Governor Whitmer Header

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE* 

February 27, 2025 

Contact: [email protected] <[email protected]>  

  

*Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions* 

 

*LANSING, Mich. —* Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the following boards and commissions: The Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity; Advisory Council on Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing; Michigan Community Service Commission; MEDC Executive Committee; Michigan Workforce Development Board; Michigan Blueberry Commission;  Fire Fighters Training Council; and the Michigan Arts and Culture Council. 

 

_*Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity*_ 

Gabriella Santiago-Romero, of Detroit, is the Detroit City Council Member for District 6. Santiago-Romero was first elected in 2021 and serves on the Budget, Finance & Audit Standing Committee and chairs the Public Health & Safety Committee as the first Latina to chair a standing committee. Santiago-Romero holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan School of Social Work and a Bachelor of Science in international business from the University of Detroit Mercy. Gabriella Santiago-Romero is appointed as an elected public official for a term commencing February 27, 2025, and expiring June 21, 2026. Santiago-Romero succeeds Melinda Ysasi, who has resigned. 

 

The Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity was created to provide opportunity for low-income persons to actively participate in the development of policies and programs to reduce poverty and serves as a statewide forum to address the needs and concerns of low-income people in the state of Michigan. 

  

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

 

_*Advisory Council on Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing*_ 

Dylan Secord, of Farmington, is an assistant director with the Deaf Community Advocacy Network and an adjunct faculty member at Oakland Community College. Secord holds an associate’s degree in liberal arts from Oakland Community College, a Bachelor of Social Work from Madonna University, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan. Dylan Secord is appointed as a deaf or hard of hearing person for a term commencing February 27, 2025, and expiring January 18, 2028. Secord succeeds Christopher Hunter, whose term has expired. 

 

Gerid Adams, of Wyoming, is a technology enablement manager at CaptionCall. Additionally, Adams works as a test pilot at the Disability Advocates of Kent County and serves as the greater Grand Rapids chapter president at the Hearing Loss Association of America. Gerid Adams is reappointed as a deaf or hard of hearing person for a term commencing February 27, 2025, and expiring January 18, 2028. 

 

Janel Frost, of Elmira, is the executive director of Michigan Hands & Voices. Frost holds an associate’s degree in early childhood education and a Bachelor of Arts in human services from Lake Superior State University. Janel Frost is appointed as an individual knowledgeable in the field of deafness for a term commencing February 27, 2025, and expiring January 18, 2027. Frost succeeds Sue Caudell, whose term has expired. 

 

Diane Bass, of Pontiac, is a nurse aide at Right at Home Agency. Bass holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, health science, and child welfare from Marygrove College, a Bachelor of Science in nursing from University of Detroit Mercy, and a skills certification as a nursing assistant from Schoolcraft College. Diane Bass is appointed as a deaf or hard of hearing person for a term commencing February 27, 2025, and expiring January 18, 2028. Bass succeeds Hannah Cluley, whose term has expired. 

 

The Advisory Council on Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing serves to advise the Department of Civil Rights on matters pertaining to deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing persons. 

  

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

 

_*Michigan Community Service Commission*_ 

Austin Lowes, of Sault Ste. Marie, is the elected chairperson of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Lowes also serves as president of the United Tribes of Michigan. Previously, Chairman Lowes worked as a medical social worker for MyMichigan Medical Center. As a social worker, Chairman Lowes worked with several communities, including the Sault tribe, the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana, and the Bay Mills Indian Community. Chairman Lowes earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Lake Superior State University and a Master of Social Work from Michigan State University. Austin Lowes is appointed to represent Native American Tribes for a term commencing February 27, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2026. Lowes succeeds John Graham, whose term has expired. 

 

William Kimble, of DeWitt, is the president of C2AE, an engineering and architecture firm based in Lansing. Kimble serves on the policy committee for the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, on the board of the Small Business Association of Michigan, and as a member of the Lansing Promise Business Council. Kimble holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Wayne State University, a Bachelor of Arts in physics from Kalamazoo College, and is a licensed professional engineer in the State of Michigan. William Kimble is reappointed to represent business for a term commencing February 27, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2027. 

 

Robert Kolt, of Haslett, is the president and chief executive officer of Kolt Communications Inc. and a professor emeritus of public relations at Michigan State University. Kolt earned a Master of Arts in communication arts and sciences from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Applied Arts in broadcast and cinematic arts and journalism from Central Michigan University. Kolt serves as chair of the Michigan Community Service Commission and previously served as a board member of the Capital Region Community Foundation and as president of AARP Michigan. Robert Kolt is reappointed to represent experts in promoting voluntarism in older adults for a term commencing February 27, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2027. 

