LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following recent appointments, reappointments, and designation to the Advisory Council on Deaf and Hard of Hearing:

Robert A. Anthony of Grand Rapids, supervisor of the Northview Public Schools Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program.  Mr. Anthony is appointed to represent hearing impaired persons for a term expiring January 18, 2008.  He succeeds Linda Sykora whose term has expired. 

Frank J. Bystrycki of Otsego, executive director of Deaf Etc.  Mr. Bystrycki is appointed to represent hearing impaired persons for a term expiring January 18, 2007.  He succeeds Arlyn Meyerson whose term has expired. 

George L. Griffiths of Holt, retired Ingham County Drain Commissioner.  Mr. Griffiths is appointed to represent hearing impaired persons for a term expiring January 18, 2009.  He succeeds Thomas Rojeski whose term has expired.  Mr. Griffiths is also designated to serve as chairperson of the Advisory Council on Deaf and Hard of Hearing for a term expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. 

Janet G. Haines of Vassar, computer programmer analyst with Frankenmuth Mutual Insurance Co.  Ms. Haines is appointed to represent hearing impaired persons for a term expiring January 18, 2008.  She succeeds Juanita Wikman whose term has expired. 

Debra A. Self of Fenton, vocational director with the Communication Access Center for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing.  Ms. Self is appointed to represent individuals knowledgeable in the field of deafness for a term expiring January 18, 2007.  She succeeds Sheryl Emery whose term has expired. 

Deierdre LaJean Weir of Detroit, executive director and CEO of Legal Aid and Defender Association, Inc.  Ms. Weir is appointed to represent individuals knowledgeable in the field of deafness for a term expiring January 18, 2009.  She succeeds Rose Smith whose term has expired. 

Nancy L. Asher of Ypsilanti, associate director and interim executive director of the Michigan Association for Deaf and Hard of Hearing.  Ms. Asher is reappointed to represent hearing impaired persons for a term expiring January 18, 2008.

Brenda Cartwright of Okemos, director of the sign language/interpreter program with Lansing Community College.  Ms. Cartwright is reappointed to represent individuals knowledgeable in the field of deafness for a term expiring January 18, 2007.

Jill A. Gaus of Jackson, instructor and lecturer with Lansing Community College and Michigan State University.  Ms. Gaus is reappointed to represent hearing impaired persons for a term expiring January 18, 2009.

Michelle R. Graham of Clarkston, clinical therapist and case manager for Genesee County Community Mental Health – Deaf Services.  Ms. Graham is reappointed to represent hearing impaired persons for a term expiring January 18, 2007.

Brett E. Holt of Saginaw, owner and proprietor of Assistive Hearing Technologies.  Mr. Holt is reappointed to represent hearing impaired persons for a term expiring January 18, 2008.

Celeste D. Johnson of Grand Rapids, adjunct instructor for Grand Rapids Community College.  Ms. Johnson is reappointed to represent individuals knowledgeable in the field of deafness for a term expiring January 18, 2009.

Brian D. Sheridan of Ishpeming, attorney and partner with Steward & Sheridan, PLC.  Mr. Sheridan is reappointed to represent hearing impaired persons for a term expiring January 18, 2009.

The Advisory Council on Deaf and Hard of Hearing provides input to the Division on Deaf and Hard of Hearing within the Department of Labor and Economic Growth.  The mission of Division on Deaf and Hard of Hearing is to affirm the indisputable rights of deaf and hard of hearing persons to secure effective communication through technical support, informational and referral services, accommodations, interpreter information and services, and research and statistics.
 
These appointments and reappointments are not subject to disapproval.