May 9, 2006

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following recent appointments, reappointments, and designations to the Commission on Disability Concerns and the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control Commission:
 
Commission on Disability Concerns

Kristina M. Atkins of Kalamazoo, special education administrator of programs and services for the hearing and visually impaired with the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Agency.  Ms. Atkins is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring March 5, 2009.

Jeffery A. Lang of Lansing, senior pastor at Southside Baptist Church in Jackson.  Pastor Lang is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring March 5, 2008.  He succeeds Ken Tregenza whose term has expired. 

Betty J. Priskorn of Riverview, executive vice president of The Guidance Center.   Ms. Priskorn is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring March 5, 2008.  She succeeds Kenneth D. Frensley whose term has expired. 

Judith S. Williams of Grand Rapids, team leader of the ZeroStep program with the Disability Associates of Kent County.   Ms. Williams is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring March 5, 2007.  She succeeds Johnnie Tuitel whose term has expired.

Ronald L. Bower of North Branch, retired after over 25 years of service with General Motors Company.  Mr. Bower is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring March 5, 2008.

Joseph M. Connelly of Livonia, volunteer.  Mr. Connelly is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring March 5, 2009.

Anthony Filippis Sr. of Royal Oak, founder of Wright & Filippis, Inc.  Mr. Filippis is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring March 5, 2009, and is also designated to serve as vice-chairperson for a term expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.
Jane P. MacFarlane of Canton, volunteer.  Ms. MacFarlane is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring March 5, 2009.

Daniel R. Vivian of Okemos, information referral specialist with Michigan Protection and Advocacy Services.  Mr. Vivian is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring March 5, 2009, and is also designated to serve as chairperson for a term expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. 

Jose B. Zavala of Westland, volunteer.  Mr. Zavala is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring March 5, 2009.

The Commission on Disability Concerns advocates for the rights and concerns of disabled persons in Michigan and assists other government agencies in complying with federal civil rights mandates as they pertain to the disabled.

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control Commission

Randy R. Barst of Frankenmuth, director of the Saginaw County Department of Human Services.  Mr. Barst is appointed to represent the Department of Human Services for a term expiring July 1, 2007.  He succeeds Denise O. Chambers who has resigned.

The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control Commission is charged with leading a statewide effort to eliminate lead poisoning in Michigan’s children by 2010.
 
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.