April 6, 2006

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following appointments to the Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates and Workers’ Compensation Appellate Commission:

Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates

Jennifer L. Crawford of Grand Haven, attorney and partner with McCroskey, Feldman, Cochrane & Brock, PLC.  Ms. Crawford is appointed to the board for a term expiring January 26, 2007.  She succeeds Jack A. Nolish who has resigned to become director of the Workers’ Compensation Agency.

The Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates functions within the Department of Labor and Economic Growth.  Magistrates are responsible for conducting hearings in disputes that arise under the Workers’ Disability Compensation Act of 1969 and hearing cases related to workers’ compensation claims.

Workers’ Compensation Appellate Commission

Donna J. Grit of East Grand Rapids, former member of the Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates, serving from 1994-2006.  Ms. Grit is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring September 30, 2007.  She succeeds James J. Kent who has resigned to become a magistrate on the Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates.

The Workers’ Compensation Appellate Commission has statutory authority to review opinions and orders of the workers’ compensation board of magistrates, and to promulgate rules to amend its administration appellate procedures.  It also has the authority to review orders of the director of the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Agency.
 
These appointments are subject to Article V, Section 6 of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963.  It stands confirmed unless disapproved by the Senate within 60 days.