Governor Whitmer Header

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

November 6, 2025 

Contact: [email protected]  

  

*Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions* 

 

*LANSING, Mich. —* Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the following boards and commissions: State Plumbing Board; Judicial Tenure Commission; Michigan Arts and Culture Council; Michigan Community Service Commission; Advisory Board for the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center for Homeland Security; Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission; Horse Racing Advisory Commission; Michigan Law Enforcement Memorial Monument Fund Commission; Michigan Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers with Developmental Disabilities; Public Health Advisory Council; Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy; Michigan Board of Barber Examiners; Barrier Free Design Board; State Boundary Commission; State Fire Safety Board; and the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect.  

 

_*State Plumbing Board*_ 

Tim Hicks, of Marshall, is a licensed master plumber and the training coordinator at Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 333. Tim Hicks is appointed to represent licensed plumbing contractors who hold a master's license for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring July 30, 2026. Hicks succeeds Scott Kalchik, whose term has expired. 

 

The State Plumbing Board's duties include making recommendations for plumbing code rules, licensing plumbers, and making all orders, rules, and regulations necessary for the enforcement of the provisions of the Skilled Trades Regulation Act.    

     

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

 

_*Judicial Tenure Commission*_ 

Siham Awada Jaafar, of Dearborn Heights, is the president and chief executive officer of 3D Consulting & Communications. Jaafar holds a Bachelor of Arts in public relations and communications from Wayne State University. Siham Jaafar will be reappointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2028. 

 

The Judicial Tenure Commission serves to promote the integrity of the judicial process and preserve public confidence in the courts. The Commission strives to hold state judges, magistrates, and referees accountable for their misconduct without jeopardizing or compromising the essential independence of the judiciary. The basis for Commission action is a violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct or Rules of Professional Conduct, which are published with the Michigan Rules of Court.  

    

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

 

_*Michigan Arts and Culture Council*_

Timothy Kuehnlein, of Alpena, is the first vice president of the Thunder Bay Arts Council and an instructor in the departments of political science and history at Alpena Community College. Kuhnlein holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and history from Hillsdale College and a Master of Arts in political science and history from Western Michigan University. Timothy Kuehnlein is appointed for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring September 1, 2028. Kuehnlein succeeds Cezanne Charles, whose term has expired. 

 

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 ensures cultural experiences are accessible to all its citizens.   

    

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

 

_*Michigan Community Service Commission*_ 

Dr. Grace Lubwama, of Kalamazoo, is the president and chief executive officer of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Dr. Lubwama was previously the chief executive officer of the YWCA Kalamazoo. Dr. Lubwama holds a Bachelor of Arts in industrial art and design from Makerere University, a Master of Public Health from Boston University, and a PhD in policy, planning, and development from the University of Southern California. Dr. Grace Lubwama is appointed to represent Democrats and experts in the delivery of human, educational, environmental, or public safety services to communities and persons, for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2028. Dr. Lubwama succeeds Kathleen Cain-Babbit, whose term has expired. 

 

Marianne Grima, of Brighton, is a national programs lead at Deloitte and is the former Detroit social impact lead. Grima is also the founder and co-owner of Cowork Brighton. Grima holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and Master of Science in intelligence analysis from the University of Detroit Mercy. Marianne Grima is appointed to represent Democrats and business for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2028. Grima succeeds David Parent, 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. 

 

_*Advisory Board for the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center for Homeland Security*_

Merissa Kovach, of Ferndale, is the political director of the ACLU of Michigan. Kovach holds a Bachelor of Arts in political theory and constitutional democracy from Michigan State University. Merissa Kovach is appointed to represent a statewide non-profit organization advocating for civil liberties and privacy protections for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring April 11, 2029.  Kovach succeeds Kimberly Buddin, whose term has expired.     

 

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.      

 

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

 

_*Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission*_ 

Dr. Jennifer McDonald, of Ann Arbor, is a pediatrician at Trinity Health IHA Medical Group. Dr. McDonald holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Chicago, a Master of Public Health in epidemiology from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Michigan Medical School. Dr. Jennifer McDonald is appointed as a physician for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring December 14, 2027. Dr. McDonald succeeds Allison Dickson, who has resigned.  

 

Maggie Kabore, of Milan, is a nurse coordinator at the Washtenaw County Health Department. Kabore holds an associate degree in nursing from Washtenaw Community College and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Eastern Michigan University. Maggie Kabore is appointed as a member of a local health department for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring December 14, 2025. Kabore succeeds Jane Nickert, whose has resigned. 

  

The Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission focuses on implementing the recommendations of the former Child Lead Poisoning Elimination Board and monitoring the state’s efforts to eliminate lead exposure in children. The Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the Governor and DHHS director to coordinate and collaborate with all levels of government and stakeholders regarding programs and policies related to the elimination of child lead exposure.    

