Chami is reappointed to represent teachers for a term commencing February 15, 2024, and expiring May 9, 2027.?

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Ramont M. Roberts, of Saginaw, is the superintendent of schools for the school district of the City of Saginaw. He earned his Ph.D. in K-12 Educational Administration from Michigan State University, Master of Education in administration, planning, and social policy from Harvard University Graduate School of Education, and Bachelor of Arts in social studies education from Xavier University of Louisiana. Dr. Roberts is reappointed to represent administrators for a term commencing February 15, 2024, and expiring May 9, 2027.?

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Brandon Smith, of Ypsilanti, is a history and government teacher at Saline High School. He is the vice president of the Saline Education Association. Smith holds a Bachelor of Art in History and a Master of Arts in education from the University of Michigan, and a Master of Arts in education leadership from American College of Education in Indianapolis. Brandon Smith is appointed to represent teachers for a term commencing February 15, 2024, and expiring May 9, 2027. Brandon Smith succeeds Greg Talberg whose term has expired.??

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Christine Beachler, of Shelby, is the library media director for Lowell Area Schools, where she has worked for over 20 years. She is the treasurer of the Lowell Education Association and a former regional representative on the Board of Directors of the Michigan Association of School Librarians. Beachler holds a Bachelor of Science in business education from Central Michigan University and a Master of Library Science from Grand Valley State University. Christine Smith is appointed to represent specialists for a term commencing February 15, 2024, and expiring May 9, 2027. Christine Beachler succeeds Margaret Lincoln whose term has expired.??

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Candice Jackson, of Detroit, is a third-grade teacher and instructional coach at Mann Learning Community in Detroit. She has been a teacher for over 20 years in the Detroit Public Schools Community District and was selected as the 2023-24 Michigan Teacher of the Year. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Elementary Education and a Master of Curriculum and Teaching from Michigan State University. Candice Jackson is appointed to represent the Michigan Teacher of the Year for a term commencing February 15, 2024, and expiring August 31, 2024. Candice Jackson succeeds Nanette Hanson whose term has expired.??

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The Governor?s Educator Advisory Council was created by Governor Whitmer?s Executive Order No. 2019-09. The Council will review and make recommendations regarding legislation relevant to this state?s public education system, identify and analyze issues impacting the effectiveness of Michigan?s public education system, identify best practices in public education and recommend corresponding changes and improvements to Michigan?s public education system, and provide other information or advice relevant to public education.??

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

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_*Michigan Community Service Commission*_?

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Bridget Clark Whitney, of Grand Rapids, is the president and founding CEO of Kids? Food Basket, a nonprofit providing daily evening meals to food-insecure children. The organization served more than 8,600 meals to 47 schools and early education programs throughout West Michigan. She received a Bachelor of Arts in communication and Bachelor of Science in community leadership from Aquinas College; a Master of Social Justice from Marygrove College; and a nonprofit executive leadership program certificate from Stanford University. Bridget Clark Whitney is reappointed to represent individuals with expertise in the education, training, and developmental needs of youth, particularly disadvantaged youth for a term commencing February 15, 2024, and expiring October 1, 2026.?

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Darnishia L. Morris, of South Range, is the manager of global engagement programs and an instructor in the Pavlis Honors College at Michigan Technological University. She actively participates with the Harvest Church of the Keweenaw, Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly, Keweenaw Faiths United, Life Director of Michigan Technological University's Alumni Board of Directors. Over the past two decades, she has performed community service in over 25 countries. Morris holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Michigan Technological University and Master of Management from Walsh College. Darnishia L. Morris is reappointed to represent experts in the delivery of human, educational, environmental, or public safety services to communities and persons for a term commencing February 15, 2024, and expiring October 1, 2026.?

