RELEASE: Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 23, 2023

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents; Black Leadership Advisory Council; Governor's Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect; Michigan Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Advisory Council; Board of Architects; Board of Professional Engineers; Michigan Finance Authority Board of Directors; Michigan Health Information Technology Commission; Michigan Tax Tribunal; and Michigan Veterans' Trust Fund Board of Trustees.

Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents

Anupam Chugh Sidhu, of Canton, is currently the Secretary for Plymouth-Canton Community School Board of Education. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Association of School Boards. Previously, Sidhu was the Region 20 Director for the Regional Educational Media Center Association of Michigan, the Instructional Technology Manager for Wayne RESA, and a math teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Secondary Teaching Certificate from Eastern Michigan University and her Master of Education in Instructional Technology from Wayne State University. Ms. Sidhu is appointed for a term commencing March 23, 2023 and expiring December 31, 2030. She succeeds Michelle Crumm whose term has expired.

Article VIII § 6 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 establishes that Michigan’s institutions of higher education, that are established by law as having authority to grant baccalaureate degrees, shall each be governed by a Board of Control which shall be a body corporate. The Board has general supervision of the institution and the control and direction of all expenditures from the institution’s funds. The Board also, as often as necessary, elects a president of the institution under its supervision. Each Board of Control consists of eight members appointed by the Governor for eight-year terms.

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

Black Leadership Advisory Council

Donna L. Bell, of Southfield, is Executive Vice President of Product Creation, Engineering, and Supply Chain at Lordstown Motors. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Lawrence Technological University, Master of Science degrees in Electronics and Computer Control Systems and Engineering Management, and a PhD Industrial and Systems Engineering all from Wayne State University. Dr. Bell is reappointed to represent Black leadership in technology for a term commencing March 23, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2025.

John Myers, of Sterling Heights, is director of public spaces operations at the Downtown Detroit Partnership. He graduated Chippewa Valley High School and Macomb Community College. Mr. Myers is appointed to represent Black leadership in government for a term commencing March 23, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2025. He succeeds Joel Rutherford whose term has expired.

Kelsey Perdue, of Grand Rapids, is a project director for the Michigan League for Public Policy. She received a Bachelor of Science in Human Development from Howard University. Ms. Perdue is reappointed to represent Black leadership in public policy, and a member between the ages of 18-35 for a term commencing March 23, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2025.

Andrew Robinson, of St. Joseph, is president of Mosaic Christian Community Development Association and an Adjunct Faculty member at Cornerstone University. He received a Bachelor of Arts in History from Grand Valley State University and a Master of Arts in Medieval Studies from Western Michigan University. Mr. Robinson is appointed to represent Black leadership in the faith-based community for a term commencing March 23, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2025. He succeeds Nathaniel Wells whose term has expired.

Seydi Sarr, of Detroit, is founder of the African Bureau for Immigration and Social Affairs. She graduated from the Wayne State University School of Social Work and Marygrove School of Social Justice. Mrs. Sarr is reappointed to represent Black leadership in education, and a member who is an immigrant or individual with expertise in immigration policy, for a term commencing March 23, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2025.

The Black Leadership Advisory Council was created by Governor Whitmer's Executive Order 2020-163 as an advisory body in the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. The Council acts in an advisory capacity to the governor and develops, reviews, and recommends policies and actions designed to eradicate and prevent discrimination and racial inequity in Michigan.

These appointments are not 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 and crisis counselor for Small Talk Children’s Advocacy Center. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a master’s in counseling from Michigan State University. Mr. Brace is reappointed to represent mental health professionals for a term commencing March 23, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2025.

Kimberly Clemons, of Taylor, is a community education specialist for The Center for Urban Studies at Wayne State University. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services from Grace College and Theological Seminary. Mrs. Clemons is reappointed to represent adult former victims of child abuse and neglect, for a term commencing March 23, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2025.

Stacey M. Goodson, of Wyoming, is a foster care licensing placement specialist. She is also a Pressley Ridge trainer at DA Blodgett St. Johns. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Grand Valley State University and a master’s in human services from Capella University. Ms. Goodson is appointed to represent parents for a term commencing March 23, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2025. She succeeds Egypt Otis.

Annie M. Harrison, of Dewitt, is detective and deputy sheriff at Ingham County Sheriff’s Office. She has a Bachelor of Arts, in Social Relations, Criminal Justice and Jewish Studies from Michigan State University James Madison College and attended Lansing Community College Police Academy. Ms. Harrison is reappointed to represent the law enforcement community for a term commencing March 23, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2025.

