November 1, 2005

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following recent appointments to the Joint International Bridge Authority, the Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board, the Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists, and the Michigan Board of Optometry:

Joint International Bridge Authority

Janis M. Burgess of Menominee, senior associate attorney with Wesley W. Hoffman & Associates, P.C.  Ms. Burgess is appointed for a term expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.  She succeeds Shannon Brower who has resigned.

The Joint International Bridge Authority (JIBA) provides for the continued management and operation of the International Bridge, in Sault Ste. Marie, as a governmental function on a not-for-profit basis, by a single administrative entity within the Michigan Department of Transportation.  The authority was created in July of 2000 by the Intergovernmental Agreement for the International Bridge, an accord between the state of Michigan and the providence of Ontario, following the completion of payment for the construction of the International Bridge.
 
This appointment is not subject to disapproval.

Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board

Princella E. Graham of Troy, corporate director of public policy and government relations for St. John Health.  Ms. Graham is appointed to represent persons with experience in an area related to the problems of domestic violence for a term expiring September 30, 2007.  She succeeds Shirley Mann Gray whose term has expired.

The Honorable Nathaniel C. Perry, III of Flint, judge of the 68th District Court.  Judge Perry is appointed to represent persons with experience in an area related to the problems of domestic violence for a term expiring September 30, 2007.  He succeeds Judge Edward Sosnick whose term has expired.

Lore A. Rogers of Whitmore Lake, legal advocacy director for the Domestic Violence Project, Inc. and Safe House, in Ann Arbor.  Ms. Rogers is reappointed to represent persons with experience in an area related to the problems of domestic violence for a term expiring September 30, 2007.

The Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board is responsible for administering state and federal funding for domestic violence shelters and advocacy services, developing and recommending policy, and providing technical assistance and training.
 
These appointments are subject to Article V, Section 6 if the Michigan State Constitution of 1963.  They stand confirmed unless disapproved by the Senate within 60 days.

Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists

Diane K. Andert, OTR of Battle Creek, president and principal of Kalamazoo Area Rehabilitation Services, Inc.  Ms. Andert is appointed to represent occupational therapists for a term expiring December 31, 2009.  She will succeed Anita M. Berger whose term will expire December 31, 2005.

Gerry E. Conti, M.S., OTR of Ypsilanti, assistant professor for the Wayne State University occupational therapy program.  Ms. Conti is appointed to represent occupational therapists for a term expiring December 31, 2009.  She will succeed Mintie C. Merck whose term will expire December 31, 2005.

William M. Sisco, M.A., M.S., OTR of Battle Creek, assistant professor and coordinator for fieldwork education at Grand Valley State University.  Mr. Sisco is appointed to represent occupational therapists for a term expiring December 31, 2008.  He will succeeds Christine J. Clayton whose term has expired.

The Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists provides for the registration of occupational therapists and occupational therapist assistants 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.

Michigan Board of Optometry

Winifred W. Motherwell of Haslett, self-employed independent contractor of proofreading and editing for court reporters.  Ms. Motherwell is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring June 30, 2007.  She succeeds Albert Nelson, Jr. whose term has expired.
 
The Michigan Board of Optometry is responsible for the licensure and examination of persons prior to their entry into the practice of optometry in Michigan.
 
This appointment is subject to Article V, Section 6 of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963.  It stands confirmed unless disapproved by the Senate within 60 days.