 

Heidi Magyar, of Laingsburg, is the executive lead of community and social impact and GM heritage operations for General Motors. Magyar has served on the boards of Points of Light, the Detroit Regional Partnership, and the Detroit Economic Club. Magyar holds a Bachelor of Arts in public relations and business communications from the University of Michigan. Heidi Magyar 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 27, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2027. 

 

Christopher Pryor, of Saginaw, is the pastor of Victorious Believers Ministries COGIC. Pryor holds a Bachelor of Arts in business administration and a Master of Arts in educational leadership from Saginaw Valley State University, and a Masters of practical theology from Ashland Theological Seminary. Pryor currently serves on the boards of the Saginaw Community Foundation, Saginaw City Rescue Mission, and the Saginaw Chamber of Commerce, and is past president of the Saginaw Valley State University Board of Fellows. Christopher Pryor is reappointed to represent community-based agencies for a term commencing February 27, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2027. 

 

Raquel Izzo McDonald, of Haslett, is the cofounder, former executive director, and a current board member of The Izzo Legacy Family Fund, a nonprofit with the mission of supporting local charities that will feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, meet the needs of the underserved, and reduce barriers to educational opportunities in Mid-Michigan communities. McDonald additionally serves on the board of Ele’s Place – Capital Region. McDonald holds a Bachelor of Arts in advertising management from Michigan State University. Raquel Izzo McDonald is appointed to represent experts in the delivery of human, educational, environmental, or public safety services to communities and persons for a term for a term commencing February 27, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2026. McDonald succeeds Anne Mervenne, whose term has expired. 

 

Domonique Clemons, of Flint, is the Genesee County Clerk & Register of Deeds, having served since December 2022. Previously, Clemons was a Genesee County Commissioner representing District 4, the director of government affairs for the Flint & Genesee Group, and a staffer in the Michigan House of Representatives. Clemons serves on the Michigan Manufactured Housing Commission, Rotary Club of Flint Board of Directors, Genesee County Diversity Equity & Inclusion Commission, Michigan Electronic Recording Commission, Ananich Legacy Foundation, and the Genesee Health Plan Board of Directors. Clemons holds a Bachelor of Arts in public policy from Michigan State University and a Master of Professional Studies in political management from George Washington University. Domonique Clemons is appointed to represent local government a term for a term commencing February 27, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2027. Clemons succeeds Tami Rey, whose term has expired. 

 

Susan Sabo, of Dearborn Heights, is the director of communications and corporate giving for Masco Corporation. Sabo holds a Bachelor of Arts in business from the University of Detroit Mercy. Susan Sabo is appointed to represent business for a term commencing February 27, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2027. Sabo succeeds Jo-Ellyn Tucker, whose term has expired. 

 

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.  

  

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

 

_*MEDC Executive Committee*_ 

Brooke Beebe, of Midland, is the senior vice president for advocacy and engagement at Hemlock Semiconductor. Beebe has been with Hemlock since 2017 and previously served as the director of government affairs for Dow Chemical. Beebe holds a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Gustavus Adolphus College and a Juris Doctor from George Washington University Law School. Brooke Beebe is appointed to represent businesses for a term commencing February 27, 2025, and expiring April 5, 2026. Beebe succeeds Kyle Caldwell, who has resigned. 

 

Kelly Hall, of Traverse City, is deputy general counsel and vice president of rates and regulation for CMS Energy Corporation and Consumers Energy Company. Hall previously served as Consumers Energy’s supervisory assistant general counsel and as a regulatory attorney within the company. Hall is also the past president and treasurer of the Traverse City Area Public Schools Board of Education and a former commissioner with the Grand Traverse County Planning Commission. Hall holds a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Alma College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan. Kelly Hall is appointed to represent businesses for a term commencing February 27, 2025, and expiring April 5, 2027. Hall succeeds Brian Rich, 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 subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

 

_*Michigan Workforce Development Board*_ 

Dr. George Grant, Jr., of Freeland, is the fifth president of Saginaw Valley State University, having joined the university in 2023. Grant, a Detroit native, previously served as chancellor of Pennsylvania State University Berks and as dean of the College of Community and Public Service at Grand Valley State University. Grant holds a Bachelor of Arts in social work from Marygrove College, a Master of Social Work from Grand Valley State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy with a concentration in sociology from Western Michigan University. George Grant, Jr. is appointed to represent a president of an institution of higher education for a term commencing February 27, 2025, and expiring May 29, 2027. Grant succeeds Robert Davies, who has resigned. 

 

Stephanie Schoenherr, of Grand Rapids, is the director of human resources operations at Cascade Engineering and additionally serves as the governing board secretary for The SOURCE, a nonprofit organization focused on workforce development and retention. Prior to joining Cascade, Schoenherr held positions of increasing responsibility at DK Security. Schoenherr holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and family studies from Central Michigan University and a professional certification from the Society for Human Resource Management. Stephanie Schoenherr is appointed to represent manufacturing business enterprises for a term commencing February 27, 2025, and expiring May 29, 2025. Schoenherr succeeds Peter Hungerford, who has resigned. 

