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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*?

June 6, 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 Michigan Board of Optometry, Michigan Board of Pharmacy, Michigan Board of Occupational Therapy,? Michigan Tax Tribunal, Mackinac Bridge Authority, Governors Traffic Safety Advisor Council, Michigan Historical Commission, Michigan Underground Storage Tank Authority, Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, Suicide Prevention Commission, Committee on the Purchase of Goods and Services from Community Rehabilitation Organizations (Set-Aside Committee), MI-STEM Council, State of Michigan Retirement Board, State Building Authority Board of Directors, and Detroit Wayne County Health Authority.?

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Today?s appointees represent Michigan?s young professionals, communities of color, seniors, and more. The appointees announced this week build on Governor Whitmer?s work to ensure appointees reflect Michigan?s diverse population. Sixty percent of appointees are women or people of color, and the Whitmer cabinet is the most diverse in Michigan history.?

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*Michigan Board of Optometry**?*?

Dr. Rovetta Mattia, of Novi, is a licensed optometrist with Henry Ford OptimEyes. She holds a Bachelor of Science in bioengineering from the University of California at San Diego, and a Doctor of Optometry from the University of California Berkeley. Dr. Rovetta Mattia is appointed to represent optometrists for a term commencing June 6, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2026. Dr. Rovetta Mattia succeeds Teresa Seim whose term has expired.?

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Dr. Sulman Hans, of Troy, is the executive associate dean and assistant to the provost for optometric education at University of Detroit Mercy. He previously served as founding dean of optometry at University of Detroit Mercy and as Director of Clinical Services within the Henry Ford Health System.??

Dr. Sulman Hans is appointed to represent optometrists for a term commencing June 6, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2026. Dr. Sulman Hans succeeds Sandra Doud whose term has expired.?

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Dr. Robert S. Buckingham, of Big Rapids, is a licensed optometrist and the director of basketball operations for the Ferris State University Men?s Basketball Team. He is an adjunct faculty member at the Michigan College of Optometry. He holds a Doctor of Optometry from Ferris State University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Studies from Western Michigan University. Dr. Robert S. Buckingham is reappointed to represent optometrists for a term commencing July 1, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028.?

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Dr. Bradley Taylor, of St. Helen, is a licensed optometrist. He recently retired as optometric supervisor at the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center. He holds a Bachelor of Science in vision science and a Doctor of Optometry from Ferris State University, and a Master of Public Health from the University of Michigan. Dr. Bradley Taylor is reappointed to represent optometrists for a term commencing July 1, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028.?

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Dr. Samuel Wapner, of West Bloomfield, is a licensed optometrist. He formerly owned and practiced optometry at Lynn Optical Associates. He holds a Bachelor of Science in biology from Eastern Michigan University and a Doctor of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry. Dr. Samuel Wapner is reappointed to represent optometrists for a term commencing July 1, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028.?

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The Michigan Board of Optometry was enacted as part of the Public Health Code to license optometrists in this state. The Board promotes and protects the public's health, safety, and welfare by ascertaining minimal entry level competency of health practitioners and verifying continuing 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.???

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

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*Michigan Board of Pharmacy*?

Michael Sleiman, of Dearborn, is a pharmacy team leader at Meijer Pharmacy. He holds a Doctor of Pharmacy from Midwestern University. Michael Sleiman is reappointed to represent pharmacists for a term commencing July 1, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028.???

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The Michigan Board of Pharmacy was enacted as part of the Public Health Code to oversee the practice of pharmacy as a health service, the clinical application of which includes the encouragement of safety and efficacy in the prescribing, dispensing, administering and use of drugs and related articles for the prevention of illness and the maintenance and management of health. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board including promoting and protecting the public's health, safety, and welfare.?

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

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*Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists*?

Sarah Pangle, of Eagle, is a licensed occupational therapist and home care occupational therapist at Sparrow. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from Western Michigan University. Sarah Pangle is appointed to represent occupational therapists for a term commencing June 6, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2026. Sarah Pangle succeeds Mary Jo Vaughn whose term has expired.?

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The Michigan Board of Occupation Therapists works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to promulgate rules for licensing occupational therapists and ascertaining minimal entry level competency of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants.? 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.?????

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

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*Michigan Tax Tribunal*??

