RELEASE: Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE?

January 26, 2023?

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions?

LANSING, Mich. ? Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Michigan Blueberry Commission, Michigan Dairy Market Program Committee, Michigan Board of Dentistry, Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board, Elevator Safety Board, Workers? Compensation Board of Magistrates, Board of Mechanical Rules, Michigan Board of Speech Language Pathology, Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State Waterways Commission, Michigan Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers with Developmental Disabilities, and Suicide Prevention Commission.?

Michigan Blueberry Commission?

Robert Bodtke, of South Haven, is the manager at Cornerstone Ag Enterprises. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology from Cornerstone University. Mr. Bodtke is reappointed to represent district 2, for a term commencing January 26, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2025.?

Creela O. Hamlin, of South Haven, is the field representative at Peterson Farms Incorporated. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management from Grand Valley. Mrs. Hamlin is reappointed to represent members-at-large, for a term commencing January 26, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2025.??

Carley J. Parsley, of Bloomingdale, is a partner at Brookside Farms, LLC. She holds a Bachelor of Science Business Management and Marketing from Cornerstone University. Mrs. Parsley is reappointed to represent district 2, for a term commencing January 26, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2025.??

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.?

Michigan Dairy Market Program Committee?

Eric J. Frahm, of Frankenmuth, owns and operates Golden Elm Dairy. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dairy Science from Michigan State University. Mr. Frahm is reappointed to represent the Michigan Milk Producers Association, for a term commencing January 26, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2025.???

Jeffrey E. Horning, of Manchester, is the owner and operator of Horning Farms. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Food Science from Michigan State University. Mr. Horning is reappointed to represent the Michigan Milk Producers Association for a term commencing January 26, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2025.?

Corby L. Werth, of Alpena, is an owner/partner at Werth Dairy. Mr. Werth is reappointed to represent the Michigan Milk Producers Association for a term commencing January 26, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2025.??

The Michigan Dairy Market Program Committee works in conjunction with the United Dairy Industry of Michigan to promote the sale of dairy products and to educate consumers, health professionals, and educators about the dairy industry and the nutritional benefits of Michigan's dairy products.?

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

Michigan Board of Dentistry?

Ellen Chambers, of Williamston, is a dental assistant and has been working in the general dentistry and pediatric dentistry industry for over 25 years. She received an associate degree in dental assisting from Northwestern Michigan College and Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Central Michigan University. Ms. Chambers is appointed to represent dental assistants for a term commencing January 26, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2026. She succeeds Lori Barnhart whose term has expired.?

The Michigan Board of Dentistry was formed to regulate the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene, authorize dental assistants, and certify specialists in the fields of orthodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and oral pathology.????

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

Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board?

Melissa L. Pope, of Troy, is the chief judge of the Little Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Court of Appeals. She was previously a staff attorney at the Women?s Survival Center of Oakland County. Judge Pope has a Bachelor of Literature, Science and the Arts from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. The Honorable Pope is reappointed for a term commencing January 26, 2023, and expiring December 4, 2025.?

Kyla T. Williams, of Sterling Heights, is a sergeant at the Detroit Police Department Domestic Violence Unit. Williams is co-founder of the Wayne County Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team and a member of the National Organization of Human and Social Services. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Wayne State University and a Master of Business Administration from Davenport University. She has also earned a Master of Philosophy in Human and Social Sciences and a Ph.D., in Human Services from Walden University. Ms. Williams is appointed for a term commencing January 26, 2023, and expiring December 4, 2025. She succeeds Amy R. Krause whose term has expired.?

Matthew J. Wiese, of Marquette, is the Marquette County Chief Prosecuting Attorney. He also serves as a Peer Review Consultant for the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women. Mr. Wiese has a Bachelor of Science from Northern Michigan University and a Juris Doctorate from Vermont Law School. Mr. Wiese is reappointed for a term commencing January 26, 2023, and expiring December 4, 2025.??

Honorable Elizabeth P. Hines, of Ann Arbor, is a retired judge for the 15th District Court for the City of Ann Arbor. Hines received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan in Journalism and Spanish. She also has a Juris Doctorate from the University of Michigan Law School. She is designated as Chair commencing January 26, 2023, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.?

The Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board coordinates and monitors programs and services for the prevention of domestic and sexual violence and the treatment of victims of domestic and sexual violence.?

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

Elevator Safety Board?

Steven S. Stark, of Chesterfield, currently serves as vice president and elevator journeyperson for Lardner Elevator Company. Stark attended Lake Shore High School. Mr. Stark is appointed to represent elevator owners and lessees for a term commencing January 26, 2023, and expiring July 22, 2026. He succeeds Richard Karp whose term has expired.?

The Elevator Safety Board promulgates rules and prepares examinations in relation to contractor licenses. The Board also conducts hearings to determine whether an elevator contractor license or certificate of competency or commission should be suspended or revoked.????

