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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE* 

September 26, 2024 

Contact: [email protected]  

 

*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 Women’s Commission, Michigan Public School Employee Retirement System Board, Michigan State Waterways Commission, Governor’s Educator Advisory Council, Michigan Finance Authority Board of Directors, Michigan Travel Commission, Michigan Board of Mechanical Rules, Michigan Tax Tribunal, Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice, Michigan Health Endowment Fund Board, Michigan Workforce Development Board, and Suicide Prevention Commission. 

 

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

 

_*Michigan Women’s Commission*_ 

Kelli Saunders, of Byron Center, is currently the vice president of policy and engagement at the Small Business Association of Michigan. Prior to this role, Kelli served in various high-level roles in state government and was a senior executive specialist at the Edward Lowe Foundation. Saunders received her bachelor's degree in political science and Spanish from Aquinas College. Kelli Saunders is reappointed to the Michigan Women’s Commission for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring July 15, 2027. 

 

Amanda Wagenschutz, of Dexter, is the vice president of people and culture operations at Consumers Energy. Wagenschutz previously served in several high-level roles at Consumers Energy, including executive director of people operations. Wagenschutz earned a Bachelor of Science in human resource development from Oakland University and holds a Master of Science in management from Walsh College. Amanda Wagenschutz is appointed to the Michigan Women’s Commission for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring July 15, 2027. Wagenschutz succeeds Tamara Faber, whose term has expired.   

 

Karin Hopman, of Rockford, is the finance and human resources director for Disability Advocates of Kent County. Prior to joining Disability Advocates, Hopman worked as recorder and finance director at the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 951 and also served as treasurer of the UFCW 951 Foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Calvin College and a Master of Business Administration from Western Michigan University. Hopman is reappointed to the Michigan Women’s Commission for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring July 15, 2027.  

 

Andrea Hunter, of Detroit, is the President at USW Local 1299 and President at Detroit/Downriver A. Philip Randolph Institute. Hunter has previously been an electrician at U.S. Steel Corporation-Great Lakes Steel Division. Hunter attended Henry Ford Community College to acquire her electrician certificate. Andrea Hunter is appointed to the Michigan Women’s Commission for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring July 15, 2027. Andrea Hunter succeeds Katie Horvath, whose term has expired.  

 

Dr. Tracy Joshua, of Battle Creek, is currently the vice president of external supply chain at Kellanova. She has previously been the chief procurement and logistics officer at Detroit Turnaround Team/Detroit Public Schools and an executive director at Bristol Myers Squibb. Dr. Joshua received her bachelor’s degree in business from Michigan State University, her Master of Science in engineering and global supply chain from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and her Doctor of Management in Executive Leadership from Walsh College. Dr. Tracy Joshua is reappointed to the Michigan Women’s Commission for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring July 15, 2024. 

 

The Michigan Women's Commission was created by statute in 1968. The Commission's duties include reviewing the status of women in Michigan, directing attention to critical problems confronting women, and recognizing women's accomplishments and contributions to Michigan.  

  

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

 

_*Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System Board*_ 

Kevin Philipps, of Grand Rapids, is the assistant superintendent of administrative services at Kent ISD. He holds a Master of Business Administration in finance from Wayne State University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Adrian College. He has served on the MPSERS Board since 2012 and also previously served as Chair of the Michigan School Insurance Program’s Executive Committee. Kevin Philipps is reappointed as a school finance or operations manager who is not a superintendent for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring March 30, 2028.  

 

Brandon Way, of DeWitt, is a managing director at Daiwa Capital Markets America. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Chicago, where he also played football. Way previously served on the Michigan Early Stage Venture Investment Corporation Board of Directors. Brandon Way is appointed to represent the general public with experience in institutional investments for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring March 30, 2028. Way succeeds John Solecki, whose term has expired. 

 

Katie Cihak, of Grosse Ile, is a procurement manager of packaging for O-I Glass and is on the Grosse Ile Township Schools Board of Education, where she also serves as Treasurer. She holds a Bachelor of Science in packaging engineering from Michigan State University. Katie Cihak is appointed as an elected member of a reporting unit’s board of control for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring March 30, 2028. Cihak succeeds Anne Hamming, whose term has expired.  

