February 7, 2006

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following designation to the Qualifications Advisory Committee and appointments to the Commission of Agriculture, Board of Social Work, Construction Safety Standards Commission, and Board of Real Estate Appraisers:

Qualifications Advisory Committee

Marya V. Sieminski of Southfield, attorney with the Law Offices of Samuel I. Bernstein.  Ms. Sieminski was originally appointed to the Qualifications Advisory Commission in December 2003 and is designated to serve as chairperson at the pleasure of the Governor.  She succeeds Edward Welch who has resigned.
 
The Qualifications Advisory Committee reviews and rates applicants interested in serving on the Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates and Workers’ Compensation Appellate Commission.
 
This designation is not subject to disapproval.
 
Commission of Agriculture

Donald M. Coe of Traverse City, managing partner of Black Star Farms.  Mr. Coe is appointed to represent independents for a term expiring December 31, 2009.  He succeeds James Maitland whose term has expired.

Mr. Coe also serves as president of the Leelanau County Economic Development Corporation and is a former member of the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council.  In 1998, Coe created an “agriculture destination” by turning a dormant horse farm into what is now known as Black Star Farms, a winery that also has a bed and breakfast, orchards and vineyard attracting over 60,000 people annually.
 
The Commission of Agriculture provides oversight and executive direction for the programs administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and is responsible for approving all rules regulations promulgated by the department.
 
This appointment is subject to Article V, Section 6 of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963.  The appointment stands confirmed unless disapproved by the Senate within 60 days.

Michigan Board of Social Work

Allen L. Cushingberry, Psy.D. of Detroit, CEO and executive director of Amir & Associates.  Dr. Cushingberry is appointed to represent individuals engaged in the practice of social work for a term expiring December 31, 2009. He succeeds Mary O’Connor whose term has expired.

Alan T. Semonian of Southfield, certified public accountant and president/founder of Ameritax Plus.  Mr. Semonian is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring December 31, 2009.  He succeeds Eleanor Blum whose term has expired.

The Michigan Board of Social Work is responsible for the certification and registration of persons engaged in the social work profession.
 
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.

Construction Safety Standards Commission

Patrick “Shorty” Gleason of Davison, president of the Michigan State Building and Construction Trades Council.  Mr. Gleason is appointed to represent individuals actively engaged in construction operations on the employee level for a term expiring March 18, 2007.  He succeeds Tom Boensch who has resigned.
 
The Construction Safety Standards Commission provides rules and establishes safety standards for construction operations to protect the life and safety of construction workers 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.

Board of Real Estate Appraisers

Beth L. Graham of Lansing, owner of and state licensed appraiser for Beth L. Graham, Appraiser.  Ms. Graham is appointed to represent state licensed real estate appraisers for a term expiring June 30, 2008.  She succeeds Pamela Chipman Anderson who term has expired.
 
The Board of Real Estate Appraisers provides for the licensure of state-licensed and state-certified real estate appraisers and real estate valuation specialists.
 
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.