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

Workers? Compensation Board of Magistrates?

Marvin D. Baisel, of Grand Ledge, has served as a Magistrate for the Workers? Compensation Board of Magistrates since 2021. Mr. Baisel earned his Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Pre-law from Michigan State University and earned his Juris Doctor degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School.? Mr. Baisel is reappointed for a term commencing January 27, 2023, and expiring January 26, 2027.??

Philip Della Santina, of Brighton, serves on the Workers? Compensation Board of Magistrates. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Capital University in Ohio and earned his Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University Law School. Mr. Della Santina is reappointed for a term commencing January 27, 2023, and expiring January 26, 2027.?

Mr. Michael Heck, of Troy, is a Magistrate for the Workers? Compensation Board of Magistrates. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Social Science and Master of Labor and Industrial Relations from Michigan State University. He earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Michigan Law School. Mr. Heck is reappointed for a term commencing January 27, 2023, and expiring January 26, 2027.?

Mr. Chris D. Slater, of Grand Rapids, is a Magistrate for the Workers? Compensation Board of Magistrates. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Alma College and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School. Mr. Slater is reappointed for a term commencing January 27, 2023, and expiring January 26, 2027.?

Mr. James W. Smith, of Saginaw, is currently a Partner at Doud, Smith & Wagner PLC, with over 22 years of experience in workers' compensation law representing union members. He received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Saginaw Valley State University and Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit College of Law. Mr. Smith is appointed for a term commencing January 27, 2023, and expiring January 26, 2027. He succeeds Louis Ognisanti whose term has expired.?

Mr. William W. Watkinson Jr., of Birmingham, is a managing partner and trial attorney at Bernstein & Bernstein. Watkinson received his Bachelor of Arts in History from the College of William and Mary and his Juris Doctorate from Case Western Reserve University. Mr. Watkins is appointed for a term commencing January 27, 2023, and expiring January 26, 2027. He succeeds David Gruenwald whose term has expired.?

Mr. Luke A. McMurray, of Grand Blanc, is currently Chief Magistrate of the Workers? Compensation Board of Magistrates. He received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Economics from Central Michigan University and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit College of Law. Mr. McMurray is reappointed for a term commencing January 27, 2023, and expiring January 26, 2027. Mr. McMurray has also been designated as chair.?

The Workers? Compensation Board of Magistrates was 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 hears cases regarding any dispute that arises under the Michigan Worker?s Disability Compensation Act of 1969.?

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

Board of Mechanical Rules?

Mr. Jerry M. Payne, of Holland, currently serves as a mechanical inspector for the City of Wyoming. Mr. Payne is appointed to represent chief mechanical inspectors of a government subdivision for a term commencing January 26, 2023, and expiring July 30, 2023. He succeeds Robert Logan whose term has expired.?

Nicolas B. Sachjen, of Lansing, currently serves as an HVAC service mechanic for UA Local 333. He attended Lansing Community College and studied HVAC Energy Management. Mr. Sachjen is appointed to represent mechanical licensees in refrigeration service for a term commencing January 26, 2023, and expiring July 30, 2024. He succeeds Craig Howson whose term has expired.?

The Board of Mechanical Rules was created to make recommendations for mechanical code rules, issue mechanical contractors? licenses to qualified applicants, and make all orders, rules, and regulations necessary for enforcement of the provisions of the act.?

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

Michigan Board of Speech Language Pathology?

Ms. Ericka Shuptar, of East Lansing, is a speech language pathologist at Waldman Speech Therapy. Shuptar received her Bachelor of Science in Communicative Disorders and her Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Wisconsin ? Madison. Ms. Shuptar is reappointed to represent speech language pathologists for a term commencing January 26, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2026.??

Mrs. Anne N. Sleper, of Kalamazoo, currently serves as the lead speech and language pathologist at Ascension Borgess.? Sleper received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication as well as her Master of Arts in Audiology and Speech Sciences from Michigan State University. Mrs. Sleper is appointed to represent speech language pathologists for a term commencing January 26, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2026. She succeeds Jodi Waldman whose term has expired.?

The Michigan Board of Speech Language Pathology works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of speech pathologists in this state. The Public Health Code defines the practice of speech-language pathology as the application of principles, methods, and procedures related to the development of disorders of human communication. 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 Veterinary Medicine?

Dr. Megan M. Eberhard, of Lake Leelanau, currently serves as area chief of staff and veterinarian for Banfield Pet Hospital. She received her Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University. Dr. Eberhard is appointed to represent veterinarians for a term commencing January 26, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2026. She succeeds Timothy Hunt whose term has expired.?