Mark Perry, of Ann Arbor, is currently a member of the Michigan Tax Tribunal. Previously, he served as president of Perry & Co, a management consulting firm assisting with real estate transactions. He is a licensed real estate broker, level IV assessor, and pilot. He holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Central Michigan University. Mark Perry is reappointed to represent Certified level IV assessors for a term commencing July 1, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028. Mark Perry succeeds Victoria Enyart whose term has expired.?

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The Michigan Tax Tribunal is an administrative court that hears tax appeals for all Michigan taxes. Most of the Tribunal's appeals involve property tax; however, the Tribunal also hears business and individual tax disputes.???

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

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*Mackinac Bridge Authority*?

Marty Fittante, of Marquette, is the CEO of InvestUP. He holds an Associate of Arts from??

Bay De Noc Community College, an Associate of Applied Science in legal assisting and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Ferris State University and received his Juris Doctor from Wayne State University. Marty Fittante is appointed to represent independents for a term commencing July 1, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2030. Marty Fittante succeeds Tricia Kinley whose term has expired.?

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Robert ?Dan? Musser III, of Ann Arbor, is the chairman of Arnold Freight Co. Musser lives on Mackinac Island during the summer months and is chairman emeritus of the Grand Hotel. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics and management from Albion College. Robert ?Dan? Musser is appointed to represent independents for a term commencing July 1, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2030. Robert ?Dan? Musser succeeds Kirk Steudle whose term has expired.?

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The Mackinac Bridge Authority is committed to preserve and maintain the State of Michigan's single largest asset and one of the world's leading suspension bridges to provide safe, pleasurable, and expedient passage over the Straits of Mackinac for economic benefit and an improved quality of life.???

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

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*Governors Traffic Safety Advisor Council*?

William Miller III, of Farmington Hills, is a county commissioner for Oakland County, Director at Large at Michigan Association, and the political director for Operating Engineers 324. William Miller III is reappointed to represent local units of government for a term commencing June 6, 2024, and expiring May 27, 2027.??

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The Governor's Traffic Safety Advisory Commission shall identify traffic safety challenges and develop, promote, and implement strategies to address those challenges. The Commission shall develop comprehensive solutions to traffic safety challenges through partnerships with all levels of government and the private sector, while maximizing and coordinating the use of existing financial resources.????

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

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*Michigan Historical Commission*?

Timothy Chester, of Grand Rapids, is recently retired, and prior to his retirement was the principal of Timothy J. Chester & Associates, LLC and the former director of the Grand Rapids Public Museum. He holds a Master of Arts in American culture from the University of Michigan. Timothy Chester is reappointed for a term commencing June 6, 2024, and expiring May 21, 2028.?

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Larry Wagenaar, of Ada, is the executive director and CEO of the Historical Society of Michigan and serves as publisher of Michigan History magazine. He holds a Master of Arts in history with a minor in library sciences at Kent State University. Larry Wagenaar is reappointed for a term commencing June 6, 2024, and expiring May 21, 2028.?

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The Michigan Historical Commission was established in 1913 and advises the director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources on the museum, archival and other programs of the Michigan Historical Center. It approves Michigan Historical Markers and each year; the Michigan Historical Commission presents the Governor John B. Swainson Award to state and local government employees who do not work in the field of history but have made exceptional contributions to preserving and interpreting the stories of Michigan's past.??

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

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*Michigan Underground Storage Tank Authority*?

Kevin Lepak, of Detroit, is an advanced HES professional with Marathon Petroleum Company. He holds a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences and a Master of Science in industrial hygiene from Wayne State University. Kevin Lepak is reappointed to represent petroleum refiners for a term commencing June 6, 2024, and expiring May 25, 2027.?

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Curt Lichy, of Livonia, is the director of operation of the MidWest at PM Environmental. He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in geology from Wayne State University. Curt Lichy is appointed to represent petroleum refiners for a term commencing June 6, 2024, and expiring May 25, 2027. Curt Lichy succeeds Brian Eggers whose term has expired.?

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The Michigan Underground Storage Tank Authority Board of Directors governs the Michigan Underground Storage Tank Authority (MUSTA). The Authority serves Michigan?s petroleum underground storage tank owners and operators, local units of government, and country road commissions by managing the Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund, Legacy Release Program, and Public Highway Cleanup Program on a sound fiscal basis.???

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

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*Michigan Indigent Defense Commission*?

