August 29, 2024 

Contact: [email protected]  

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs, Michigan Workforce Development Board, Michigan Board of Respiratory Care, Advisory Board for the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center for Homeland Security, Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, Oakland University Board of Trustees, and MEDC Executive Committee.  

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’s history. 

Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs 

Saif Alsenad, of Dearborn Heights, is the Wayne County Director of Government and Public Affairs. He previously worked as the Wayne County Community Relations Manager for SMART. Alsenad received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Madonna University. Saif Alsenad is appointed for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring April 19, 2025. Alsenad succeeds Dave Abdallah, who has resigned.   

Karim Kadouh, of Dearborn Heights, is an undergraduate student at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business and the vice president of marketing at JJ's Custard Company. He previously served as an intern at the Executive Office of the President, FEMA Youth Representative for Region V, and Executive Program Director for Books for a Benefit. Karim Kadouh is appointed for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring April 19, 2025. He succeeds Amal Berry, who has resigned.   

Petra Alsoofy, of Melvindale, is the senior outreach and partnership manager at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding. Alsoofy previously served as an educator at the Arab American National Museum. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science with a focus on history and middle eastern studies from Grand Valley State University. Petra Alsoofy is appointed for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring April 19, 2027. Alsoofy succeeds Wafa Haddad, who has resigned.   

The Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs advises the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Governor on issues relating to the Arab and Chaldean communities in Michigan and promotes awareness of their culture and history. They also work to empower, promote, and advance the Middle Eastern American community in Michigan. 

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

Michigan Workforce Development Board

Steve Claywell, of Battle Creek, is the president of the Michigan Building Trades Council. He has previously been a business manger and financial secretary at IBEW Local 445, an electrical apprentice at R&B Electric, and served as an electrician’s mate in the US Navy. Steve Claywell is reappointed to represent workforce and general labor in Michigan for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring May 29, 2028.  

Russ Kavalhuna, of Dearborn, is the President at Henry Ford College. He previously served as the executive director of flight operations at the Western Michigan University College of Aviation, was an assistant federal prosecutor for the U.S. Department of Justice, an adjunct professor of law at Cooley Law School, a senior lawyer at the Michigan Supreme Court, and a commercial airline captain at US Airways Express. He earned a Juris Doctor at Cooley Law School and a Bachelor of Science in aviation science at Western Michigan University. Russ Kavalhuna is reappointed to represent a president of a community college district for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring May 29, 2028.  

Michael Smith, of Negaunee, is the executive director of the Upper Peninsula Construction Council. He previously served as the AFL-CIO Community Services Liaison for the United Way of Monroe and Lenawee Counties. He holds an associate degree in social services from Monroe County Community College. Michael Smith is reappointed to represent workforce and general labor in Michigan for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring May 29, 2028.  

Bilal Hammoud, of Dearborn Heights, is the executive director of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce and CEO of Tejara, an incubator and accelerator for first- and second-generation immigrant entrepreneurs. Prior to this, he was the public engagement director at the Michigan Department of State, project manager for the City of Cheboygan, and Chair of Michigan’s Language Access Task Force. Hammoud holds a Bachelor of Science in public health and a Bachelor of Science in neuropsychology from Wayne State University, as well as a master's in public administration. He also holds a certificate in Political Leadership from Michigan State University and certificates in Strategy Execution and Leadership Management from Harvard Business School. Hammoud currently serves on multiple boards including the Wayne State University Alumni Board; the United Humanitarian Foundation; Don’t Be Shai; the Islamic House of Wisdom; APIA Vote MI; and the Dearborn Heights Libraries Board. He also acts as the advisor for the Dearborn and Dearborn Heights Model United Nations Club. Bilal Hammoud is appointed to represent businesses August 29, 2024, and expiring May 29, 2025. Hammoud succeeds Matt Wesaw, who has resigned.    

Diana Allard, of Davison, is the career and technical education director for the Genesee Intermediate School District. She is a board member of the MiSTEM Instructional Leadership Committee, Michigan Association of Career and Technical Education, and Career Education Planning District Council. She holds a Bachelor of Science in open systems technology from Baker College and a Master of Education from Ferris State University. Diana Allard is appointed to represent a director of a Michigan high school career and technical education program for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring May 29, 2028. Allard succeeds Jennifer Geno, whose term has expired.   

