August 7, 2007

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following recent appointments and reappointments to the Michigan Employment Relations Commission, the State Building Authority Board of Trustees, the Michigan Veterans' Facilities Board of Managers, the Michigan Women's Commission, and the Michigan Iron Industry Museum Advisory Board:

Michigan Employment Relations Commission

Nino E. Green, a Democrat, of Escanaba, MERC commissioner and attorney in private practice, is reappointed for a term expiring June 30, 2010.

The Michigan Employment Relations Commission resolves labor disputes involving public and private sector employees by appointing mediators, arbitrators and fact finders, conducting union representation elections, determining appropriate bargaining units, and adjudicating unfair labor practice cases.

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.

State Building Authority Board of Trustees

Dawn L. Batts of Detroit, CFO and chief compliance officer of Union Heritage Capital Management, is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring August 21, 2007, and reappointed for a term expiring August 21, 2011. She succeeds the late Robert C. Carr.

Marty H. Mercer of Jackson, corporate counsel of R.W. Mercer Company, is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring August 21, 2008. She succeeds Mark E. Schlussel who has resigned.

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 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 Veterans' Facilities Board of Managers

Willard F. Coffey of L'Anse, retired and honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, is reappointed to represent the American Legion for a term expiring February 28, 2013.

F. Gerritt Veldman of Muskegon, retired and honorably discharged U.S. Army Corporal, is reappointed to represent the American Legion for a term expiring February 28, 2013.

The Michigan Veterans' Facilities Board of Managers, created by Public Act 152 of 1895, exercises certain regulatory and governance authority regarding admission and member affairs at Michigan's two veterans' homes.  They also represent the interest of the veterans' community in both advisory and advocacy roles.

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 Women's Commission

Donna L. Budnick of Harbor Springs, legislative services attorney for the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians, is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring July 15, 2010.  She succeeds Gail J. Glezen whose term has expired.

Pamela M. Faris of Clio, community service activist, is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring July 15, 2008.  She succeeds Renee T. Farhat who has resigned.

Estelle P. Smyth of Escanaba, owner of Ideas Unlimited, is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring July 15, 2009.  She succeeds Brenda L. Jones Quick who has resigned.

Ms. Ronda E. Stryker of Portage, director of the Stryker Corporation and vice chairman and director of Greenleaf Trust, is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring July 15, 2010.  She succeeds Cheryl B. Sugerman whose term has expired.

Sally Shaheen Joseph of Flint, attorney in private practice, is reappointed for a term expiring July 15, 2010.

Ms. Patricia M. Lowrie of Okemos, director of the Women's Resource Center at Michigan State University, is reappointed for a term expiring July 15, 2010.

Alexandra S. Matish of Ann Arbor, assistant general counsel at Wayne State University, is appointed for a term expiring July 15, 2010.

The Michigan Women's Commission, housed within the 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.

Michigan Iron Industry Museum Advisory Board

Pamela R. Christensen of Marquette, library director of the Peter White Public Library, is reappointed to represent the city of Marquette for a term expiring October 4, 2010.

Gerald O. Corkin of Negaunee, Marquette County board chairman, is reappointed to represent the Marquette county board of commissioners for a term expiring October 4, 2010.

Dale R. Hemmila of Ishpeming, district manager of public affairs for Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company, is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring October 4, 2010.

Frida M. Waara of Marquette, producer of the Media Box, is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring October 4, 2010.

The Michigan Iron Industry Museum Advisory Board advises the Department of History, Arts and Libraries on policies, plans and programs concerning the Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Marquette.

These appointments are not subject to disapproval by the Michigan Senate.

# # #