 

Patricia Chatman, of Clinton Township, is the dean of the School of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development at Henry Ford College, where she also serves as director of workforce and professional development as well as a business and economics instructor. She is also a lecturer in the Public Science Department at Oakland University. Chatman holds a Bachelor of Science in human resources from Oakland University, a Master of Science in public policy and administration from Central Michigan University, and a Doctorate in public policy and administration from Walden University. She has served on the MPSERS Board since 2020. Patricia Chatman is reappointed to represent community college administrators and trustees for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring March 30, 2024.  

 

The Michigan Public School Employees' Retirement System Board is responsible for general oversight of retirement, survivor, and disability benefits to employees in public school districts, intermediate school districts, community colleges and certain universities.   

 

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

 

_*Michigan State Waterways Commission*_ 

Frederick Sitkins, of Traverse City, is the executive director for Inland Seas Education Association. He holds a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Western Michigan University and a Master of Arts in educational administration from Central Michigan University. Frederick Sitkins is reappointed as a person residing north of Townline 16 in the Lower Peninsula for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring September 18, 2027.   

 

Susan Stewart, of Harbor Springs, is the chair of the Board of Directors at Irish Boat Shop. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social science, a master’s degree in park and recreation resources, and a Doctor of Philosophy from Michigan State University. Susan Stewart is appointed as an individual who owns or operates a harbor or marina in the state for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring September 18, 2027.   

 

Elaine Isely, of Grand Rapids, is the current interim executive director of the West Michigan Environmental Action Council. She earned her Juris Doctor from Wayne State University, and she also holds a Master of Science from Grand Valley State University and a Bachelor of Science in finance from the University of Maryland. Elaine Isely is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring September 18, 2027.   

 

The Michigan State Waterways Commission is responsible for the acquisition, construction, and maintenance of recreational harbors, channels, docking and launching facilities, and administration of commercial docks in the Straits of Mackinac. 

  

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

 

_*Governor’s Educator Advisory Council*_

Ahlam Salem, of Northville, is a special education teacher at Northville Public Schools and previously worked as a special education teacher in Dearborn Public schools. She holds an associate of arts from Cuyahoga Community College, a Bachelor of Science in special education from Cleveland State University, and Master of educational administration from the University of Michigan-Flint.  Ahlam Salem is appointed to represent teachers for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring May 9, 2028. She succeeds Eva Coleman, whose term has expired.  

 

Dr. Mandy Stewart, of Charlotte, is the superintendent of Charlotte Public Schools. Dr. Stewart obtained her Bachelor of Science in English and political science at Wayne State University, a Master of Arts in teaching from Marygrove College, and her Doctor of Philosophy in curriculum and instruction, educational sociology from Wayne State University.  She has served on the Governor’s Educator Advisory Council since 2019. Dr. Mandy Stewart is reappointed to represent administrators for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring May 9, 2028. 

 

Angela Perez, of Muskegon, is a multilingual learner teacher at Muskegon Public Schools, where she has also previously served as a Spanish two-way immersion teacher. She holds an associate’s degree in science and arts from Muskegon Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Grand Valley State University, and a Master of Arts in teaching from Aquinas College. She has served on the Governor’s Educator Advisory Council since 2019 and currently serves as Chair. Angela Perez is reappointed to represent teachers for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring May 9, 2028. 

 

Kelly Cusmano, of Troy, is an English teacher at Rochester High School and High School ELA curriculum consultant for Rochester Community Schools. She has also been named the 2024-2025 Michigan Teacher of the Year. Cusmano holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction, and a K-12 Administrative Certificate from Michigan State University. Kelly Cusmano is appointed as the Michigan Teacher of the Year for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring August 31, 2025. Cusmano succeeds Candice Jackson, whose term has expired. 

  

The Governor’s Educator Advisory Council was created by Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order No. 2019-9. 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.  

  

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

 

_*Michigan Finance Authority Board of Directors*_ 

Dr. Lauren Bigelow, of Ann Arbor, is currently the managing partner at the Growth Capital Network. She also is a lecturer, investment advisor, and student advisor at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Michigan and a Doctorate and Master of Arts in anthropology from Northwestern University. Dr. Lauren Bigelow is reappointed as an Independent and as a resident of this state with experience in natural resources and environmental issues or relating to public finance for a term commencing October 1, 2024, and expiring September 30, 2028.  

 

The Michigan Finance Authority provides effective, low-cost options to finance the acquisition, construction, improvement, or alteration of land, facilities, equipment, the payment of project costs, or to refinance existing debt. The Authority accomplishes this by working with municipalities, schools, healthcare providers, colleges and universities, and college students. 

