May 16, 2006

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following recent appointments and reappointments to the Michigan Women’s Commission, the Commission on Spanish Speaking Affairs, the State Higher Education Facilities Commission, the Michigan Education Trust Board of Directors, the Michigan Municipal Bond Authority Board of Trustees, and the State Teacher Tenure Commission:

Michigan Women’s Commission

Rana A. Abbas of Dearborn, deputy director of the American-Arab Discrimination Committee and president of Arab American Women Advocating for Resources & Empowerment (AWARE).  Ms. Abbas is appointed for a term expiring July 15, 2008. She succeeds Joyce A. Watts whose term has expired.

Renee T. Farhat of East Lansing.  Ms. Farhat is appointed for a term expiring July 15, 2008.  She succeeds Denise Radtke whose term has expired.

Sheryl L. Mitchell of West Bloomfield, senior analyst with the Oakland County Board of Commissioners and chairperson of the West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission.  Ms. Mitchell is appointed for a term expiring July 15, 2008.  She succeeds Patricia Hardy whose term has expired. 

Rosa E. Morales of Saginaw, faculty member and director of the Hispanics and Minorities in Journalism Programs with the Michigan State University School of Journalism.  Ms. Morales is appointed for a term expiring July 15, 2008.  She succeeds Anne Norlander whose term has expired. 

Maria Ladas Hoopes of North Muskegon, attorney and partner with Ladas, Hoopes & Associates Law Offices.  Ms. Hoopes is reappointed for a term expiring July 15, 2009.

Brenda L. Jones Quick of Traverse City, attorney with Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge.  Ms. Quick is reappointed for a term expiring July 15, 2009.

Emily A. Malloy of Grand Rapids, marketing associate with the Heart of West Michigan United Way.  Ms. Malloy is reappointed for a term expiring July 15, 2009.

Judith S. Rosenberg of Birmingham, property manager with Dunitz Management Company.  Ms. Rosenberg is reappointed for a term expiring July 15, 2009.

Gloria A. Woods of Bay City, program director of the Underground Railroad, Inc.  Ms. Woods is reappointed for a term expiring July 15, 2009.  She will continue to serve as vice-chairperson of the commission. 

Ms. Emma Bell will continue to serve as chairperson of the commission. 

The Michigan Women’s Commission, housed within the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, focuses on improving quality of life for women in the state by studying and reviewing the status of Michigan women; directing attention to critical issues that women face; recommending methods to overcome discrimination; promoting methods for women to develop their skills; conducting surveys and establishing advisory committees on vital issues; and recognizing the accomplishments of women in Michigan.

These appointments and reappointments 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.

Commission on Spanish Speaking Affairs

Maria Del Carmen Soto, D.O. of Jackson, physician with Michigan Family Practice and medical director of Michigan Therapeutic Consultants.  Dr. Soto is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring December 10, 2006.  She succeeds Belda Garza who has resigned.

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 appointed by the Governor, who are of Hispanic descent and are Spanish-speaking.

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.

State Higher Education Facilities Commission

Daniel J. Limer of Royal Oak, vice president and general manager of SPX Corporation GSE Scales Systems.  Mr. Limer is appointed to represent residents interested in higher education for a term expiring May 22, 2008.  He succeeds R. Miles Handy II whose term has expired.

James N. Goenner of Mount Pleasant, executive director of the charter schools office for Central Michigan University.  Mr. Goenner is reappointed to represent public colleges and universities for a term expiring May 22, 2008.

The State Higher Education Facilities Commission issues bonds in order to make loans to private nonprofit colleges and universities for various capital needs, including construction of new facilities, renovation of existing facilities, and equipment purchases.

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.

Michigan Education Trust Board of Directors

Randall J. Richardville of Monroe, economic development director of the Port of Monroe.  Mr. Richardville is appointed to represent nominees of the majority leader of the Senate having knowledge, skill, and experience in the academic, business, or financial field for a term expiring December 31, 2008.  He succeeds Stephanie Wilkinson whose term has expired.

The Michigan Education Trust Board of Directors provides an avenue for families to invest in their children’s future, enabling them to attend Michigan institutions of higher education.

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.

Michigan Municipal Bond Authority Board of Trustees

Donald H. Gilmer of Augusta, Kalamazoo county administrator.  Mr. Gilmer is reappointed to represent Michigan residents nominated by the majority leader of the Senate for a term expiring January 1, 2009.

The Municipal Bond Authority provides Michigan local units of government and schools with an alternative source of financing for infrastructure projects and low cost access to the public finance market.

This reappointment 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.

State Teacher Tenure Commission

Karen K. Leslie of Grayling, alternative education teacher for Grayling Middle School.  Ms. Leslie is reappointed to represent classroom instructors for a term expiring August 31, 2010.

The State Teacher Tenure Commission renders decisions on appeals by teachers who contest decisions made by their local school boards concerning their tenure rights.

This reappointment is not subject to disapproval.