July 25, 2006

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following recent appointments and reappointments to the Michigan Early Stage Venture Investment Corporation Board, the Automobile Theft Prevention Authority Board of Directors, the Firefighters Training Council, and the State Building Authority Board of Trustees:

Michigan Early Stage Venture Investment Corporation Board

Dennis S. Bernard of Birmingham, president of Bernard Financial Group.  Mr. Bernard is reappointed to represent persons recommended by the Majority Leader of the Senate for a term expiring June 13, 2009.

Charles P. Rothstein of West Bloomfield, founder and senior managing director of Beringea, LLC.  Mr. Rothstein is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring June 13, 2009.

The Michigan Early Stage Venture Investment Corporation Board of Directors works to promote a healthy economic climate by fostering job creation, retention, and expansion through the promotion of investment in venture capital businesses specializing in early stage and seed investments. The Venture Michigan Fund only invests in venture capital companies that have a significant presence in Michigan and focuses on companies investing in Michigan-based start-up companies engaged in research, technology, and new product development.

Automobile Theft Prevention Authority Board of Directors

Patrick Joseph Dolan of Warren, national representative of the American Federation of Government Employees.  Mr. Dolan is appointed to represent purchasers of automobile insurance for a term expiring July 1, 2010.  He succeeds Valerie Knol whose term has expired.

Sheriff Warren C. Evans of Detroit, sheriff of Wayne County.  Sheriff Evans is appointed to represent law enforcement officials for a term expiring July 1, 2010.  He succeeds Michael G. McCabe whose term has expired.

Suzanne D. Kaigler of Plymouth, claim team manager for State Farm Insurance Company.  Ms. Kaigler is appointed to represent automobile insurers for a term expiring July 1, 2010.  She succeeds Thomas Packla whose term has expired.

Ella M. Bully-Cummings of Detroit, police chief of the city of Detroit.  Chief Bully-Cummings is reappointed to represent law enforcement officials for a term expiring July 1, 2010.

Steven R. Wagner of Novi, senior vice president of the Auto Club Group.  Mr. Wagner is reappointed to represent automobile insurers for a term expiring July 1, 2010.

Colonel Peter C. Munoz of Okemos, director of the Michigan Department of State Police.  Colonel Munoz is designated to serve as chairperson of the authority for a term expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.  He succeeds Colonel Tadarial J. Sturdivant who has resigned.

The Automobile Theft Prevention Authority Board of Directors is the leading agency in reducing auto theft in Michigan.  The authority oversees grant distribution to local law enforcement agencies and non-profit community organizations to reduce and prevent auto theft. 

Firefighters Training Council

David J. Purchase of Norton Shores, fire chief for the city of Norton Shores Fire Department.  Chief Purchase is reappointed to represent the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs for a term expiring December 31, 2008.

The Firefighters Training Council is responsible for establishing standards, courses of study, certification of instructors, establishing regional training centers, and developing and administering mandatory certification examinations for firefighters in this state.

State Building Authority Board of Trustees

Patrick J. Devlin of Livonia, secretary and treasurer of the Greater Detroit Building & Construction Trades Council.  Mr. Devlin is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring August 21, 2010.

The State Building Authority Board of Trustees oversees the use and allocation of funds to acquire, construct, furnish, equip, renovate, operate, mortgage, and/or maintain facilities and equipment for the use of the State or any of its agencies, including public universities and community colleges.
 
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.