January 5, 2006

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following appointments to the Commission on Spanish Speaking Affairs, the Board of Nursing Home Administrators, the Michigan Board of Optometry, and the Board of Veterinary Medicine:

Commission on Spanish Speaking Affairs

Ana M. Gabriel of Troy, vice president of communications and public affairs for Comcast’s Midwest division.  Ms. Gabriel is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring December 10, 2008.  She succeeds Nelida Bravo whose term has expired.

Alicia Villarreal of St. Clair Shores, president and CEO of Latino Family Services in Detroit.  Ms. Villarreal is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring December 10, 2008.  She succeeds Ricardo Verdoni whose term has expired.

Jeorge Fierro of Hamilton, director of academic advising for Western Michigan University.  Mr. Fierro is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring December 10, 2008.

Benjamin D. Inquilla of Plainwell, managing attorney with Farmworker Legal Services.  Mr. Inquilla is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring December 10, 2008.

The Commission on Spanish Speaking Affairs was created by Public Act 164 of 1975 to develop policies and plans to serve the needs of Michigan’s Spanish-speaking residents.  The commission consists of 15 members from around the state who are of Hispanic descent and are Spanish-speaking.

Board of Nursing Home Administrators

Valaria Conerly Moon of Flint, vice president of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home.  Ms. Moon is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring December 31, 2008.  She succeeds David L. Corteville whose term has expired.

Samuel H. Shaheen, D.O. of Saginaw, self-employed doctor of osteopathic medicine specializing in treating the elderly.  Dr. Shaheen is appointed to represent nursing home administrators for a term expiring December 31, 2009.  He succeeds Sara J. Schaden whose term has expired.

The Board of Nursing Home Administrators provides for the licensure of nursing home administrators and provides penalties for violations of the Public Health Code, Public Act 368 of 1978.

Michigan Board of Optometry

Stephen P. Thompson, O.D. of East Lansing, location director and managing optometrist for LensCrafters in Lansing.  Dr. Thompson is appointed to represent optometrists for a term commencing July 1, 2006 and expiring June 30, 2010.  He succeeds John M. Nametz whose term expires July 30, 2006.

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.

Board of Veterinary Medicine

Lawrence A. Letsche, D.V.M. of Plymouth, owner and veterinarian with Remrock Farms Veterinary Hospital.  Dr. Letsche is appointed to represent veterinarians for a term expiring December 31, 2009.  He succeeds Constance J. Moll whose term has expired.

Sandra McMahon Pelton of Westland, licensed veterinary technician with the Michigan Humane Society.  Ms. Pelton is appointed to represent licensed veterinary technicians for a term expiring December 31, 2008.  She succeeds Carol A. Stevens whose term has expired.

Nancy C. Postorino Reeves, D.V.M. of East Lansing, technical and quality manager of U.S. drug safety for Pfizer Animal Health.  Dr. Postorino Reeves is appointed to represent veterinarians for a term expiring December 31, 2008.  She succeeds Daniel S. Aja whose term has expired.

The Board of Veterinary Medicine is responsible for the licensure and examination of veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
 
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.