Governor Whitmer Header

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

December 4, 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: Certificate of Need Commission; State of Michigan Retirement Board; Dual Enrollment Task Force; Michigan State Tax Commission; Education Commission of the States; State Historical Records Advisory Board; Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council; Michigan Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee; State 9-1-1 Committee; Health Information Technology Commission; Michiga*n* Statewide Independent Living Council; Michigan Citizen-Community Emergency Response Coordinating Council; Michigan Board of Cosmetology; Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission. 

 

_*Certificate of Need Commission*_ 

Patricia Anderson, of Lansing, is the finance director at the Health Care Association of Michigan. Anderson has worked in reimbursement for nursing homes at the association level for over thirty years. Anderson holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Michigan State University and a Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University. Patricia Anderson is appointed as an Independent and representative of nursing homes for a term commencing December 4, 2025, and expiring April 9, 2027. Anderson succeeds Daniel Velez, who has resigned.

 

The Certificate of Need (CON) Commission has the responsibility to develop, approve, disapprove, or revise CON Review Standards that are used by the CON Program Section to issue decisions on CON applications. The Commission evaluates the Review Standards for modification on a three-year rotating schedule as identified in the Commission Workplan. The Commission also has the authority to make recommendations to revise the list of covered clinical services subject to CON review.  

    

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

 

_*State of Michigan Retirement Board*_ 

Colonel Jason Evans, of Mason, is a colonel and judge advocate in the Michigan Army National Guard and is the division chief for the Corporate Oversight Division in the Michigan Department of Attorney General. Evans holds a Bachelor of Arts in business administration from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor from the Detroit College of Law. Evans also served in Afghanistan with the Army National Guard from 2010 to 2011 and received a Bronze Star. Colonel Jason Evans is appointed to represent a current or former officer or enlisted person in the Michigan Military Establishment who is a member or retirant under the Military Retirement Provisions for a term commencing December 4, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2026. Col. Evans succeeds Felipe Karian-Torres, who has resigned. 

 

The State of Michigan Retirement Board was created by Executive Order No. 2015-13, and consolidated the State Employees’ Retirement System Board, the Judges’ Retirement System Board, and the Military Retirement Provisions. Housed in the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget, in the Office of Retirement Services, the Retirement Board provides oversight of the three systems that service nearly 88,000 active and retired employees. 

 

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

 

_*Dual Enrollment Task Force*_

Brandy Johnson, of East Lansing, is the president of the Michigan Community College Association. Johnson previously worked as executive director of the Michigan College Access Network and as a policy advisor to Governor Whitmer and Governor Granholm. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Science in political science from Arizona State University and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan. Brandy Johnson is appointed as a member of the public for a term commencing December 4, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2026.  

 

Venessa Keesler, of East Lansing, is the president and chief executive officer of Launch Michigan. Keesler previously served as deputy superintendent of the Michigan Department of Education and as senior project director at AEM Corporation. Keesler holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and education from Harvard University and a Doctor of Philosophy in education policy from Michigan State University. Venessa Keesler is appointed as a member of the public for a term commencing December 4, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2026.  

 

The Dual Enrollment Task Force was established by the Michigan Legislature in the FY25-26 state budget. Housed in the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential, the purpose of the task force is to study, develop, and recommend policies to improve dual enrollment access, oversight, and alignment across this state’s K-12 and postsecondary education institutions. 

 

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

 

_*Michigan State Tax Commission*_

William Howard Morris, of Detroit, is the president and chief information officer of the Prairie & Tireman Group and has served on the Michigan State Tax Commission since 2014. Morris is a former vice president and senior portfolio manager for Comerica Bank, former emergency financial manager of the Inkster Public School District, former chief financial officer of the Detroit Public School District, and former president of WILMOCO Capital Management. Morris is a certified public accountant, a chartered financial analyst, a personal financial specialist, and a chartered global management accountant. Morris serves on the board of directors for Virtus Investment Partners, Owens Corning, and Starfish Family Services. Morris holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Northwood University and a Master of Business Administration from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. William Howard Morris will be reappointed as an Independent for a term commencing December 28, 2025, and expiring December 27, 2029.    

 

The State Tax Commission is comprised of three members appointed by the governor. The State Tax Commission has general supervision of the administration of the property tax laws in Michigan and shall render such assistance and give such advice to assessors, as they deem necessary. In 2009, the State Tax Commission became responsible for the education and certification of assessing officers.   

