RELEASE: Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Natural Resources Commission, Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission, Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan, Library of Michigan Board of Trustees, Detroit Financial Review Commission, Data Collection Agency Governing Board, Michigan Board of Behavior Analysts, Michigan Board of Cosmetology, Statewide Independent Living Council, Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice, State Police Retirement Board, and Municipal Stability Board.

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.

James LaPorte, of Highland, is the president of Luna Entertainment. He holds a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in business administration and economics from Augsburg College and a Master of Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas. LaPorte is appointed to represent Independents for a term commencing December 10, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2027. LaPorte succeeds Robin Michigiizhigookwe Clark, who has resigned.

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has exclusive authority to regulate the taking of game and sportfish and is authorized to designate game species and authorize the establishment of the first open season for animals through the issuance of orders.

Sumaiya Ahmed Sheihk, of West Bloomfield, is the executive director of Kalasho Education and Youth Services. Ahmed Sheikh holds a Bachelor of Arts in education from Oakland University. Sumaiya Ahmed Sheikh is appointed for a term commencing December 10, 2024, and expiring November 30, 2028. Ahmed Sheikh succeeds Jenny Mualhlun, whose term has expired. 

Sharon Dow, of Rochester Hills, is the communication chair at the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) Detroit. She has previously been a data architect at FCA Fiat Chrysler. Dow holds a master’s degree in computer science from Western Michigan University. Sharon Dow is reappointed for a term commencing December 10, 2024, and expiring November 30, 2028.

Dr. Jesse Bernal, of Grand Rapids, is the vice president of inclusion and equity and the president's chief of staff at Grand Valley State University. He received a Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Arts in education from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Westmont College. Dr. Bernal is reappointed for a term commencing December 11, 2024, and expiring December 10, 2027.

Juan Rodriguez, of Holland, is the president and chief executive officer of Latin Americans United for Progress. He has a Bachelor of Arts in education from Hope College. Juan Rodriguez is reappointed for a term commencing December 11, 2024, and expiring December 10, 2027.

Kaylee Burke, of Stanwood, is the senior director of programs and strategy for The West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She has previously served as the executive director and co-founder of the Center for Latino Studies at Ferris State University. Burke earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Ferris State University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan. Kaylee Burke is appointed for a term commencing December 11, 2024, and expiring December 10, 2027. Burke succeeds Sonya Hernandez, whose term is expiring.

Rudy Flores, of Adrian, is the migrant program specialist at Lenawee/Monroe County DHHS. Rodriguez has previously worked as an eligibility specialist and a service specialist assistant at Washtenaw County DHHS. Flores holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Spring Arbor University. Rudy Flores is appointed for a term commencing December 11, 2024, and expiring December 10, 2028. Flores succeeds Anthony Garcia-Rubio, whose term is expiring.

The Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan was created to develop a unified policy and plan of action to serve the needs of Michigan's Hispanic and Latino people. The law directs the Commission to advise the Governor, the Legislature, and the office concerning the coordination and administration of state programs serving the Hispanic and Latino population.

Dr. Alexis Antracoli, of Chelsea, is the director of the Bentley Historical Library at the University of Michigan. Antracoli received a Bachelor of Arts in history from Boston College, a Master of Arts in history from the University of Connecticut, a Master of Science in information with a specialization in archives and records management from the University of Michigan, and a Doctor of Philosophy in American history from Brandeis University. Dr. Alexis Antracoli is appointed to represent librarians from special libraries for a term commencing December 10, 2024, and expiring October 1, 2027. Antracoli succeeds Terrence McDonald, whose term has expired.

Dr. Stacy Nowicki, of Kalamazoo, is the library director for Kalamazoo College. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in information science from Nova Southeastern University, a Juris Doctor degree from Western Michigan University, a Master of Arts in musicology from Northwestern University, a Master of Library and Information Science in library science from Dominican University, and a Bachelor of Arts in music history and theory from Oberlin College. Dr. Nowicki is also a licensed attorney with the State Bar of Michigan. Dr. Stacy Nowicki is reappointed to represent librarians from college or university libraries for a term commencing December 10, 2024, and expiring October 1, 2026.

The Library of Michigan Board of Trustees makes recommendations to the Michigan Department of Education regarding the Library's services, budget, and proposed governing rules. The Board of Trustees also makes recommendations regarding the employment of other administrative and general assistants and employees of the Library as are necessary for the care and management of the Library, including the Law Library Branch of the Library.

David Blaskiewicz, of Novi, is the president and chief executive officer at Invest Detroit. He is also the vice chair of the Downtown Detroit Development Authority Board and serves on the boards of Detroit Future City, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, M-1 Rail, and the Universal Technical Institute. Blaskiewicz holds a Bachelor of Arts in business, management, and marketing from Wayne State University and a Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University. Blaskiewicz is nominated by Speaker Joe Tate for a term commencing December 10, 2024, and expiring November 9, 2028.

Ronald Rose, of Bloomfield Hills, is a retired partner at Dykema Gossett, where he helped found their bankruptcy practice. He has served on the Detroit Financial Review Commission since 2018 and also serves on the boards of Southwest Solutions and the Society of Active Retirees. Rose holds a Bachelor of Science in economics from the University of Pennsylvania and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Michigan. Ronald Rose is reappointed for a term commencing December 10, 2024, and expiring November 9, 2028.

The Detroit Financial Review Commission (FRC) is responsible for oversight of the City of Detroit and the Detroit Public Schools Community District. It ensures both are meeting statutory requirements, reviews and approves their budgets, and establishes programs and requirements for prudent fiscal management, among other roles and responsibilities.

