RELEASE: Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 19, 2022

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers, Michigan Beef Industry Commission, State Building Authority Board of Trustees, Michigan Civil Rights Commission, Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity, Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board, Michigan Education Trust Board of Directors, Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science, Farm Produce Insurance Authority, Mackinac Bridge Authority, Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy, Michigan Underwater Salvage and Preserve Committee, Workers’ Disability Compensation Funds Administration Board of Trustees, Early Childhood Investment Corporation Executive Committee, Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, Board of Interpreters for the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing, and the Michigan Workforce Development Board.

Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers

Beth M. Luttrell, of Southfield, is a physical educator and coach for Huda School. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Oakland University. Ms. Luttrell is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring June 30, 2026. She succeeds Lisa Kravitz whose term expired June 30, 2022.

Kate Dornbos, of Midland, is the athletic director for sports medicine at Northwood University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Hope College and Master of Arts in Sports Administration from Western Michigan University. Ms. Dornbos is reappointed to represent athletic trainers for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring June 30, 2026.

The Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of approximately 1,028 athletic trainers. The practice of athletic training, as defined in the Public Health Code, means the treatment of an individual for risk management and injury prevention, the clinical evaluation and assessment of an individual for an injury or illness, the immediate care and treatment of an individual for an injury or illness, and the rehabilitation and reconditioning of an individual's injury or illness.    

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

Michigan Beef Industry Commission

David Neitzel, of Kentwood, is the director of business development for Certified Angus Beef, LLC. Mr. Neitzel is reappointed to represent a member engaged in the retail sales of beef. He will serve for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring May 31, 2025.

Matthew Noggle, of Manchester, is the manager at Noggle Farms, LLC and assistant vice president for Chelsea State Bank. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business from Colarado State University. Mr. Noggle is appointed to represent members engaged in the feeding of cattle for beef production, for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring May 31, 2025. He succeeds Jill Sears whose term expired May 31, 2022.

Travis Schunk, of Clare, is a cattle buyer for JBS Beef Plant. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Oklahoma State University. Mr. Schunk is reappointed to represent a member who is an executive of a meat packing company which purchases cattle and processes beef. He will serve for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring May 31, 2025.

The Michigan Beef Industry Commission was created under Public Act 291 in 1972 to promote the sale of beef and beef products. The Commission, the Beef Promotion and Research Board, and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association work together in a coordinated state and national effort to promote beef and veal products in order to hold market share and increase the demand for beef and veal.  

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

State Building Authority Board of Trustees

Aaron Pangborn, of East Lansing, is the business manager for IBEW Local 665. He holds a Journeyman and Masters Electrical License from the Lansing Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee. Mr. Pangborn is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring August 21, 2026. He succeeds Jimmy Greene whose term expired August 21, 2022.

The State Building Authority was created to acquire, construct, furnish, equip, and renovate buildings and equipment for the use of the state, including public universities and community colleges. The Authority is authorized to issue and sell bonds and notes for acquisition and construction of facilities and state equipment.    

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

Michigan Civil Rights Commission

Luke Londo, an Independent of Hazel Park, is a senior public realtions manager for the Rocket Community Fund and a councilmember for the City of Hazel Park. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Journalism from Northern Michigan University where he is also currently pursuing his Master of Public Administration. Mr. Londo is appointed for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring December 31, 2025. He succeeds Stacie Clayton whose term expired December 31, 2021.

The Michigan Civil Rights Commission was created by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 to carry out the guarantees against discrimination articulated in Article I, Section 2. The Commission is charged with investigating alleged discrimination against any person because of religion, race, color or national origin, genetic information, sex, age, marital status, height, weight, arrest record, and physical and mental disability. 

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

Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity

Katie S. Anderson, of Bath, is the owner and mental health coach for Healing with Katie. She holds an associates degree in business and marketing from Lansing Community College. Ms. Anderson is appointed to represent low-income people for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring June 21, 2025. She succeeds Theresa May Thompson whose term expired June 21, 2022.

Dwan Dandridge, of Detroit, is the CEO of Black Leaders Detroit. He is a board member for Life Remodeled, New Detroit, and the Hope Village Initiative. Mr. Dandridge is appointed to represent the private sector for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring June 21, 2025. He succeeds Joelle-Jude Fontaine whose term expired June 21, 2022.

Kelly Garrett, of Lathrup Village, is the mayor of Lathrup Village and the state director for Care in Action/National Domestic Workers Alliance. She holds a Master of Information Systems from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from Rochester University. Mayor Garrett is reappointed to represent elected public officials for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring June 21, 2025.

