Governor Whitmer Header

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE* 

February 2, 2026 

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: Lake Superior State University Board of Trustees; Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates; State Transportation Commission; and MEDC Executive Committee.  

 

_*Lake Superior State University Board of Trustees*_ 

Michael Day, of Gaylord, is the owner and chief executive officer of Tribal Hub. Previously, Day was the chief information officer for Cannery Casino Resorts, the director of information technology for the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians from 1989 to 2006, and a member of the Lake Superior State Foundation Board. Day holds a Bachelor of Science in computer information systems management from Lake Superior State University. Michael Day is appointed for a term commencing February 2, 2026, and expiring January 27, 2034. Day succeeds Timothy Lukenda, whose term has expired. 

 

Peter Scornaiencki, of Sault Ste. Marie, is the co-owner of Bordertown Chiropractic.  Scornaiencki previously served on the boards of the Chippewa Community Foundation Board and the Hospice of the Eastern Upper Peninsula.  Additionally, Scornaiencki volunteers his sports chiropractic services to Lake Superior State University athletics.  Scornaiencki holds a Bachelor of Science in human kinetics from the University of Guelph and a Doctor of Chiropractic from the Northwestern College of Chiropractic. Peter Scornaiencki is appointed for a term commencing February 2, 2026, and expiring January 27, 2034. Scornaiencki succeeds Richard Barch, whose term has expired. 

 

The Lake Superior State University Board of Trustees is the governing body of Lake Superior State University. The board is granted the power of control and direction of all expenditures from the university's funds.    

    

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

 

_*Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates*_ 

Sean Shearer, of Livonia, is a partner and attorney at Charters, Tyler, Zack & Shearer P.C. Shearer holds a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and economics from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and a Juris Doctor from Detroit College of Law. Sean Shearer is appointed for a term commencing February 2, 2026, and expiring January 26, 2029. Shearer succeeds Lenny Segel, who has passed. 

 

The Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates has been established as an autonomous entity within the Workers' Disability Compensation Agency per Executive Order No. 2019-13. Only workers’ compensation magistrates can hear cases for which an application for hearing has been filed with the Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency. The Board of Magistrates currently consists of 14 members appointed by the Governor. All members of the board shall be members in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan and have been an attorney licensed to practice in the courts of this state for 5 years or more.   

    

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

 

_*Michigan State Transportation Commission*_ 

Glenn Bukoski, of Metamora, is the former vice president of engineering services for the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association. Bukoski holds an associate degree in civil technology from Lansing Community College and a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Michigan State University. Glenn Bukoski is appointed for a term commencing February 2, 2026, and expiring December 21, 2026. Bukoski succeeds Michael Hayes, who has resigned. 

 

Rita Brown, of Birmingham, is the owner of BCC+ and Emerge Tech, LLC, and the national president of the National Association of Women in Construction. Brown is the founder of Project Accelerate, a seven-week intensive program to introduce women to the design and building trades industry, and is an advocate for safe workspaces and stronger industry standards. Brown attended Schoolcraft College and the University of Michigan- Dearborn and has earned professional certificates from Michigan State University and Dartmouth. Rita Brown is reappointed for a term commencing February 2, 2026, and expiring December 21, 2028. 

 

John Peracchio, of Grosse Pointe Shores, is a managing member of Peracchio & Company, LLC, the regional director of the Naval War College Foundation for Michigan and the Great Lakes, and a board member for Feonix, a mobility network for underserved communities. Peracchio is also a member of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America, the International Bridge, Tunnel & Turnpike Association, and the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council. Peracchio holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics and history from Brown University and a Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School. John Peracchio is appointed for a term commencing February 2, 2026, and expiring December 21, 2028. Peracchio succeeds Rhonda Welburn, whose term has expired. 

 

Heath Salisbury, of Gaines, is the financial secretary, training director, trustee, and construction accident director for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 324. Salisbury also serves as a Wayne County Sheriff Reserve C.E.R.T. Officer and attended Mott Community College. Health Salisbury is designated as chair of the commission for a term commencing February 2, 2026, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. Salisbury succeeds Michael Hayes, who has resigned, as Chair.  

 

The Michigan State Transportation Commission establishes policy for the Michigan Department of Transportation in relation to transportation programs and facilities and other such works as related to transportation development, as provided by law. Responsibilities of the Commission include the development and implementation of comprehensive transportation plans for the entire state, including aeronautics, bus and rail transit, providing professional and technical assistance, and overseeing the administration of state and federal funds allocated for these programs.  

    

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

 

_*MEDC Executive Committee*_ 

Amanda Pontes, of Pleasant Ridge, is the general counsel and corporate secretary for Lear Corporation. Prior to joining Lear, Pontes was a partner at Bodman PLC, where she specialized in business law, mergers and acquisitions, and automotive industry matters. During her time at Lear, Pontes has held a variety of leadership positions across the organization, including global divisional counsel, chief compliance officer, and deputy general counsel. Pontes holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics and English from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School. Amanda Pontes is appointed to represent business for a term commencing February 2, 2026, and expiring April 5, 2027. Pontes succeeds Gina Thorsen, 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 assists the MEDC through governance, support to enable results-based action and advocacy for the organization and economic development in Michigan.      

     

This appointment is 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%;}