Loren Khogali, of Plymouth, is the executive director of ACLU Michigan. She began her legal career at Detroit?s the Federal Public Defender Office (now the Federal Community Defender Office), advocating on behalf of people charged with federal crimes and unable to afford an attorney at the trial, appellate and post-conviction stages. She received her Bachelor of Science in psychology and Bachelor of Arts in French from Western Michigan University and her juris doctor from Northeastern University School of Law. Loren Khogali is appointed to represent individuals submitted by the Criminal Defense Attorney?s of Michigan for a term commencing June 6, 2024, and expiring April 1, 2028. Loren Khogali succeeds William Swor whose term has expired.?

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Joshua Blanchard, of Greenville, is an attorney at Miel and Carr PLC. Additionally, he is an ex-officio member of the Criminal Law Section Council and previously served as director of the Criminal Defense Attorney Association of Michigan. Joshua Blanchard received his Bachelor of Arts in accounting from Northwood University and his Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.? Joshua Blanchard is reappointed to represent individuals nominated by the Criminal Defense Attorney Association of Michigan for a term commencing June 6, 2024, and expiring April 1, 2028.?

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Michael E. Carter, of Southfield, is the chief defender and executive director of the Federal Community Defender Office of the Eastern District of Michigan (FCDO). Michael has practiced indigent criminal defense for over 15 years. He serves on several boards including the ACLU of Michigan, CDAM, and serves on the faculty of the National Criminal Defense College. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Michigan and his Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School. Michael Carter is appointed to represent nominated by the Criminal Defense Attorney Association of Michigan for a term commencing June 6, 2024, and expiring April 1, 2028. Michael E. Carter succeeds John Shea whose term has expired.??

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The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission was created as a result of efforts to improve legal representation for indigent criminal defendants. The Commission develops and oversees the implementation, enforcement, and modification of minimum standards, rules, and procedures to ensure that indigent criminal defense services providing effective assistance of counsel are delivered to all indigent adults in this state consistent with the safeguards of the United States Constitution, the State Constitution of 1963, and with the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Act.??

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

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*Suicide Prevention Commission*?

Dr. Brian Ahmedani, of Brighton, is the director of health policy and health services research for Henry Ford Health. He is also a program director of Zero Suicide International. Dr. Ahmedani received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Aquinas College, and a Master of Social Work and Doctor of Philosophy from Michigan State University. Dr. Brian Ahmedani is reappointed to represent a member who is a researcher with an advanced degree from a university that is located in this state and is nominated by the Michigan Association of State Universities for a term commencing June 6, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2024.?

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Brian Galdes, of Plymouth, is the superintendent for South Redford School District. Prior to becoming superintendent in 2010, Mr. Galdes worked as a principal within the South Redford School District. He received his Bachelor of Science in education as well as his Master of Science in school administration from Wayne State University. Brian Galdes is reappointed to represent a member nominated by the Senate Majority Leader, for a term commencing June 6, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2024.??

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The Suicide Prevention Commission was signed into law in 2019 and became effective March 19, 2020. The Commission works with state departments and agencies and nonprofit organizations to research the causes and possible underlying factors of suicide in Michigan.?

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

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

Don Nicholson, of Westland, is the President of Don Nicholson Enterprises, llc.? He has also worked as manager at Master Photofinishing. Don Nicholson attended Schoolcraft College in Livonia. Don Nicholson is reappointed to represent members at large for a term commencing June 6, 2024, and expiring March 31, 2026.?

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Todd Culver, of East Lansing, is the President and CEO of Incompass Michigan. He has previously worked as a project director and assistant director of Incompass Michigan (formerly MARO). He holds a Bachelor and Master of Arts in English at the University of Michigan. Todd Culver also received his public leadership credential from the Harvard Kennedy School. Todd Culver is reappointed to represent statewide nonprofits concerned with community rehabilitation organizations for a term commencing June 6, 2024, and expiring March 31, 2026.?

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Genevieve Hayes, of Royal Oak, is a director policy and compliance division at Central Procurement Services State of Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of General Studies in business and liberal arts from the University of Michigan and her Master of Business Administration in marketing and business law from Wayne State University. Genevieve Hayes is reappointed to represent purchasing division of the department for a term commencing June 6, 2024, and expiring March 31, 2026.?