   

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

 

_*Education Commission of the States*_ 

Cheryl Carrier, of Petoskey, is executive director of Ford Next Generation Learning. Carrier joined Ford in 1978 and has held several positions, including a special assignment with the Detroit Lions as the human resource director. Cheryl retired from Ford in 2013 and has continued as President of Ford NGL. Carrier earned a certificate in human resources from Cornell University. Cheryl Carrier is appointed as a member at-large for a term commencing December 4, 2025, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor, not later than December 4, 2029. Carrier succeeds Cassandra Ulbrich. 

 

The Education Commission of the States (ECS) was created in 1965 to improve public education by facilitating the exchange of information, ideas, and experiences among state policymakers and education leaders. As a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization involving key leaders from all levels of the education system, ECS creates unique opportunities to build partnerships, share information, and promote the development of policy based on the best available research and strategies.  

 

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

 

_*State Historical Records Advisory Board*_

Marian Matyn, of Clare, is an archivist in the Clarke Historical Library and an associate professor at Central Michigan University. Matyn holds a Master of Arts in history from Central Michigan University and a Master of information and library studies and Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Michigan. Marian Matyn will be reappointed to represent residents of the state for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029. 

 

The State Historical Records Advisory Board serves as a central advisory body for historical records planning and for National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC)-funded projects in the state. The Board acts as a coordinating body to facilitate cooperation and communication among historical records repositories and information agencies within the state and as a state-level review body for grant proposals that meet NHPRC grant program guidelines.  

   

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

 

_*Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council*_ 

Kristen Morningstar, of Holt, is the bureau director for specialty behavioral health services at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Morningstar holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in accounting and business management from Baker College. Kristen Morningstar is appointed as an individual representing the Department of Health and Human Services with sufficient authority to engage in policy planning and implementation on behalf of the department for a term commencing December 4, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2026. Morningstar succeeds Belinda Hawks, who has resigned. 

 

The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council (MiDDC) is an advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. MiDDC channels federal funds to support programmatic activities and grants to improve systems and services to help people with I/DD live self-determined and self-directed lives in a diverse and inclusive community. MiDDC also supports a statewide self-advocacy system, led by individuals with I/DD, known as the “Self-Advocates of Michigan,” or SAM. SAM receives staff support and funding from MiDDC to help people with lived experiences in their advocacy journey.   

   

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

 

_*Michigan Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee*_

Rachael Prusi, of Negaunee, is a licensed pharmacist and director of medical pharmacy strategy at Prime Therapeutics. Prusi holds a Master of Global Health from Northwestern University and a Doctor of Pharmacy from Ferris State University. Rachael Prusi is reappointed as a pharmacist for a term commencing December 4, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2027. 

 

The Michigan Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee advises the Department of Health and Human Services on issues affecting prescription drug coverage for its various health care programs. The Committee shall recommend to the Department guidelines for prescription drugs covered in its various health care programs.    

      

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

 

_*State 9-1-1 Committee*_ 

Steve Berenbaum, of Birmingham, is the director of regulatory relations for AT&T. Berenbaum holds a Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration, and Juris Doctor from the Wayne State University. Steven Berenbaum will be reappointed as a representative of commercial mobile radio service for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2027. 

 

Tim McKee, Sr., of Rudyard, is the NG 911 program director for Peninsula Fiber Network. Tim McKee will be reappointed to represent members of the general public with expertise relating to telephone systems, rural health care concerns, or emergency radio communications, dispatching, and services, for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2027. 

 

The State 9-1-1 Committee and its 21 member organizations work together to promote the successful development, implementation, and operation of 9-1-1 systems across the state of Michigan. In accordance with Public Act 244 of 2003, the Michigan State Police provides staff assistance to the committee as necessary to carry out the committee's duties.    

 

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

 

_*Health Information Technology Commission*_

Charles “Chaz” Hong, of Okemos, is chair of the Department of Medicine at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Hong holds a Bachelor of Science in life sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a Doctor of Philosophy in genetics from Yale University, and a Doctor of Medicine from Yale University. Charles Hong is appointed as a representative of schools of medicine for a term commencing December 4, 2025, and expiring August 3, 2029. Hong succeeds Alison Arnold, whose term has expired. 