Dr. Marcy McKeithen, of Detroit, is the founder and owner of Motor City Vet Care.? She received her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Animal Science from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Marcy McKeithen is appointed to represent veterinarians for a term commencing January 26, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2026. She succeeds Nancy Frank whose term has expired.?

Dr. Kevin J. Stachowiak, of Sand Point, currently serves as owner and veterinarian at Caseville Small Animal clinic.? Stachowiak received his associate of science from Delta College and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University. Dr. Stachowiak is reappointed to represent veterinarians for a term commencing January 26, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2026.?

The Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of veterinary medicine and ascertain minimal entry level competency of health practitioners. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board. 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 State Waterways Commission?

Susan I. Stewart, of Harbor Springs, is the chair of the Board of Directors at Irish Boat Shop. She holds a bachelor?s degree in social science, a master?s degree in Park and Recreation Resources, and a Doctor of Philosophy from Michigan State University. Ms. Stewart is appointed to represent an individual who owns or operates a harbor or marina in the state for a term commencing January 26, 2023, and expiring September 18, 2024. She succeeds Barbara Brooks who has resigned.?

The Michigan State Waterways Commission is responsible for the acquisition, construction, and maintenance of recreational harbors, channels, docking and launching facilities, and administration of commercial docks in the Straits of Mackinac.?

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

Michigan Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers with Developmental Disabilities?

Andrea L. LaFramboise, of Bay City, is an orchard shop manager for Witzgall?s Orchard.? She received her nursing degree from Delta College. Mrs.? LaFramboise is appointed to represent parents of children of less than the age of 13 for a term commencing January 26, 2023, and expiring October 31, 2026. She succeeds Andrea Caron whose term has expired.?

Salina Mann, of Taylor, serves as a parent representative for Think Babies Michigan. Mann is currently pursuing an associate degree in Human Services at Bryant & Stratton College. Ms. Mann is appointed to represent parents of children less than the age of 7 for a term commencing January 26, 2023, and expiring October 31, 2026. She succeeds Melissa Epstein whose term has expired.?

Victoria J. McIntosh, Ph.D., of Royal Oak, is a program coordinator for Michigan Hands and Voices. She received her bachelor?s degree in biology from Pennsylvania State University and her PhD in Physiology from Wayne State University. Dr. McIntosh is appointed to represent parents of children of less than the age of 13 for a term commencing January 26, 2023, and expiring October 31, 2026. She succeeds Melody Arabo who has resigned.?

Cara Sutliffe, of Grand Rapids, is a parent and family advocate for the Kent County Great Start Coalition. Ms. Sutliffe attended Tri-County High School. Ms. Sutliffe is appointed to represent parents of children of less than the age of 13 for a term commencing January 26, 2023, and expiring October 31, 2026. She succeeds Victoria Martinez whose term has expired.?

Stephanie E. Hirchert-Walton, of Okemos, is a school social worker for Eaton Regional Education Service Agency. Hirchert-Walton received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from Alma College and her Master of Social Work from Michigan State University. Ms. Hirchert-Walton is appointed to represent a public or private provider of early intervention services for a term commencing January 26, 2023, and expiring October 31, 2026. She succeeds Paula J. Johnson whose term has expired?

Lisa M. Kinney Perugi, of Trenton, serves as a special education consultant for Early On. . She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Master of Special Education from the University of Michigan ? Dearborn and an Education Specialist degree from Wayne State University. Mrs. Perugi is designated as Chair for a term commencing January 26, 2023, and expiring at the pleasure of the governor.??

The Michigan Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers with Developmental Disabilities strengthens and supports Michigan families of children ages birth to five with special needs by advising and assisting the Michigan Department of Education in the evaluation and continuous improvement of the Early On system.?

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

Suicide Prevention Commission?

Gregory S. Ginebaugh, of Lansing, is Fire Chief and Emergency Manager for the Delta Township Fire Department. He was previously the Deputy Fire Chief for the City of Kentwood Fire Department. Ginebaugh is also a programs instructor for the Center for Domestic Preparedness. He is appointed to represent a member nominated by the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs for a term commencing January 26, 2023, and expiring April 2, 2024. He succeeds Danny H. Hagen who has resigned.?

Sheriff Willbur F. Yancer Jr., of Lake City, is the Missaukee County Sheriff. He is also a member of the Missaukee/Wexford Human Services Leadership Council, the Northern Michigan Alliance for Children, and former member of the Child Abuse and Neglect Council of Saginaw. Sheriff Yancer is appointed to represent a member who is a suicide loss survivor and is nominated by the Michigan Sheriffs' Association for a term commencing January 26, 2023, and expiring April 2, 2024. He succeeds Thomas L. Reich who has resigned.?

The Suicide Prevention Commission was signed into law in 2019 and became effective March 19, 2020. The Commission works with state departments and agencies and nonprofit organizations to research the causes and possible underlying factors of suicide in Michigan.?

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

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