Jackie Igafo-Teo, of Jackson, is database manager and website accessibility coordinator at Michigan Alliance for Families. Ms. Igafo-Teo co-founded Bridges4Kids, an organization that provides referral services to people with disabilities and their families. She studied Computer Technology at Jackson Community College. Ms. Igafo-Teo is reappointed to represent residents with experience working with children with disabilities for a term commencing March 23, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2025.

Alane M. Laws-Barker, of East Lansing, is lead OB/GYN at Ingham County Health Department Women’s Services, and at Sparrow Medical Group. Laws-Barker has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of California Davis, and a master’s degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Dr. Laws-Barker is reappointed to represent health professionals for a term commencing March 23, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2025.

Mrs. Jametta Lilly, of Detroit, is chief executive officer for the Detroit Parent Network. Previously, she was assistant director of Wayne County Head Start, and chief executive officer and co-founder of the Wayne Children’s Healthcare Access Program. Jametta Lilly is appointed to represent parents’ groups, for a term commencing March 23, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2025.

Ivana Maplanka, of Lake Orion, is district manager for Oakland County’s Children’s Services Agency. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Southern Adventist University, and a master’s in counseling from Oakland University. Ms. Maplanka is reappointed to represent child protective service agencies for a term commencing March 23, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2025.

Joseph E. Merrit, of Mason, Joseph Merritt is detective and public safety officer at Blackman Township Department of Public Safety. Mr. Merritt is also an instructor at Aware, Inc., and instructs on the neurology of trauma. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Olivet College. Mr. Merrit is reappointed to represent the law enforcement community for a term commencing March 23, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2025. 

Mr. Matthew J. Way, of Mason, is assistant prosecuting attorney for Jackson County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney. Mr. Way is also a member of the training committee for the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctorate from Marquette University. Mr. Way is appointed to represent prosecuting attorneys for a term commencing March 23, 2023 and expiring December 31, 2026. He succeeds Tonya Goetz. 

The Governor's Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect was established within the Department of Health and Human Services and 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, child neglect, child sexual abuse and exploitation, and child maltreatment related fatalities.

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

Michigan Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Advisory Council

Lee Graham, of Holly, is the executive director of labor management and education for Operating Engineers 324. In addition to his duties with OE324, Graham serves as chairman of the Michigan Apprenticeship Steering Committee Inc., serves on the advisory board for the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Michigan Workforce Development Board, and the Southeast Michigan Workforce Development Board. Mr. Graham is reappointed for a term commencing March 23, 2023 and expiring September 30, 2026.

Heidi L. Maltby-Skodack, of Traverse City, is the Executive Director of School Improvement and Innovative Programs of the Traverse City Area Public Schools. She graduated from Lawrence Technological University with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. She later received a Master of Science in Career and Technical Education Administration from Ferris State University. Ms. Maltby-Skodack is reappointed for a term commencing March 23, 2023 and expiring September 30, 2026.

David Rowe, of Dollar Bay, is the CEO of the Michigan Tech Enterprise Corporation SmartZone Office. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Michigan Technological University. He has also received a Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University. Mr. Rowe is appointed for a term commencing March 23, 2023, and expiring September 30, 2023. He succeeds Jacqueline Huntoon who has resigned.

Adam F. Zemke, of Ann Arbor, is president of Launch Michigan, an education advocacy organization. He is also a consultant for MiKids Equity Solutions. Zemke holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University. Mr. Zemke is reappointed for a term commencing March 23, 2023, and expiring September 30, 2026.

The MI-STEM Council is tasked with recommending measures to ensure effective communications, collaboration, and joint objectives among state departments and agencies with responsibilities relating to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.

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

Board of Architects

Jennifer R. Myers, of Troy, is the senior building infrastructure engineer at Oakland University. Myers is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) accredited professional in building design. Myers received her Bachelor and Master of Arts in architecture from Tulane University, and her master’s in computational science and engineering from Wayne State University. Ms. Myers is reappointed to represent architects, for a term commencing April 1, 2023, and expiring March 31, 2027.

Deveron Q. Sanders, of Flint, is a project engineer at Rowe Professional Services Company. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Michigan. Mr. Sanders is reappointed to represent the Board of Professional Engineers for a term commencing April 1, 2023, and expiring March 31, 2027.

The Michigan Board of Architects was created under Article 20 of Public Act 299 of 1980, as amended, to regulate the practice of architecture, which is defined as "professional services, such as consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning, design, review of materials and completed phases of work in construction, alteration or repair in connection with a public or private structure, building, equipment, works or project, when the professional service requires the application of a principle of architecture or architectural design."