Miguel Limon Rodriguez Jr., of Jackson, is the executive director for Capital Area Community Services. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and a Master of Public Administration from Eastern Michigan University. Mr. Rodriguez is reappointed to represent community action agencies for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring June 21, 2025.

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.   

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

Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board

Elizabeth P. Hines, of Ann Arbor, is a former judge for 15th District Court in the City of Ann Arbor. She holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Spanish from the University of Michigan. Judge Hines is reappointed for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring December 4, 2024.

Kristen Howard, of Ypsilanti, is the senior director of the University of Michigan Medicine Office for Health Equity & Inclusion. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Classics and Spanish from Howard University and a Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University Law Center. Ms. Howard is appointed for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring December 4, 2024. She succeeds Yvonne Brantley whose term expired December 4, 2021.

Rebecca Shiemke, of Ann Arbor, is a family law specialist for the Michigan Advocacy Program. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Albion College and a Juris Doctor Degree from Wayne State University Law School. Ms. Shiemke is appointed for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring December 4, 2024. He succeeds Thomas Cameron whose term expired December 4, 2021.

The Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board coordinates and monitors programs and services for the prevention and treatment of domestic and sexual violence. The Board administers grants awarded under the Violence Against Women Act, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, and other governmental and non-governmental grants.   

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

Michigan Education Trust Board of Directors

Madalene Day, of Kalamazoo, is the proprietor and consultant for Maddy Day, LLC. She holds a Master of Social Work and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Washington. Mrs. Day is appointed to represent persons with knowledge, skills, and experience in the academic, business, or financial fields for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. She was appointed to the Trust in 2021 and she now succeeds Virinder Moudgil as vice-president of the Trust.

Philomena V. Mantella, Ph.D., of Grand Rapids, is the president of Grand Valley State University. She holds a Bachelor and Master of Social Work from Syracuse University and a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Michigan State University. Dr. Mantella is reappointed to represent presidents of public universities for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring December 31, 2024.

Richard Pappas, Ed.D., of Grand Rapids, is the president of Davenport University. He holds a Bachelor of Business Education from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Arts in Higher Education and Business Management and Doctor of Education from the University of Michigan. Dr. Pappas is appointed to represent presidents of private colleges for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring December 31, 2023. He succeeds Madalene Day who was appointed to the position of vice-president of the Fund.

Stacy H. Young, Ph.D., of Greenville, is the president for Montcalm Community College. She holds a Ph.D. in Leadership from Andrews University, a Master of Business Administration from Bethel University, and a Bachelor of Science from Manchester University. Dr. Young is appointed to represent presidents of community colleges for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring December 31, 2024. She succeeds Dale Nesbary whose term expired December 31, 2021.

The Michigan Education Trust (MET) was established pursuant to Public Act 316 of 1986 as Michigan’s prepaid tuition program. MET is a “qualified tuition program” under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code which provides tax exemption for the trust and tax exemption of earnings for contract participants who use MET funds to pay for qualified higher education expenses. The MET Board of Directors are responsible for policy development, investment initiatives, program development, and implementation. 

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

Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science

Lindsey M. Jonkhoff Rogers, of Traverse City, is the manager and co-owner for Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Science from Wayne State University. Mrs. Jonkhoff Rogers is appointed to represent professionals for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring June 30, 2026. She succeeds Mary Ochalek whose term expired June 30, 2022.

The Michigan Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science was created to license and regulate the practice of mortuary science and funeral establishments in Michigan. The Board works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of mortuary science licensees, residential trainees, and funeral homes.    

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

Farm Produce Insurance Authority

Stephen J. Ewald, of Unionville, is the president for Ewald Farms Incorporated. He serves as chair of the Organic Farmers of Michigan LLC and as vice chair of the Michigan Bean Commission. Mr. Ewald is reappointed to represent producers from the largest Michigan organization exclusively representing dry bean producers in Michigan. He will servee w for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring June 20, 2025.

Jason Haag, of Unionville, is the owner and farm manager for Haag Farms and an agronomy consultant for Digital Agronomics, LLC. He holds a Bachelor of Science in both Crop and Soil Sciences, and Food Systems and Economics and Management from Michigan State University. Mr. Haag is reappointed to represent producers from the largest Michigan organization exclusively representing the interests of soybean producers in Michigan. He will serve for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring June 20, 2025.

Rita Herford, of Pigeon, is the owner and operator of Gentner Bischer Farms, LLC. She holds a bachelor’s degree in crop and soil sciences from Michigan State University. Mrs. Herford is reappointed to represent producers from the largest Michigan organization representing general farm interests in Michigan. She will serve for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring June 20, 2025.