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Renee Williams, of Wyoming, is the senior vice president of community development for Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Colorado for Huntington Bank. She has been involved in the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, the City of Grand Rapids Brownfield Authority & Economic Development Corporation, and the Kent County Land Bank Advisory Council. Williams received her Bachelor of Science in business administration and finance from Wayne State University, and a Public Leadership Credential from Harvard University. Renee Williams is reappointed to represent business for a term commencing February 15, 2024, and expiring October 1, 2026.?

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Nathan S. Phillips, of Lowell, is the assistant business manager at West Michigan Plumbers, Fitters and Service Trades Local Union No. 174. He is a member of the West Michigan Labor Council, the Grand Rapids Community Action Team, and the United Way of West Michigan, where he works with local, state, and national groups to offer opportunities for education, job placement, and food assistance. Nathan S. Phillips is reappointed to represent individuals with expertise in the education, training, and developmental needs of youth, particularly disadvantaged youth for a term commencing February 15, 2024, and expiring October 1, 2026.?

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Linda Little, of Bloomfield Hills, is the president and CEO of the Neighborhood Service Organization in Detroit. She has nearly 30 years of experience in healthcare and community service to aid in improving the lives of Michiganders. Little is a member of the re-hospitalization Reduction Task Force for MPRO-Michigan?s federally designated Quality Improvement Organization for CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services). Little holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing from University of Detroit Mercy and Master of Business Administration from Wayne State University. Linda Little is reappointed to represent experts in the delivery of human, educational, environmental, or public safety services to communities and persons for a term commencing February 15, 2024, and expiring October 1, 2025.??

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Daniel Schoonmaker, of Grand Rapids, is the executive director of Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, an organization dedicated to promoting business practices that demonstrate environmental stewardship, economic vitality, and social responsibility. He has also held various communications and journalism positions. Schoonmaker received his Bachelor of Science in business administration from Aquinas College. Daniel Schoonmaker is reappointed to represent experts in the delivery of human, educational, environmental, or public safety services to communities and persons for a term commencing February 15, 2024, and expiring October 1, 2025.?

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David Parent, of Ann Arbor, is the Michigan managing principal at Deloitte Consulting LLP. Prior to this, he was a management consultant for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. He is actively involved in his community as a nonprofit board member of United Way of Southeastern Michigan, Detroit Economic Club, Detroit Regional Chamber, Downtown Detroit Partnership, and Business Leaders for Michigan. Parent received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan. David Parent is reappointed to represent business for a term commencing February 15, 2024, and expiring October 1, 2025.?

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Doug Ferrick, of Northville, is the regional vice president of philanthropy of Trinity Health Southeast MI. Prior to this, he was Chief Development Officer for The Children?s Foundation in Detroit and was the Vice President of the nonprofit United Way for Southeastern Michigan. He has served as a board member for Northville Community Foundation; project chair for Keeping Belle Isle Beautiful ? anti littering campaign; member of the Association of Fund-Raising Professionals; and a member of Moose Lodge 2314 in Cheboygan. Ferrick received a Master of Nonprofit Organizations in nonprofit management from Case Western Reserve University. Doug Ferrick is reappointed to represent business for a term commencing February 15, 2024, and expiring October 1, 2025.?

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Earle Higgins, of Farmington Hills, is a retired senior managing director and founder of Pro-Tech Group, LLC. He serves on several community boards, including Athletes Learning Educational Resources Training (ALERT) counseling service for students of Metropolitan Detroit, and the President of Eastern Michigan E-Hoops Group Alumni organization, a former Trustee at Eastern Michigan University. Higgins holds a Bachelor of Science in human behavior and language arts from Eastern Michigan University. Earle Higgins is reappointed to represent individuals with expertise in the education, training and developmental needs of youth, particularly disadvantaged youth for a term commencing February 15, 2024, and expiring October 1, 2025.?

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Daniel McKernan, of Grosse Pointe Woods, is the communications director at the International Union of Operating Engineers Local #324, a 14,000+ member union. In his current role, he serves as liaison for various non-profits, community service projects, and the educational community. Previously, he was the senior account manager for Media Genesis, assisted with adult learning and pre-apprenticeship programs like Access for All and Detroit Workforce of the Future, as well as Helmets to Hardhats that benefits returning veterans. McKernan received his Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Daniel McKernan is reappointed to represent local labor organizations for a term commencing February 15, 2024, and expiring October 1, 2025.?