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

Board of Professional Engineers

Jane Abadir, of Troy, is a principal engineer with a technical background in geotechnical engineering and foundation design for Somat Engineering Incorporated. Before this, she was a teaching assistant at Lawrence Tech University and the American University in Cairo, Egypt. She received her bachelor's degree and master's degree from American University in Cairo, Egypt. Mrs. Abadir is appointed to represent professional engineers for a term commencing March 23, 2023, and expiring March 31, 2026. She succeeds Charles Hookham.

Stanley Opal, of White Cloud, is a retired business owner of a Newaygo surplus sales store in White Cloud. He serves on the county library board and the Fire Board in Newaygo County. Mr. Opal is a graduate of the US Army Engineer School. Mr. Opal is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing March 23, 2023, and expiring March 31, 2025. He succeeds Dietta McKinney.

Deveron Q. Sanders, of Flint, is a project engineer at Rowe Professional Services Company. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Michigan. Mr. Sanders is reappointed to represent professional engineers, for a term commencing March 23, 2023, and expiring March 31, 2026.

The Michigan Board of Professional Engineers was created to license and regulate the practice of professional engineering in Michigan. The Board works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of licensed professional engineers.

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

Michigan Finance Authority Board of Directors

William Beekman, an Independent of East Lansing, is the vice president for strategic initiatives at Michigan State University. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Justice, Morality and Constitutional Democracy from Michigan State University, a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University, and a Juris Doctorate from Michigan State University. Mr. Beekman is reappointed to represent residents of the state with experience in issues relating to hospitals or other health facilities or relating to public finance, for a term commencing March 23, 2023 and expiring September 30, 2025.

Wafa S. Dinaro, a Democrat of Livonia, is the executive director of the New Economy Initiative. Previously, Wafa served as the executive director of the Wayne County Economic Development Corporation and the Wayne County Brownfield Redevelopment Corporation. Dinaro received her Master of Arts in Social and Public Policy from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Political Science University of Michigan-Dearborn. Ms. Dinaro is appointed to represent residents of the state with experience in economic development issues or relating to public finance for a term commencing March 23, 2023 and expiring September 30, 2025. She succeeds Travis Jones whose term has expired.

Timothy A. Hoffman, an Independent of Douglas, retired in 2018 after having worked as executive director of regulatory affairs for Consumers Energy for over 20 years. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Economy from Hillsdale College and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Toledo College of Law. Mr. Hoffman is appointed to represent residents of the state for a term commencing March 23, 2023 and expiring September 30, 2026. Mr. Hoffman succeeds Anna Heaton whose term has expired.

Wesley D. Smith, a Democrat of Ann Arbor, is an assistant vice president and treasurer for the University of Michigan. Previously, he was the deputy chief financial officer and head of treasury for the City of Boston. He holds his Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Arkansas. Mr. Smith is appointed to represent residents of the state with experience in education issues, including but not limited to, issues related to public school districts, public community colleges, or public universities or relating to public finance, for a term commencing March 23, 2023 and expiring September 30, 2026. He succeeds Timothy Hoffman whose term has expired.

Murray D. Wikol, a Democrat of Bloomfield Hills, is the CEO of ProVisions, executive vice president of HMX Realty Advisors, and CEO of INIT2. Wikol holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Economics and Master of Science in Industrial and Operating Engineering from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science in Business Administration from Stanford University. Mr. Wikol is reappointed to represent residents of the state with experience in housing and community development issues or relating to public finance, for a term commencing March 23, 2023 and expiring September 30, 2026.

The Michigan Finance Authority provides effective, low-cost options to finance the acquisition, construction, improvement, or alteration of land, facilities, equipment, the payment of project costs, or to refinance existing debt. The Authority accomplishes this by working with municipalities, schools, healthcare providers, colleges and universities, and college students.

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

Michigan Health Information Technology Commission

Hana A. Alawy, of Allen Park, is a clinical pharmacist for St. John Hospital and Medical Center. Ms. Alawy is also a course facilitator of Pharmacotherapeutic Problem Solving at Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy. She has a Bachelor of Health Sciences and a Doctor of Pharmacy from Wayne State University College of Pharmacy. Ms. Alawy is appointed to represent pharmacists for a term commencing March 23, 2023, and expiring August 3, 2026. She succeeds Heather Somand.

Marissa L. Ebersole-Wood, of Plymouth, is vice president of regulatory and implementation and data governance at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan. She has a Bachelor, MSE, and PhD in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan. Dr. Ebersole-Wood is appointed to represent health plans or other party payers for a term commencing March 23, 2023, and expiring August 3, 2026. She succeeds Nicholas D’Isa.