   

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

 

_*Horse Racing Advisory Commission*_ 

Jeff Haarer, of Lansing, is the commodity section manager at the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Haarer holds a Bachelor of Arts in personnel administration from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor from the Thomas Cooley Law School. Jeff Haarer is appointed as the designee of the Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring October 31, 2028. Haarer succeeds Sylvia Renteria, whose term has expired.   

 

The Horse Racing Advisory Commission was created within the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to establish procedures governing the operation and promotion of horse racing in this state and make recommendations to the Legislature that would improve the regulatory structure of horse racing with a goal of maintaining its long-term viability in Michigan.   

   

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

 

_*Michigan Law Enforcement Memorial Monument Fund Commission*_ 

Demetirus Davenport, of Detroit, is the chief chaplain for the Detroit Police Department and has served as a chaplain in the department for nine years. Demetirus Davenport is appointed as a police chaplain with 5 or more years’ experience for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2028. Davenport succeeds Ronald Griffin, whose term has expired.  

 

The Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Monument Fund Commission, created by Public Act 177 of 2004, was established to oversee the financing, design, and construction of Michigan's Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.   

   

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

 

_*Michigan Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers with Developmental Disabilities*_ 

Nerita Adams-Spillers, of Flint, is the Early Head Start Program manager at the Beecher Community School District. Adams-Spillers holds a Bachelor of Science in public health education from Central Michigan University and a Master of Education in early childhood education from Oakland University. Nerita Adams-Spillers is reappointed to represent Head Start programs for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring October 31, 2029. 

 

Vicki Thomas, of Sault Ste. Marie, is the director of Early Childhood Program at the CLM CAA Head Start. Vicki is also an adjunct instructor and course developer at Bay Mills Community College and formerly served as a teacher, disabilities coordinator, and program manager at CLM CAA Head Start. Thomas holds a Bachelor of Science in human ecology from Michigan State University and a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction in early childhood development from Concordia University - Portland. Vicki Thomas is reappointed to represent public or private providers of early intervention services for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring October 31, 2029.   

 

Amanda Rinna, of Sault Ste. Marie, is an education specialist for the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan. Rinna was previously an early head start teacher for the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Rinna holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Lake Superior State University. Amanda Rinna is appointed for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring October 31, 2029. Rinna succeeds Susan Morningstar, whose term has expired. 

 

The Michigan Interagency Coordinating Council (MICC) is authorized and required by Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as amended by Public Law 105-17. The MICC is charged with advising and assisting in the development and implementation of a statewide, comprehensive, coordinated, multidisciplinary, interagency system that provides early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.   

      

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

 

_*Public Health Advisory Council*_ 

Dr. Farah Jalloul, of Lansing, is the chief pharmacy officer at the Michigan Pharmacists Association. Dr. Jalloul is also a licensed pharmacist and registered nurse. Dr. Jalloul holds a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from the University of Michigan, and both a Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Pharmacy from Ferris State University. Dr. Farah Jalloul is reappointed as a licensed pharmacist for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring November 1, 2029.  

 

Marianne Udow-Phillips, of Ann Arbor, is the senior advisor of the Center for Health and Research Transformation at the University of Michigan and is on the faculty at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Udow-Phillips is also the principal consultant at Mu Consulting. Udow-Phillips previously served as the director of Michigan’s Department of Human Services under Governor Jennifer Granholm. Udow-Phillips holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and English from Hamilton/Kirkland Colleges, and a Master of Health Services Administration in public health from the University of Michigan. Marianne Udow-Phillips is reappointed as a member at-large for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring November 1, 2029. 

 

Sara Simmonds, of Grand Rapids, is an environmental health director at the Kent County Health Department. Simmonds was previously a long-term substitute teacher at Lakeville Community School District and a United States Peace Corps volunteer. Simmonds holds a Bachelor of Science in environmental studies and applications from Michigan State University and a Master of Public Administration from Grand Valley State University. Sara Simmonds is reappointed as an environmental health expert for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring November 1, 2029.

 

The Public Health Advisory Council was created within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services at the recommendation of the Public Health Advisory Commission. The Council will develop an action plan for implementing the recommendations of the Commission and is tasked with providing advice about emerging issues in public health, monitoring the effectiveness of Michigan's public health response system, and reviewing multiagency efforts to support collaboration and a unified approach on public health responses.   

   

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

 

_*Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy*_ 

Dr. Erica Mitchell, of Brighton, is an assistant professor and clinic director of the Couple and Family Therapy Clinic at Michigan State University. Dr. Mitchell is also a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AAMFT approved supervisor. Dr. Mitchell holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a PhD in human development and family studies from Michigan State University, and a Master of Science in clinical psychology from Eastern Michigan University.  Dr. Erica Mitchell is appointed as a marriage and family therapist for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2028.  Dr. Mitchell succeeds Kendal Holtrop, whose term has expired. 

 

Illami Romero Martinez-King, of Holt, is a marriage and family therapist and owner of Holistic Vida Therapy, LLC. Romero Martinez-King holds a Bachelor of Arts in family community service from Michigan State University and a Master of Science in marriage and family therapy from Northwestern University. Illami Romero Martinez-King is reappointed as a licensed marriage and family therapist for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2029. 