James R. Howe, of Frankenmuth, is the CEO of Star of the West Milling Company. Mr. Howe is reappointed to represent the largest Michigan organization representing interests of licensees in Michigan as a nonvoting member. He will serve for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring June 20, 2025.

Mark J. Kies, of Allen, is a co-owner of Kies Farm, LLC. Mr. Kies is reappointed to represent the largest Michigan organization exclusively representing the interest of corn producers in Michigan. He will serve for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring June 20, 2025.

Nichole Wilcox, of Portland, is the vice president of agribusiness lending for GreenStone Farm Credit Services. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Grand Valley State University. Mrs. Wilcox is reappointed to represent the largest Michigan organization representing the interests of agricultural lenders in Michigan. She will serve for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring June 20, 2025.

The Michigan Farm Produce Insurance Authority is a ten-member board representing farmers, grain industry, and banking interests. The Authority has the responsibility of establishing, administering, and promoting the Farm Produce Insurance Fund. 

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

Mackinac Bridge Authority

Barbara J. Arens, of Bloomfield Hills, is the managing principal for Cincar Consulting Group, LLC. She is a licensed professional engineer and holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University. Ms. Arens is appointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring June 30, 2028. She succeeds Amy Trahey whose term expired June 30, 2022.

The Mackinac Bridge Authority is committed to preserve and maintain the State of Michigan's single largest asset and one of the world's leading suspension bridges to provide safe, pleasurable, and expedient passage over the Straits of Mackinac for economic benefit and an improved quality of life.

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

Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy

Nadia M. Bazzy, Ed.D., of Canton, is the director for Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs at the University of Michigan. She holds a Doctor of Education from New York University, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Michigan, and a Master of Arts in Conflict Transformation and Peacebuilding from Eastern Mennonite University. Dr. Bazzy is appointed to represent licensed marriage and family therapists for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring June 30, 2026. She succeeds Sara Dupuis whose term expired June 30, 2022.

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.    

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

Michigan Underwater Salvage and Preserve Committee

Ronald Bloomfield, of Kawkawlin, is the collections manager for Central Michigan University's Museum of Cultural and Natural History. He holds a Master of Arts in Humanities from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor of Science in History and English from Delta College. Mr. Bloomfield is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring August 17, 2025.

Joseph Bower, of Kalamazoo, is the chief development officer for the Michigan Environmental Council. He holds a Master of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from University of Michigan. Mr. Bower is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring August 17, 2025.

Jeremiah Edson, of Traverse City, is the health, safety, and compliance manager for LGC Proficiency Testing. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science and Biology from University of Miami. Mr. Edson is reappointed to represent individuals with experience in recreational scuba diving for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring August 17, 2025.

Daniel P. Friedhoff, of St. Ignace, is the owner and operator for St. Ignace Scuba, LLC. He serves as the secretary of the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve Association. Mr. Friedhoff is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring August 17, 2025. He succeeds Nathan Murphy whose term expired August 17, 2022.

Brian R. Smith, Ph.D., of Detroit, is an adjunct professor for Wayne County Community College. He holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, and a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Wayne State University. Dr. Smith is appointed to represent the general public with experience in recreational scuba diving for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring August 17, 2025. He succeeds Stephen Kroll whose term expired August 17, 2022.

The Underwater Salvage and Preserve Committee provides technical and other advice with respect to maintaining Michigan's 13 underwater preserves. The Committee makes recommendations regarding the creation and boundaries of Great Lakes underwater preserves, reviews applications for salvage permits, gives recommendations regarding issuance of permits, and provides input regarding the charging of permit fees and the use of revenue generated. 

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

Workers’ Disability Compensation Funds Administration Board of Trustees

Lee Anne L. Fontaine, of Kalamazoo, is the managing assistant general counsel for AF Group. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Social Science from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. Ms. Fontaine is reappointed to represent the insurance Industry for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring April 30, 2026.

The Workers' Disability Compensation Agency Funds Administration Board of Trustees oversees the Funds Administration, which is funded by insurers who write workers' compensation policies in the state of Michigan and employers who self-insure their workers' compensation liability. The Board's assessments cover all benefits paid by the Funds Administration and all administrative and litigation costs. 

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

Early Childhood Investment Corporation Executive Committee

Sharyl Smith, of Farmington Hills, is the vice president in regional marketing and communications for Trinity Health. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Eastern Michigan University. Ms. Smith is reappointed for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring July 22, 2026.

Irene Watts, of Dearborn, is the development director for The Arc of Northwest Wayne County. She holds a Bachelors of Arts in History from the University of Michigan. Ms. Watts is appointed for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring July 22, 2026. She succeeds Hiram Fitzgerald whose term expired July 22, 2022.