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David Ellis, of Okemos, is the President of Lansing Sanitary Supply, Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from Colorado State University, a master's in business administration in management from Michigan State University. David Ellis is reappointed to represent members at large for a term commencing June 6, 2024, and expiring March 31, 2026.?

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Nathan Kammer, of Swartz Creek, is a state administrative manager at Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity-Michigan Rehabilitation Services. He has previously worked as a Departmental Specialist at Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity-Michigan Rehabilitation Services and a Departmental Analyst at Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice at Saginaw Valley State University and his Master of Public Administration from the University of Michigan-Flint. Nathan Kammer is reappointed to represent Michigan Rehabilitation Services for a term commencing June 6, 2024, and expiring March 31, 2026.?

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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.?

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

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*MI-STEM Council*?

Adam Zemke, of Ann Arbor, is president of Scooter Company, a micromobility business. Previously, he was the global manager of STEAM education at Ford Motor Company, served as President of the education reform coalition Launch Michigan, and previously served as a three-term member of the Michigan House of Representatives ? where he served as Democratic vice-chair of the Education/Education Reform Committee and as a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on School Aid. He holds Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University. He was first appointed to the MI-STEM Advisory Council in 2019. Adam Zemke is designated as vice chair for a term commencing June 6, 2024, and expires at the pleasure of the Governor.?

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The MI-STEM Council is tasked with recommending measures to ensure effective communications, collaboration, and joint objectives among state departments and agencies with responsibilities relating to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.?

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

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*State of Michigan Retirement Board*?

Lauri Schmidt, of Williamston, is the State Employees Retirement Association coordinator for Hantz Financial Group. She previously worked for the State of Michigan in ORS (1982-1990) and Department of Community Health (1978-1982). Prior to working at Hantz and SERA, Lauri was the benefits representative for UAW Local 6000. Lauri has over 30 years of human resources benefits and management positions with comprehensive knowledge of HR procedures and contract administration. She was previously recommended by SEIU and has served on the board since 2019. Lauri Schmidt is reappointed to represent a retiree member of the State Employees' Retirement System for a term commencing June 6, 2024, and expires December 31, 2027.?

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The State of Michigan Retirement Board was created by Executive Order No. 2015-13, and consolidated the State Employees' Retirement System Board, the Judges' Retirement System Board, and the Military Retirement Provisions. Housed in the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget, in the Office of Retirement Services, the Retirement Board will provide oversight of the three systems that service nearly 88,000 active and retired employees.?

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

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*State Building Authority Board of Directors*?

Ehrlich Crain, of Detroit, is the director, and business development and diversity officer for Roncelli, Inc., a full-service general contracting, construction management and real estate development firm headquartered in Sterling Heights. He manages their downtown Detroit office and is actively involved in the project identification and implementation of metropolitan Detroit construction and development activities. He holds an associate?s degree in engineering graphics technology from Western Michigan University and is also a licensed real estate salesperson. He is currently board president of the Detroit Innovation Academy K-8 Charter School, a board member of the City of Detroit Downtown Development Authority, board treasurer of the East Jefferson Development Corporation and a board member of the Detroit Athletic Club. Ehrlich Crain is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing June 6, 2024, and expiring August 21, 2027.?

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The State Building Authority was created to acquire, construct, furnish, equip, and renovate buildings and equipment for the use of the state, including public universities and community colleges. The Authority is authorized to issue and sell bonds and notes for acquisition and construction of facilities and state equipment.?

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

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*Detroit Wayne County Health Authority*?

Alice Thompson, of Detroit, is the president and chief executive officer of BFDI Educational Services Inc. Additionally, she is a board of directors' member for the advisory council at the Detroit Medical Center and a tri-chair of the Michigan Partnership for Equity and Opportunity. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work from Wayne State University. Alice Thompson is reappointed to represent a resident of the region for a term commencing June 6, 2024, and expiring August 5, 2026.?

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The Detroit Wayne County Health Authority was established in 2003, with the recommendation of the Wayne County Stabilization Work Group, in response to clear indications of a health care safety net crisis in Detroit and Wayne County. The Health Authority was created by an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Detroit, the County of Wayne, and the Michigan Department of Community health under the Urban Cooperation Act of 1967. The agreement enables the Health Authority to serve the needs of the uninsured and underinsured in Detroit and Wayne County.?

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

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