January 17, 2006

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following appointments and reappointments to the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates:

Kenneth Birch of Holt, attorney with White, Schneider, Young & Chiodini, P.C.  Mr. Birch is appointed for a term expiring January 26, 2010.  He succeeds Melody Paige whose term has expired. 

Garry Goolsby of Lansing, attorney in private practice.  Mr. Goolsby is appointed for a term expiring January 26, 2010.  He succeeds L’Mell M. Smith whose term has expired. 

Michael T. Harris of Okemos, current magistrate for the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates.  Mr. Harris is appointed for a term expiring January 26, 2009.  He succeeds Michael J. Theile who has resigned to serve as judge of the seventh judicial circuit court.

James Kent of East Lansing, appellate commissioner, Workers’ Compensation Appellate Commission.  Mr. Kent is appointed for a term expiring January 26, 2010.  He succeeds Crary R. Grattan whose term has expired. 

Jan Leventer of Bloomfield Hills, attorney in private practice.  Ms. Leventer is appointed for a term expiring January 26, 2010.  She succeeds Mary Brennan whose term has expired. 

Beatrice Logan of Detroit, attorney in private practice.  Ms. Logan is appointed for a term expiring January 26, 2010.  She succeeds Donna Grit whose term has expired. 

Victor McCoy of Southfield, associate attorney with Phifer & White, P.C.  Mr. McCoy is appointed for a term expiring January 26, 2010. He succeeds Michael Harris whose term has expired. 

John P. Baril of Lincoln Park, magistrate for the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates.  Mr. Baril is reappointed for a term expiring January 26, 2010.

Carol Guyton of Detroit, magistrate for the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates.  Ms. Guyton is reappointed for a term expiring January 26, 2010.

John Wierzbicki of Huntington Woods, magistrate for the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates.  Mr. Wierzbicki is reappointed for a term expiring January 26, 2007.

Richard Zettel of Sterling Heights, magistrate for the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates.  Mr. Zettel is reappointed for a term expiring January 26, 2010.

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

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.