LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following recent appointments to the Michigan Travel Commission, the Commission on Disability Concerns, the State Employees’ Retirement Board, the Michigan Higher Education Assistance Authority, and the Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery:

Michigan Travel Commission

Michael A. Lahti of Hancock, licensed insurance agent with the Michael A. Lahti Agency.  Mr. Lahti is appointed to represent owners and operators of small businesses having experience in the travel, tourism, and recreation industry for a term expiring August 20, 2008.  He succeeds Terry D. Schiebar whose term has expired

Steven K. Hamp of Ann Arbor, president of The Henry Ford.  Mr. Hamp is reappointed to represent persons experienced in the travel, tourism, and recreation industry or a related field for a term expiring August 20, 2009.

The Michigan Travel Commission is an advisory board to the president of the Michigan Strategic Fund.  The commission assists travel Michigan in developing a comprehensive, long-range vision for tourism.  Travel Michigan is charged with promoting tourism within the state of Michigan.

Commission on Disability Concerns

Rhonda L. Estes of Traverse City, a retired teacher.  Ms. Estes is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring March 5, 2007.  She succeeds Alphonso Swain whose term has expired.

Daniel J. Furton of Lansing, graduate student.  Mr. Furton is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring March 5, 2007.  He succeeds Lydia Graber whose term has expired.

Mary L. Kelley of Northville, retired educator and principal.  Ms. Kelley is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring March 5, 2007.  She succeeds William Axtel whose term has expired.

Clifton Jack Lewis of North Branch, building inspector and barrier free design technical advisor for the Construction Code Authority in Lapeer.  Mr. Lewis is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring March 5, 2008.  He succeeds Judge Duncan Beagle whose term has expired.

Miranda M. Pelikan of Marcellus, office assistant and classroom aide with Disability Support Services in Allendale.  Ms. Pelikan is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring March 5, 2008.  She succeeds Ian Minicuci whose term has expired.

Jeff D. Reaume of South Rockwood, teacher consultant with Grosse Isle Township Schools.  Mr. Reaume is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring March 5, 2007.  He succeeds Claudia Lee whose term has expired.

Brian F. Sheridan of Bay City, coordinator and occupational therapist with Field Neurosciences Institute.  Mr. Sheridan is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring March 5, 2007.  He succeeds John Pedraza whose term has expired.

Zachary J. Tomlinson of Clio, 2005 recipient of the Carroll Clark Civic Service Award from Mott Community College.  Mr. Tomlinson is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring March 5, 2008.  He succeeds Peter Sundholm whose term has expired.

Steffanie D. Webster of Farmington, former public relations coordinator.  Ms. Webster is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring March 5, 2008.  She succeeds Judith Trapp whose term has expired.

Catherine E. Smith of Grand Ledge, data entry specialist with Spherion Temporary Staffing Agency.  Ms. Smith is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring March 5, 2007.

The Commission on Disability Concerns advocates for the rights and concerns of disabled persons and assists other government agencies in complying with federal civil rights mandates as they pertain to the disabled.

State Employees’ Retirement Board

H. David Dekker of Lansing, senior resources specialist for the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging.  Mr. Dekker is appointed to represent employee members of the retirement system for a term expiring July 31, 2008.  He succeeds Janet M. McClelland whose term has expired.

Harry R. Posner, Jr. of Haslett, field agent, probation and parole officer for the Michigan Department of Corrections.  Mr. Posner is appointed to represent employee members of the retirement system for a term expiring July 31, 2006.  He succeeds Lynda D. Taylor-Lewis who has resigned.

The State Employees’ Retirement Board oversees the retirement system for state employees in Michigan.

Michigan Higher Education Assistance Authority

Jonathon D. Liebman of West Bloomfield, president and CEO of Specs Howard Schools of Broadcast Arts, Inc.  Mr. Liebman is appointed to represent private occupational schools for a term expiring May 22, 2009.  He succeeds Howard Weaver whose term has expired.

Marshall (Dick) Shaink of Flint, president and CEO of Mott Community College.  Mr. Shaink is appointed to represent community colleges for a term expiring May 22, 2009.  He succeeds Juan Olivarez whose term has expired.

Nathaniel Smith-Tyge of Allen Park, scheduler for the Michigan Office of Congressman John D. Dingell.  Mr. Smith-Tyge is appointed to represent citizens for a term expiring May 22, 2009.  He succeeds Richard Fortier whose term has expired.

Harvey Hollins, III of Belleville, vice president for government affairs at Wayne State University.  Mr. Hollins is reappointed to represent Wayne State University for a term expiring May 22, 2009.

The Michigan Higher Education Assistance Authority enhances freedom of choice and equality of access to Michigan students seeking a postsecondary education.  It also administers a wide variety of state and federal scholarships and grant and loan programs.

Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery

Harry A. Kezelian, DPM of Bloomfield Hills, podiatrist in private practice.  Dr. Kezelian is appointed to represent podiatrists for a term expiring June 30, 2009.  He succeeds Thomas Abraham whose term has expired.

Richard M. Seiler, DPM of Holland, vice president and podiatric physician with Holland Foot and Ankle Center, P.C.  Dr. Seiler is appointed to represent podiatrists for a term expiring June 30, 2009.  He succeeds Anthony Benenati whose term has expired.

The Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery provides for the licensure and examination of podiatrists and podiatric surgeons in the state.
 
These appointments are subject to Article V, Section 6 of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963.  They stand confirmed unless disapproved by the Senate within 60 days.