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Kathleen Cain-Babbitt, of Plainwell, is a maintenance crew member at Western Michigan University, the chief union representative at AFSCME Local 1668, and the president emeritus and current vice president of South-Central Michigan AFL-CIO area labor council.? She has a great passion for community service and helping those who are in need and has many years of experience in planning community service projects and events. Cain-Babbitt received her bachelor?s degree in business from Western Michigan University. Kathleen Cain-Babbitt is reappointed to represent local labor organizations for a term commencing February 15, 2024, and expiring October 1, 2025.?

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Ellen Gilchrist, of Detroit, is the senior director of early childhood and education at United Way for Southeastern Michigan. Prior to this, she held various roles within the K-12 education system in and out of Michigan. Gilchrist also serves on the Michigan Out of School Time Advisory Council and is a member of the Michigan Coalition of Community Schools. Gilchrist holds a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies and Education from Smith College and a Master of Science in International Education Development from Columbia University. Ellen Gilchrist is appointed to represent the volunteer sector as outlined in the Edward Kennedy Serve America Act, section 1606(2)(B) for a term commencing February 15, 2024, and expiring October 1, 2025. Ellen Gilchrist succeeds Samir Singh who has resigned.??

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The Michigan Community Service Commission strives to build a culture of service by providing vision and resources to strengthen communities through volunteerism. The Commission develops a three-year comprehensive national and community service plan for the state that shall be updated annually, oversees and submits the state's applications to AmeriCorps and other public and private funding sources, establishes policies and procedures for the use of federal funds, and develops initiatives to promote community service in coordination with existing programs.??

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

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_*Michigan State Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision*_?

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Michael Tymkew, of Charlotte, is currently the compact administrator and department specialist for the Interstate Council for Juvenile Supervision within the Department of Health and Human Services. He has also worked as a services specialist for foster care, adoption assistance, and juvenile justice within the department as well. Michael received his Bachelor of Science in sociology from Central Michigan University.? Michael Tymkew is appointed to represent compact administrators for a term commencing February 15, 2024, and expiring February 12, 2028. Michael Tymkew succeeds Roy Yaple whose term has expired.??

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The Interstate Compact for Juveniles is a formal agreement between member states with the goal of preserving child welfare and promoting public safety interests of citizens, including victims of juvenile offenders. The Michigan State Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision provides a mechanism for empowerment of the compact process, and serves as an advocate when improving operations, resolving disputes between states, and conducting training.?

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

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_*Michigan Workforce Development Board*_?

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Jessica Brousseau, of Grosse Pointe, is the chief of staff of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Previously, she worked as Chief of Staff to the Lieutenant Governor, as Deputy Director of Federal Affairs for the Executive Office of the Governor, and a long career in the US Senate and government affairs prior. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Albion College and a Masters of legislative affairs from The George Washington University. Jessica Brousseau is designated as the Governor?s Designee on the Board for a term commencing February 15, 2024, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.?

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Senator Mallory McMorrow, of Royal Oak, is the state senator for Michigan?s 8th Senate District and currently serves as the Senate Majority Whip. Additionally, she serves as Chair of the Senate Economic and Community Development Committee. She was selected by the Governor among candidates nominated by Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks to serve on the Workforce Development Board. Senator McMorrow is reappointed for a second term commencing February 15, 2024, and expiring January 1, 2027.??

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Senator Kevin Daley, of Lum, is the state senator for Michigan?s 26th Senate District. Additionally, he serves as the Vice Chair of the Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee. He was selected by the Governor among candidates nominated by Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt to serve on the Workforce Development Board. Senator Daley is reappointed for a second term commencing February 15, 2024, and expiring January 1, 2027.??

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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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