The Early Childhood Investment Corporation was created to be the state's focal point for information and investment in early childhood education in Michigan so that children can arrive at the kindergarten door, safe, healthy, and eager for learning and life. The Investment Corporation was founded in 2005 and charged with implementing a Great Start system for Michigan both at the state and community level.

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

Michigan Indigent Defense Commission

James H. Fisher, of Grand Rapids, is of counsel for Dickinson Wright, PLLC. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from General Motors Institute and a Juris Doctor degree from the Wayne State University Law School. Mr. Fisher is reappointed to represent members submitted by the Michigan Judges Association for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring April 1, 2026.

David W. Jones, of Detroit, is a partner with Allen Brothers, PLLC. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit Mercy and a Bachelor of Science in Corporation Finance from Wayne State University. Mr. Jones is reappointed to represent members submitted by the State Bar of Michigan for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring April 1, 2026.

Paula B. Mathes, of Muskegon, is a judge with the 60th District Court of Muskegon County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Affairs from Tulane University and a Juris Doctor degree from the Thomas Cooley Law School. Judge Mathes is appointed to represent members submitted by the District Judges Association for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring April 1, 2026. She succeeds Judge Kristina Robinson Garrett whose term expired April 1, 2022.

Gary L. Walker, of Marquette, is the township supervisor for Chocolay Charter Township and the former prosecutor for Marquette County. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan. Mr. Walker is reappointed to represent former prosecuting attorneys or former assistant county prosecuting attorneys for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring April 1, 2026.

The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission was created as a result of efforts to improve legal representation for indigent criminal defendants. The Commission develops and oversees the implementation, enforcement, and modification of minimum standards, rules, and procedures to ensure that indigent criminal defense services providing effective assistance of counsel are delivered to all indigent adults in this state consistent with the safeguards of the United States Constitution, the State Constitution of 1963, and with the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Act.     

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

Board of Interpreters for the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing

Miriam Andrade Cuevas, of Rockford, is the inclusive communications advisor for Beaumont Health and Spectrum Health Systems. Ms. Andrade Cuevas is appointed to represent an organization that serves the deaf, deafblind or heard of hearing community for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring December 31, 2024. She succeeds Karen Bailey whose term expired December 31, 2020.

Diana McKittrick, of Davison, is the former general manager for the Communication Access Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from University of Michigan-Flint. Mrs. McKittrick is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Amanda Dietlin who resigned.

The Board of Interpreters for the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing was created to help streamline the sign language interpreter certification process and will advise the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs on all matters related to the certification of interpreters and the administration of the Deaf Persons’ Interpreters Act.

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

Michigan Workforce Development Board

Jeffrey Donofrio, of Detroit, is the president and CEO of Business Leaders for Michigan. He holds a Master in Business Administration from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Secondary Education from Michigan State University. Mr. Donofrio is reappointed to represent businesses for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring May 29, 2026.

Lee Graham, of Holly, is the executive director of the Operating Engineers 324 Labor-Management Education Committee. He holds several certifications from the Operating Engineers 324 Apprenticeship Program. Mr. Graham is reappointed to represent an apprenticeship coordinator of a joint labor-management apprenticeship program. He will serve for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring May 29, 2026.

Shana Lewis, of Lansing, is the executive director of talent acquisition and workforce programs for Trinity Health. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Cornerstone University. Ms. Lewis is appointed to represent businesses enterprises employing veterans, returning citizens, or persons with disabilities for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring May 29, 2026. She is succeeding David Meador whose term expired May 29, 2022.

David E. Meador, of Bloomfield Hills, is the executive director of the Detroit Regional CEO Group and retired vice chairman for DTE energy. He holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business from Wayne State University. Mr. Meador is appointed to represent businesses for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring May 29, 2026. He is succeeding Shana Lewis whose term expired May 29, 2022.

Rishie Modi, of Birmingham, is the president and founder for Modi Financial, LLC and is co-founder of Cover Tree. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from University of Detroit Mercy. Mr. Modi is appointed to represent businesses for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring May 29, 2025. He succeeds Ari Weinzweig who has resigned.

Kaja M. Thornton-Hunter, of Muskegon, is the founder and CEO for Overcoming Barriers Incorporated and the CEO of Kaja's Flavor, LLC. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services from Baker College of Muskegon. Mrs. Thornton-Hunter is appointed to represent minority owned business enterprises for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring May 29, 2025. She succeeds George Wilkinson who has resigned.

Sarah Szurpicki is the director of the Office of Sixty by Thirty with the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Ms. Szurpicki is designated as the Governor’s designee on the Board for a term commencing September 19, 2022.

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.

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