 

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

 

_*Michigan Travel Commission*_ 

Julie Rogers, of Ann Arbor, is the director of marketing at The Highlands at Harbor Springs. Rogers was previously the director of marketing for the Grand Hotel. Rogers received a Bachelor of Science in marketing and management information systems from Miami University. Julie Rogers is reappointed for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring August 20, 2028.   

 

Patrick Brys, of Traverse City, is the president and CEO of Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery and marketing chair of the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail.  He holds a Level I Sommelier Certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers and is a graduate of the Wine Executive Program at the University of California Graduate School of Management. Brys also earned a Bachelor of Arts in digital imaging and multimedia from the Brooks Institute. Patrick Brys is reappointed as a small business owner for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring August 20, 2028. 

 

Susan Estler, of Marquette, is the CEO of Travel Marquette and owner of Susan Estler Jewelry. Prior to moving to Marquette in 2018, she served in leadership of the visitors' bureaus of Lackawanna County, PA; Panama City Beach, FL; and Bradenton, FL. Estler holds a Bachelor of fine arts in communication design from Parsons School of Design. Susan Estler is reappointed as a small business owner for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring August 20, 2028.   

 

The Travel Commission was established to promote, maintain, and develop the orderly growth of the Michigan travel product. The Commission assists the Michigan Travel Bureau with the development of a comprehensive long-range master plan, annually assesses the activities and accomplishments of the Michigan Travel Bureau and works to the maximum extent practicable with those private associations, nonprofit corporations, organizations, or other private entities which promote tourism in this state.   

   

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

 

_*Michigan Board of Mechanical Rules*_

Jerry Payne, of Holland, is a mechanical inspector for the City of Wyoming, where he has worked since 1999. Payne has experience working in the residential and commercial sides of the mechanical trades and is an active board member of the Mechanical Inspectors Association of Michigan. Jerry Payne is appointed as a mechanical inspector of a government subdivision for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring September 26, 2028.  

 

Terry Gilligan, of Livonia, is a business manager at Pipefitters Local 636 in Farmington Hills. He has over twenty years experience in the mechanical field. Terry Gilligan is appointed as a member of organized labor who represents the mechanical trades for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring September 26, 2028. 

 

Lorenzo Brown, of Farmington Hills, is a professional engineer and instructor at Operating Engineers Local 324 Stationary Engineers Education Center. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts in music and education from Wayne State University. Lorenzo Brown is appointed as a professional mechanical engineer for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring September 26, 2028.  

 

Nicolas Sachjen, of Lansing, is an HVAC service mechanic at Plumbers, Pipefitters, Sprinklerfitters, and HVAC Serviceman Local 333. Nicolas Sachjen is appointed as a HVAC professional for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring September 26, 2028. 

 

Dennis Mowbray, of New Boston, is a senior trades manager in mechanical power systems at the Wayne County Airport Authority and an instructor with Operating Engineers Local 324. He is a licensed mechanical contractor. Dennis Mowbray is appointed as a refrigeration professional for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring September 26, 2028.  

 

Ned Hawkins, of Kalamazoo, is a corporate quality assurance director at W. Soul, a mechanical fabricator and contractor. Hawkins has over thirty-five years of high-pressure boiler and piping fabrication and installation experience. Ned Hawkins is appointed as a member of organized labor that engages in the design, erection, fabrication, installation, operation, repair, or inspection of boilers for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring September 26, 2028. 

 

Frank Wimmer, of White Lake, is the vice president of Monarch Welding and Engineering Incorporated, a boiler contractor. Wimmer is a third-generation boiler contractor and owner and has over twenty years experience working on power boilers. Frank Wimmer is appointed as a mechanical contractor with experience in boiler installation, piping, operations, and repair; or as a member who represent owners and owners and users of power boilers that operate at least 1,000 pounds per square inch for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring September 26, 2028.  

 

Michael Card, of Auburn, is a business agent and president at Boilermakers Local 169 and has over thirty years of experience working on all types of boilers. Michael Card is appointed as a member of organized labor who represents a relevant trade in the state for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring September 26, 2028. 