Emily McDonough, of Williamston, is a deputy director with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, where she oversees the Self-Insured Programs Division, Insurance Compliance and Employer Records Division, Vocational Rehabilitation, Administrative Rules, Contested Cases, and Alternative Dispute Resolution Division for the Workers' Disability Compensation Agency. She holds a Bachelor of Science in biology from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctorate from Western Michigan University. McDonough has held this annual appointment since 2019 and previously worked as an assistant attorney general. Emily McDonough is reappointed for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2025.

The Data Collection Agency Governing Board is responsible for the determination of workers' compensation data requirements for establishing workers' disability compensation insurance rates.

Erin O’Brien, of Byron Center, is the training and compliance manager at Hope Network Center for Autism and is a licensed assistant behavior analyst. O’Brien earned a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and psychology from Grand Valley State University. Erin O’Brien is appointed to represent assistant behavior analysts for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2028. O’Brien succeeds Deborah Beers, whose term is expiring.

The Michigan Board of Behavior Analysts was created to assist the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs with the regulating and licensing of behavior analysts who utilize applied behavior analysis interventions that are based on scientific research and the direct observation and measurement of behavior and the environment.

Johnathan Randle, of Detroit, is a Medicare compliance officer at Health Alliance Plan and the treasurer of New Paradigm College Prep. Randle earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Houston-Tillotson University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Johnathan Randle is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2028. Randle succeeds Gabriella Abel, whose term is expiring.

Victoria Williams, of Farmington Hills, is a cosmetology specialist for the Salon Lofts Group. She holds both her Cosmetology and Instructor License from the David Pressley School of Cosmetology. Williams is reappointed to represent licensed cosmetologists for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2028.

The Michigan Board of Cosmetology was created under Article 12 of Public Act 299 of 1980, as amended, to license and regulate the practice of cosmetology in Michigan. Article 12 defines cosmetology as one of the following services or a combination of the following services: Hair care services, skin care services, manicuring services, and electrology. The members of the cosmetology industry who are licensed by the department include schools of cosmetology, both public and private, beauty shops, cosmetologists, manicurists, cosmetology instructors, electrologists, estheticians (skin care specialists), and natural hair culturists (braiders).

Allen Beauchamp, of Marquette, is an environment, health, safety, and shipping manager at Argonics, Inc. He holds an Associate of Applied Science degree from Northern Michigan University. Allen Beauchamp is reappointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.

Stephanie Deible, of Grant, is a program and partnership manager at the Michigan Nonprofit Association. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and a Master of Education from Grand Valley State University. Stephanie Deible is reappointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.

Theresa Metzmaker, of Lansing, is the executive director of the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from Michigan State University. Theresa Metzmaker is reappointed to represent individuals with disabilities for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.

Julie Shaw, of Negaunee, is the executive director at the Superior Alliance for Independent Living. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in special education from Northern Michigan University. Julie Shaw is appointed as a director of a center for independent living chosen by the directors of centers for independent living within this state for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027. She succeeds Yvonne Fleener, whose term has expired.

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.

Kaj Althaus, of Hazel Park, is a juvenile justice business analyst at the State Court Administrative Office. Althaus holds a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology from the University of Michigan and a Master of Public Policy from Penn State University. Kaj Althaus is reappointed as a member under the age of 28 at the time of initial appointment for a term commencing December 10, 2024, and expiring August 2, 2028.

Rayonte Bell, of St. Joseph, is a recruiter at the Michigan State AFL-CIO and a member of the Berrien County Board of Commissioners. He holds an Associate of Applied Science from Southwestern Michigan College. Rayonte Bell is reappointed as a locally elected official representing local government and members under the age of 28 at the time of initial appointment for a term commencing December 10, 2024, and expiring August 2, 2028.

Deandrea White, of Detroit, is a neighborhood outreach coordinator at the City of Detroit. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in social relations and policy from Michigan State University. Deandrea White is reappointed as a member under the age of 28 at the time of initial appointment for a term commencing December 10, 2024, and expiring August 2, 2028.

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.

Mitchell Stevens, of Gaylord, is a retired detective sergeant and methamphetamine regional coordinator for the Michigan State Police. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in management and organizational development from Spring Arbor University and a Master of Business Administration from Lawrence Technological University. Detective Sergeant Stevens is appointed to represent retirees for a term commencing December 10, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2026. Mitchell Stevens succeeds Diane Bockhausen, who has resigned.

Jeremy Sloan is a trooper with the Michigan State Police. He holds an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Mott Community College. He has been on the Executive Board of the Michigan State Police Troopers Association since 2018, and recently was elected as the secretary, treasurer and chief financial officer. Jeremy Sloan is appointed to represent members of the retirement system having the rank of sergeant or below for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2026. Sloan succeeds Mitchell Stevens, who has resigned following his retirement.

The Michigan State Police Retirement Board provides oversight of the Michigan State Police Retirement System.

Michael Grodi, of Erie, is the Erie township supervisor. He holds an Associate of Science from Monroe County Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in business administration from Columbia Southern University, and a Master of Arts in organization leadership with a concentration in public administration from Waldorf University. Michael Grodi is appointed to represent local officers for a term commencing December 10, 2024, and expiring May 1, 2025. Grodi succeeds John Lamerato, who has resigned.

The Municipal Stability Board is housed within the Michigan Department of Treasury and was created to review and update a list of best practices and strategies that will assist an underfunded local unit of government in developing a corrective action plan, and to review and vote on the approval of an action plan submitted by a local unit of government.

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