 

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.  

    

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

 

_*Michigan Blueberry Commission*_ 

Eric Kamphuis, of Holland, is the farm manager for S. Kamphuis Blueberries. Kamphuis is also the owner and manager of Kamphuis Farms, LLC. Eric Kamphuis is appointed to represent District 1 for a term commencing February 27, 2025, and December 31, 2027. Eric Kamphuis succeeds Eric Jawor, whose term has expired. 

 

Dave Reenders, of Grand Haven, is the president and owner of Crossroads Blueberry Farm. Reenders studied business management at Muskegon Community College. David Reenders is reappointed to represent District 1 for a term commencing February 27, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027. 

 

Jason Thomas, of Grand Junction, is the operations manager at Thomas Blueberries. Thomas holds a Bachelor of Arts in organizational communications from Western Michigan University, a Master of Arts in Mexican literature of the 20th century from Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, and a Master of Arts in integrative health studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies. Jason Thomas is reappointed to represent District 2 for a term commencing February 27, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.      

 

The Michigan Blueberry Commission is housed within the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and was created through the farmer-initiated process outlined in the Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act. The Commission was created with the goal of improving the economic position and competitiveness of the Michigan blueberry industry by supporting research, education, and promotion program.   

  

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

 

*_Fire Fighters Training Council_ * 

Adam Carroll, of Fenton, is the Fire Chief at Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority. Carroll is also a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). Chief Carroll is a licensed emergency medical technician, hazardous materials technician, and fire instructor with the State of Michigan and holds a Bachelor of Science in fire science from Lake Superior State University. Adam Carroll is appointed to represent the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs for a term commencing February 27, 2025, and expiring January 31, 2026. Carroll succeeds David Feichtner, who has resigned.  

  

The Michigan Fire Fighters Training Council serves the training and certification needs of fire departments and fire fighters across the state. The Council prepares and publishes training standards while establishing courses of study, certifying instructors, and establishing regional training centers.  

  

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

 

_*Michigan Arts and Culture Council*_ 

Amy Spadafore, of Saginaw, is the managing director of Pit and Balcony Theater. Spadafore is a member of the Arts Midwest Board of Directors and additionally and sits on the Cultural Advocacy Network of Michigan board, the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors, and the Saginaw Downtown Development Authority. Spadafore holds a Bachelor of Science in arts management from Western Michigan University. Amy Spadafore is reappointed for a term commencing February 27, 2025, and expiring September 1, 2027. 

 

Rhonda Welsh, of Troy, is the executive director of Detroit outreach at Central Michigan University. Welsh holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Master of Public Relations with a focus in organizational communication from Wayne State University. Rhonda Welsh is reappointed for a term commencing February 27, 2025, and expiring September 1, 2027. 

 

Kate Yancho, of Kalamazoo, is the executive director of Wellspring/Cori Terry Dancers. Yancho holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance performance from Kent State University and Master of Arts in higher education and student affairs from Ohio State University. Kate Yancho is reappointed for a term commencing February 27, 2025, and expiring September 1, 2027. 

 

Nafeesah Symonette, of Grosse Pointe Woods, is the co-founder and executive director for Detroit Excellence in Youth Arts (DEYA) and an adjunct professor at Oakland University. Symonette holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in drawing and painting with a K-12 teaching certification and a Master of Arts in arts administration and management from Eastern Michigan University. Nafeesah Symonette is reappointed for a term commencing February 27, 2025, and expiring September 1, 2027. 

 

The Michigan Arts and Culture Council serves to encourage, develop, and facilitate an enriched environment of creative and cultural activity in Michigan. The Council envisions a Michigan where every citizen celebrates the state's cultural treasures and arts, and cultural experiences are accessible to all its citizens.  

  

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

  

### 

STAY CONNECTED: Visit us on Facebook [ [link removed] ] Visit us on Twitter [ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ]Sign up for email updates [ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ]  

Subscriber Services::
Manage Preferences [ [link removed] ]  |  Unsubscribe [ [link removed] ]  |  Help [ [link removed] ]

                              Bookmark and Share [ [link removed] ] 



________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Michigan Executive Office of the Governor · 111 S. Capitol Ave · Lansing, Michigan 48901 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]

body .abe-column-block { min-height: 5px; } table.gd_combo_table img {margin-left:10px; margin-right:10px;} table.gd_combo_table div.govd_image_display img, table.gd_combo_table td.gd_combo_image_cell img {margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px;} table.govd_hr {min-width: 100%;}