Walker Foland, of West Branch, is an emergency medicine physician at Covenant Healthcare. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology from Michigan State University’s Lyman Briggs College. Foland also has a D.O. from Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. Mr. Foland is appointed to represent doctors of osteopathic medicine and surgery for a term commencing March 23, 2023 and expiring August 3, 2023. He succeeds Paul LaCasse.

Lee Marana, of Marquette is the manager of health information exchange and informatics at Upper Peninsula Managed Care, LLC. Mr. Marana is also adjunct professor of Health informatics at the University of Denver and president of the Michigan Healthcare Information Management Systems Society. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a Master of Business Administration from Michigan Technological University. Mr. Marana is appointed to represent the health information technology field, for a term commencing March 23, 2023, and expiring August 3, 2026. He succeeds James VanderMey.

Janée Tyus, of Waterford, is senior program director at Greater Flint Health Coalition. Ms. Tyus is also an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Michigan-Flint Department of Public Health and Health Sciences. She has a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of Michigan and a Master of Public Health from Drexel University School of Public Health. Ms. Tyus is appointed to represent nonprofit health care corporation operating pursuant to the nonprofit health care corporation reform act, 1980 PA 350, MCL 550.1101 to 550.1703., for a term commencing March 23, 2023, and expiring August 3, 2026. She succeeds Marissa Ebersole-Wood.

The Michigan Health Information Technology (HIT) 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 Tax Tribunal

Mark Perry, of Ann Arbor, is president of Perry & Co, a management consulting firm assisting with real estate transactions. He received his Bachelor of Science in business administration from Central Michigan University. Mr. Perry is appointed to represent members-at-large, for a term commencing April 3, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2023. He succeeds Christine Schauer who has resigned.

The Michigan Tax Tribunal is an administrative court that hears tax appeals for all Michigan taxes. Most of the Tribunal's appeals involve property tax; however, the Tribunal also hears business and individual tax disputes. The Tribunal is divided into two divisions: the "Entire Tribunal" and the "Residential Property and Small Claims" Division.

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

Michigan Veterans' Trust Fund Board of Trustees

James R. Dempsey, of Dexter, is retired as department commander for the Disabled American Veterans, Michigan Department. Dempsey has an associates degree in Nursing from SUNY Adirondack. Colonel Dempsey is reappointed to represent disabled American veterans for a term commencing March 23, 2023 and expiring February 25, 2026. 

Carol L. Hebert, of Roscommon, is the national program director for the American Veterans National Headquarters. Previously she worked at Baraga Area schools. Hebert is a member of the Michigan Volunteer Defense Force and served on the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Advisory Board. Hebert served in the U.S. Army and was honorable discharged in 1992. Hebert studied Early Childhood education at Kaplan University and Business Administration at Kirtland Community College. Mrs. Hebert is reappointed to represent independent veterans for a term commencing March 23, 2023 and expiring February 25, 2026. 

Mr. Brian L. Love, of Redford, is director of community outreach for The Education Trust-Midwest. Before this he was director of public affairs and project management for the Greater Detroit Area Health Council. Love attended Morehouse College where he studied Political Science and Government. Mr. Love is appointed to represent independent veterans for a term commencing March 23, 2023 and expiring February 25, 2024. He succeeds Jill R. Matthews. 

Mr. Gregory A. Spight, of Detroit, is a retired repair technician for AT&T. Mr. Spight is also a member of the American Legion Department of Michigan and serves as First Vice Commander with the Coleman A. Young Post 202. Spight is a Vietnam Veteran of the 1st Infantry Division. Spight attended Wayne County Community College and the University of Detroit Mercy. Mr. Spight is appointed to represent independent veterans for a term commencing March 23, 2023 and expiring February 25, 2026. He succeeds Thomas M. Smith. 

The Michigan Veterans Trust Fund was created in 1946 from $50 million in postwar reserve funds. In 1996, the Veterans Trust Fund was provided additional protection by being added to the State Constitution with voter approval of Proposal C. The Veterans Trust Fund was established to provide grants for the emergency needs of veterans. The Veterans Trust Fund, utilizing approximately $2 million of interest earnings from the trust, administers the Emergency Grant Program. Emergency Grants are available to honorably discharged war time service veterans and their dependents during times of unforeseen and short-term financial emergencies or hardships. Veterans Trust Fund grant policies and adjudication, county committee appointments and expenditure from trust earnings are governed by this board.

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

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