James Holton, of Holly, serves as assistant director of the health and safety department for the International Union UAW. Holton has a labor studies certificate from Wayne State University, holds several OSHA certifications from Eastern Michigan University, and is a licensed journeyman electrician for the State of Michigan. James Holton is appointed to represent workforce and general labor in Michigan for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring May 29, 2027. Holton succeeds Leigh Kegerreis, whose term has expired.   

Representative David Martin, of Davison, was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2020. He was Genesee County Commissioner and former mayor pro tem for the city of Davison. Martin served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years, retiring as the weather operations manager at the U.S. Army Aviation Center in Fort Rucker, Alabama. After working a private investigator for a several years, Martin worked as the security leader for the Volkswagen North American Headquarters in Auburn Hills. Martin holds an associate degree from Keiser University. Representative David Martin is appointed to represent the nominee of the House Minority Leader for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring January 1, 2025. Representative Martin succeeds then-Representative Sarah Anthony, whose term has expired.  

Lisa Ludwinski, of Detroit, is the owner of Sister Pie, a bakery in Detroit that she started in 2012. Notably, she was a pastry cook at Pinwheel Bakery and was head baker at Momofuku Milk Bar. Ludwinski holds a Bachelor of Arts in theater arts from Kalamazoo College. She was a Crain’s Detroit 40 under 40 award winner in 2019 and was a James Beard Award finalist for “Outstanding Baker” in 2019 and 2020, among other awards. Lisa Ludwinski is appointed to represent female-owned business enterprises for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring May 29, 2027. Ludwinski succeeds Cindy Pasky, who has resigned.   

The Michigan 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.  

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

Michigan Board of Respiratory Care 

Ali Abazeed, of Dearborn, is the founding director of public health at the Dearborn Department of Public Health. Abazeed is a three-time graduate of the University of Michigan, earning a Master of Public Health, Master of Public Policy, and Bachelor of Science. Ali Abazeed is appointed to represent medical directors for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2027. Abazeed succeeds Michael Dunn, whose term has expired.   

The Michigan Board of Respiratory Care oversees the licensure requirements and standards for respiratory therapists. The Board has a duty to promote and protect the public's health, safety, and welfare. The Board implements this responsibility by ascertaining minimal entry level competency of health practitioners and by taking disciplinary action against licensees who have adversely affected the public's health, safety, and welfare.  

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

Advisory Board for the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center for Homeland Security 

Chief Scott Malace, of Midland, has been the police Chief of Saginaw Township since 2022 and has been with the department for over 30 years. Prior to this, he served in the United States Army in both active duty and reserve roles. Chief Malace holds an associate's degree in criminal justice from Delta College and a Bachelor of Science Degree in criminal justice from Ferris State University. Chief Scott Malace is appointed to represent local police departments in this state for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring April 11, 2028. This seat was previously vacant.  

Richard Fenton retired as the Executive Commander of the Wayne County Sheriff Department in May 2000 after more than twenty-seven years of service, which included directing law enforcement operations for the Sheriff Department. In June 2000, Fenton joined the staff of Ilitch Holdings as the Senior Director for Corporate Security, Safety, and Investigations and was promoted to Vice President of Corporate Security in 2005 and achieved the title of Chief Security Officer in 2018. He holds a Bachelor of Science in police administration from Wayne State University, and a master's degree in counseling from Eastern Michigan university. Fenton is reappointed to represent residents of the state for a term commencing August 29, 2024 and expiring April 11, 2028.  

The Advisory Board for the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center for Homeland Security collects, evaluates, collates, and analyzes information and intelligence and then, as appropriate, disseminates this information and intelligence to the proper public safety agencies so that any threat of terrorism or criminal activity will be successfully identified and addressed.   

These appointments are not subject to the advice and c onsent of the Senate. 

Michigan Indigent Defense Commission 

Loren Khogali, of Plymouth, is the executive director of ACLU Michigan. She started her legal career as a Law Clerk to the Justices of the Superior Court of Massachusetts. She then joined Detroit’s Federal Public Defender Office, advocating on behalf of people charged with federal crimes and unable to afford an attorney at the trial in the appellate and post-conviction stages. During her 13 years at the Federal Defender Office, she participated in the development and leadership teams for the court’s re-entry and alternative-to-prison programs. 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 nominated by Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring April 1, 2028. Khogali succeeds William Swor, whose term has expired.  