 

The Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy was created to license and regulate the practice of marriage and family therapy in Michigan, which is the provision of guidance, testing, discussions, therapy, instruction, or advice that is intended to avoid, eliminate, relieve, manage, or resolve marital or family conflict or discord, to create, improve, or restore marital or family harmony, or to prepare couples for marriage. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the Board to promote and protect the public's health, safety, and welfare.  

 

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

 

_*Michigan Board of Barber Examiners*_ 

Pete Lopez, of Livonia, is the program supervisor for training and IT for Detroit Public Schools Community District. Lopez holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and computer science from the University of Detroit Mercy and Master of Science in instructional design and technology from Wayne State University. Pete Lopez is reappointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2028.

 

Bill Ceasar, of Lansing, is a retiree from Lansing Community College. Caesar holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Western Michigan University. Bill Ceasar is appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2029. Ceasar succeeds Lorin Cumberbatch, whose term has expired.    

 

The Michigan Board of Barber Examiners was created to regulate the services of barbers, barber students, barber colleges, barber instructors, student instructors, and barbershops in Michigan. The statute defines a barber as a person who shaves or trims the beard of a person; cuts, trims, shampoos, relaxes, curls, permanently waves, dresses, tints, bleaches, colors, arranges, or styles the hair of a person; massages the face and head of a person; or renders personal services of a similar nature customarily done by a barber.  

    

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

 

_*Barrier Free Design Board*_ 

Sean Haskin, of Williamston, is the owner of Capital Maintenance Solutions, LLC. Haskin holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from Michigan State University. Sean Haskin is appointed as a member of the construction industry for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring October 31, 2028. Haskin succeeds Alex Blehm, whose seat designation has changed. 

 

Alex Blehm, of Grosse Pointe Park, is a project manager at OHM Advisors. Blehm holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Michigan State University. Alex Blehm is appointed as a professional engineer for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring October 31, 2028. Blehm succeeds Mark Loch, whose term has expired. 

 

Nicholette Driggs, of Grandville, is an accessibility consultant and business development coordinator at Disability Advocates of Kent County. Driggs holds a Bachelor of Science in family studies and child development from Western Michigan University. Nicholette Driggs is appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring October 31, 2028. Driggs succeeds Erin Shannon, whose term has expired. 

 

The Barrier Free Design Board has the responsibility to receive, review, and process requests for exceptions to the barrier free design specifications, and requires appropriate equivalent alternatives when exceptions are granted. The Board receives, processes, and makes recommendations for barrier free design rules.

    

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

 

_*State Boundary Commission*_ 

Robin Beltramini, of Troy, is retired and a past president of the Michigan Municipal League. Beltramini holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from the University of Illinois. Robin Beltramini will be reappointed for a term commencing November 16, 2025, and expiring November 15, 2028. Beltramini is also redesignated as Chair of the commission. 

 

The State Boundary Commission is responsible for administering the State Boundary Commission Act and portions of the Home Rule City Act and the Home Rule Village Act. The Commission serves as a quasi-judicial body adjudicating many types of municipal boundary adjustments and recommends to the Director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs the approval or denial of petitions for incorporations of new Home Rule Cities, new Home Rule Villages, and municipal consolidations. The Commission also recommends approval or denial of certain types of petitions involving land currently under township jurisdiction that is proposed to be annexed into a Home Rule City.    

   

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

 

_*State Fire Safety Board*_ 

Joe Troutt, of New Boston, is a business manager for Sprinkler Fitters Local 704. Joe Troutt is appointed as a representative of the building trades for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring July 15, 2029. Troutt succeeds Robert Williams, whose term has expired. 

 

The State Fire Safety Board assists in the development of fire safety rules covering the construction, operation, and maintenance of schools, health care facilities, penal facilities, and state-owned and leased facilities. The Board assists in the operation and maintenance of public assembly and other buildings, oversight of delegation of fire inspection responsibilities, and serves as an administrative hearing body on decisions made by the Bureau of Fire Services.         

    

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

 

_*Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect*_ 

Alexander Brace, of Lansing, is the executive director of Small Talk CAC and a licensed professional counselor. Brace holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a Master of Arts in counseling from Michigan State University. Alexander Brace will be reappointed as a mental health professional for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2028.  

 

Jackie Igafo-Te'o, of Jackson, is a data manager and accessibility coordinator at The Arc Michigan and the Michigan Alliance for Families. Igafo-Te'o co-founded Bridges4Kids, an organization that provides referral services to people with disabilities and their families. Jackie Igafo-Te'o will be reappointed as an individual with experience working with children with disabilities for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2028.   

 

Created by Executive Order 2017-4, rescinding Executive Order 2013-18, the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect is established within the Department of Human Services and is designed as a multidisciplinary task force for the purposes of the federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. The Task Force consists of members who are professionals with knowledge and experience relating to the criminal justice system and issues of child physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse and exploitation, and maltreatment-related fatalities.  

    

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

 

 

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