 

Todd Belding, of DeWitt, is a licensed pharmacist and the associate chief pharmacy officer at University of Michigan Health – Sparrow hospital. Belding holds a Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from Ferris State University, a Master of Business Administration in healthcare administration from Western Governors University, and a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Florida. Todd Belding is appointed as a pharmacist for a term commencing December 4, 2025, and expiring August 3, 2026. Belding succeeds Hana Alawy, who has resigned.    

 

The Michigan Health Information Technology Commission's mission is to facilitate and promote the design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of an interoperable health care information infrastructure in Michigan. 

 

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

 

_*Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council*_ 

Eric Patrick Thomas, of Flint, is the founder and chief executive officer of EZ Awareness By Design and founder of the brand “inspire”. Known as “Mr. Inspire,” Thomas is also an active community advocate. Thomas has completed courses in business, psychology, multicultural studies, photography, and English at Lansing Community College. Eric Patrick Thomas is appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing December 4, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027. Thomas succeeds Glen Ashlock, 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.    

 

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

 

_*Michigan Citizen-Community Emergency Response Coordinating Council*_

Jeff Parsons, of Kalamazoo, is the administrator for the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office, and previously served as an emergency management specialist for the office. Parsons holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Master of Public Administration in local government management from Western Michigan University. Jeff Parsons will be reappointed to represent individuals with technical expertise related to emergency response for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029. 

 

The MCCERCC assists in developing, maintaining, implementing, supporting, and promoting emergency response principles, strategies, and practices within governmental agencies and private sector organizations in Michigan.    

 

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

 

_*Michigan Board of Cosmetology*_

Dawnette Wessell, of Traverse City, is the owner and instructor at Epiphany Cosmetology Academy. Dawnette Wessell will be reappointed as a member who has been actively engaged in teaching cosmetology in this state not less than 3 years immediately before appointment and who owns an interest in a school of cosmetology for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029. 

 

Kristan Sayers, of Howell, is the owner of K Bella Hair Studio and Spa. Sayers holds a Bachelor of Science in apparel and textile design from Michigan State University. Kristan Sayers will be reappointed as a cosmetologist for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029. 

 

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).  

 

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

 

_*Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission*_ 

Hoa Thai Dinh, of Shelby Township, is a senior engineering manager for LG Energy Solutions. Dinh is the president of the Vietnamese American Association of Michigan and holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Oakland University and a Master of Science in engineering management from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Hoa Thai Dinh is reappointed for a term commencing December 4, 2025, and expiring November 30, 2029.  

 

Dr. Suchiraphon McKeithen-Polish, of Sterling Heights, is a bilingual education consultant, program director, and Title III consultant for the Macomb Intermediate School District. Dr. McKeithen-Polish holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from San Francisco State University, Master of Arts in education and curriculum from the Colorado University at Denver, a Doctor of Philosophy in educational leadership from Oakland University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Buddhist Studies from the International Buddhist Studies (IBSC) Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. Dr. Suchiraphon McKeithen-Polish is reappointed for a term commencing December 4, 2025, and expiring November 30, 2029.  

 

Dr. Jashleen Bedi, of Ann Arbor, is an orthodontist at OLDE Orchard Pediatric Dentistry and Enhance Orthodontics. Dr. Bedi holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of South Florida, Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Florida, and Master of Science in orthodontics from the University of Michigan. Dr. Jashleen Bedi is appointed for a term commencing December 4, 2025, and expiring November 30, 2029. Dr. Bedi succeeds Caroline Polly, whose term has expired. 

 

Annum Ghayas, of Rochester Hills, is a financial reporting director at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, where she was previously a capital planning director. Ghayas holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in finance from Wayne State University. Annum Ghayas is reappointed for a term commencing December 4, 2025, and expiring November 30, 2029.   

 

Rebeka Islam, of Sterling Heights, is the executive director of Asian Pacific Islander American Vote-Michigan. Islam holds a Bachelor of Science in clinical psychology and a Master of Social Work from Wayne State University. Rebeka Islam is reappointed for a term commencing December 4, 2025, and expiring November 30, 2029. 

 

The Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission (MAPAAC)’s vision is to be an exemplary commission by adding public value to the State of Michigan and the Asian Pacific American community by fully engaging Asian Pacific Americans across the state.  

 

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

 

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