Michael 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 fifteen years. He serves on several boards including the ACLU of Michigan and Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, and also serves on the faculty of the National Criminal Defense College. He received his Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Michigan and his Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School. Michael E. Carter is appointed to represent individuals nominated by Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring April 1, 2028. Carter succeeds John Shea, whose term has expired.  

Glenn Simmington, of Flint, is an owner and attorney at the Law Office of Glenn M. Simmington, PLLC. He has previously been an associate attorney with Cline, Cline & Griffin, P.C. He has earned his Juris Doctorate Degree from Wayne State University and Bachelor of Art in political science from University of Michigan-Flint. Glenn Simmington is appointed to represent individuals nominated by Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring April 1, 2028. Simmington succeeds Joshua Blanchard, whose term has expired.  

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.   

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

Gun Violence Prevention Task Force 

Dr. April Zeoli, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, is an associate professor at the University of Michigan and was previously a professor at Michigan State University. Dr. Zeoli earned a Bachelor of Arts in women’s studies from the University of Michigan, a Master of Public Health in health policy from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, and a doctorate in health policy from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Dr. Zeoli is appointed to represent an individual associated with a research institution that studies gun violence on the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor, no later than August 29, 2028.  

Marianne Huff, of Holland, is the President and CEO of Mental Health Association in Michigan. Huff has previously been the Executive Director of the Allegan County Community Mental Health Services and is a licensed social worker. Huff received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of Michigan-Dearborn and a master's in social work from Eastern Michigan University. Huff is appointed to represent individual with experience doing clinical work specializing in suicide prevention on the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor, no later than August 29, 2028. 

Dr. Daveda Colbert, of Farmington Hills, Michigan, is the superintendent of Wayne RESA. Colbert earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Southern University at New Orleans, a Master of Arts in business education from Wayne State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in educational leadership from Oakland University. Dr. Colbert is also a certified educational specialist. Dr. Colbert is appointed to represent local school administrators on the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor, no later than August 29, 2028. 

Oakland University Board of Trustees

David Kramer, of Birmingham, is the founding principal of Gemini Risk Partners. Kramer previously served as the senior vice president of Oswald Companies and vice president of Alliant. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor degree from George Washington University. Kramer is the immediate past president of Hebrew Free Loan of Metropolitan Detroit and a board member with the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, the Detroit Jewish News Foundation, and the Zekelman Holocaust Center. David Kramer is reappointed for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring August 11, 2032. 

Melanie Brown, of Farmington Hills, is the State Executive Ombudsman for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. An experienced public service professional, she has served as deputy chief of staff in the Whitmer Administration, deputy director of the Department of Talent and Economic Development, deputy director for Southeast Michigan in the Granholm Administration, and has held leadership positions in multiple state departments including Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Civil Rights and department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Melanie Brown is appointed for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring August 11, 2032. Brown succeeds Robert Schostack, whose term has expired.   

Oakland University Board of Trustees governs and provides general supervision of the university, including control and direction of all expenditures from the institution's funds. The Board also appoints the university president as well as the secretary to the board and treasurer.   

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

MEDC Executive Committee

Sarah Gonzales, of Haslett, is the director of state and local government affairs for Delta Air Lines, including the Delta Hub states of Michigan and Utah. She was previously Director of Public Affairs in the Whitmer Administration, Deputy Chief of Staff for the Michigan Department of State, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy for Creative Many Michigan, and Chair of the National State Arts Action Network for Americans for the Arts. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications and political science from Hope College. Gonzales is appointed to represent businesses for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring April 5, 2028. Gonzales succeeds April Clobes, who has resigned. 

Renee Tomina, of Birmingham, is the senior vice president of the Project Management Office at DTE. Previously, Tomina was the vice president of Gas Operations and director of Revenue & Protection at DTE. Tomina earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Lawrence Technological University and a Master of Science in systems engineering from Oakland University. Tomina also earned a certificate in reactor technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Tomina is appointed to represent businesses for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring April 5, 2028. Renee Tomina succeeds Anthony Tomczak, who has resigned. 

The MEDC Executive Committee provides policy direction and guidance to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation regarding economic development program and initiatives, approves the MEDC corporate budget, and appoints the chief executive officer who administers all programs, funds, personnel, and all other administrative transactions of the MEDC. The MEDC Executive Committee supports the MEDC through governance, support to enable results-based action, and advocacy for the organization and economic development in Michigan.   

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

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