 

The Board of Mechanical Rules was created to make recommendations for mechanical code rules, issue mechanical contractors’ licenses to qualified applicants, and make all orders, rules, and regulations necessary for enforcement of the provisions of the act. The Board was reorganized by Executive Order 2024-5 in July of 2024, combining the previous Michigan Board of Boiler Rules and Michigan Board of Mechanical Rules. 

   

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

 

_*Michigan Tax Tribunal*_

Michael Bannasch, of Jackson, is a certified public accountant and the state and local tax senior manager at RKL LLC. Michael Bannasch received his Bachelor of Arts in accounting and business administration from Spring Arbor University and a Master of Science in taxation from Grand Valley State University. Michael Bannasch is appointed as a certified public accountant for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2025. He succeeds Bernard Copping, whose term has expired.    

 

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, but the Tribunal also hears business and individual tax disputes.   

 

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

 

_*Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice*_ 

Natalya Henderson, of Detroit, serves as the principal consultant and strategist at NH Consulting in Detroit. She holds an associate degree from Wayne County Community College and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Oakland University. Natayla Henderson is reappointed as a member under the age of 28 at the time of initial appointment for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring August 2, 2027. 

 

The mission of the Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice is to advise the Governor on matters related to juvenile justice legislation and administration, mobilize communities to develop and implement comprehensive, data driven prevention services, and create a strategic plan that sets standards, determines priorities, and allocates funds for successful delinquency prevention and rehabilitative programs that promote stronger families, healthier youth, and safer communities. 

 

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

 

_*Health Endowment Fund Board*_ 

Kathy Boles, of Grand Blanc, now retired, was the Chief Executive Officer for the Valley Area Agency on Aging until 2018. She holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Central Michigan University. Kathy Boles is reappointed represent the interests of senior citizens for a term commencing October 2, 2024, and expiring October 1, 2028.    

 

Michael Williams, of Westland, is the president of CEO of Orchards Children’s Services. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and History and a Master of Arts in Social Work and Child Welfare. Michael Williams is reappointed to represent the interests of minor children for a term commencing October 2, 2024, and expiring October 1, 2028.    

 

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.   

 

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

 

_*Michigan Workforce Development Board*_

Thomas Lutz, of Garden City, is the executive secretary-treasurer of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights (MRCC). Since joining the MRCC twenty years ago, Tom has served as the president, business agent, apprenticeship instructor, and marketing director. In these roles, he has worked to create and implement programs to recruit the next generation of skilled workers and address the ongoing needs of signatory contractors in the construction industry. He has also served on a variety of boards and commissions, including the Michigan Manufactured Housing Commission, the Michigan Works Workforce Development Board, the Oakland County Construction Labor Advisory Board, and the MEDC Executive Committee. Lutz earned an associate degree from Schoolcraft College and has obtained numerous professional certifications. Thomas Lutz is appointed to represent businesses and the MEDC Executive Committee for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring May 29, 2028. 

 

The Michigan Workforce Development Board is responsible for the development and continuous improvement of the workforce development system in Michigan. The Board acts as an advisory body to 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.   

 

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

 

_*Suicide Prevention Commission*_ 

Joseph Stoltz, of Fort Gratiot, is a firefighter for the city of Fort Gratiot. Stoltz is appointed as a member who is nominated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Michigan Professional Firefighters Union for a term commencing August 15, 2024, and expiring April 2nd, 2028. He succeeds Shaun Abbey, whose term has expired.     

  

Dr. Lisa Walker, of Detroit, is a licensed professional counselor and CCBHC project director at Lincoln Behavioral Services. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in sociology and counseling from Wayne State University. Lisa Walker is appointed as a nominee of the Senate Majority Leader for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2024. Dr. Lisa Walker succeeds Kiran Taylor, whose term has expired. 

 

John Joseph, of Grand Blanc, is the chief of police in Lansing Township. Previously, he worked as director of campus safety at Baker College of Flint. He holds a Bachelor of Science in political Science, criminal Justice, and public law from Western Michigan University. John Joseph is reappointed as a member who has experience in suicide prevention and is nominated by the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police for a term commencing August 15, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2024. 

 

Dr. William Beecroft, of Plymouth, is a board-certified psychiatrist and the medical director of behavioral health at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. He holds a Bachelor of Science in medical technology and a Doctor of Human Medicine from Michigan State University. William Beecroft is reappointed as a person nominated by the Michigan Association of Health Plans and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for a term commencing August 15, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2024. 

 

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. 

  

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

 

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