August 30, 2007

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following recent appointments and reappointments to the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Governing Board; Health Information Technology Division; Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports; and the Board of Marriage and Family Therapy:

Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Governing Board

Dale P. Vettel of Homer, director of tax and economic policy for the Michigan Department of Treasury, is appointed to represent the governor for a term expiring December 31, 2007.

The Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Governing Board was created by MCL Act 174 of 2004 to allow Michigan to participate with the National board.  Responsibilities include the certification of certified service providers, certified automation systems, establish tax performance standards for multi-state sellers meeting criteria set by the board, issue resolution and quarterly report to participating legislative bodies.  

This appointment is not subject to disapproval by the Michigan Senate.

Health Information Technology Division

Kimberly G. Ross of Dewitt is appointed to represent pharmaceutical manufacturers for a term expiring August 3, 2008.  She succeeds Robert T. McDonough who has resigned.

Robert T. Scott, D.O. of Williamston is appointed to represent doctors of osteopathic medicine and surgery for a term expiring August 3, 2011.  He succeeds Thomas A. Stevenson whose term has expired.

Robin M. Cole of Detroit is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring August 3, 2011.

Gregory J. Forzley, M.D. of Grand Rapids is reappointed to represent doctors of medicine for a term expiring August 3, 2011.

The Commission's mission is to facilitate and promote the design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of an interoperable health care information infrastructure in Michigan.

The above appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports

Terry-Ann Smythe of Houghton, fitness director of Keweenaw Memorial Rehab and Fitness Center, is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring April 16, 2009.  She succeeds Marilyn K. Anderson whose term has expired.

Mary A. Zatina of Detroit, senior vice president of government relations, corporate planning and communications of Oakwood Healthcare, Inc., is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring April 16, 2009.  She succeeds Joanne P. McCallie whose term has expired.

Geraldine Jackson of Detroit, retiree of the Detroit Department of Recreation, is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring April 16, 2009.

Linda Jimenez of Brownstown, president and CEO of UIDA Enterprise, Inc., is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring April 16, 2009.

Michael J. Maisner of Okemos, executive director of the Michigan Recreation and Park Association, is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring April 16, 2009.

Florine Mark of Farmington Hills, president and chairman of the board for The Weight Watchers Group, Inc., is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring April 16, 2009.

Shanna J. Mueller of Canton, director of Powerhouse Gyms International Public Relations & Foundation, is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring April 16, 2009. 

The Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports is charged with coordinating and developing a statewide physical fitness and health program.  The council has undertaken a number of initiatives and partnered with several organizations to carry out their goals. Some notable events include: the annual "Walk to School Day" and partnering with the Michigan Parks and Recreation Association for "Walk Michigan."

The above appointments and reappointment are not subject to disapproval by the Michigan Senate.

Board of Marriage and Family Therapy

Gregory B. Varnum of Westland, executive assistant for the Triangle Foundation, is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring June 30, 2008.  He succeeds Scott L. Hickman whose term has expired.

Lori K. Edelson, MSW, ASCW, BCD, LMFT of West Bloomfield, director and owner of Birmingham Maple Clinic, an outpatient mental health clinic, is reappointed to represent licensed marriage and family therapists for a term expiring June 30, 2011. 

Deborah U. Warsh, M.S.W, A.C.S.W. of Bloomfield Hills, clinical social worker and marriage and family therapist with Oakland Family Services in Farmington Hills, is reappointed to represent licensed marriage and family therapists for a term expiring June 30, 2011. 

The Board of Marriage and Family Therapy is responsible for the promulgation of rules to set minimal standards of acceptable practices and to assess penalties for when those standards are not met.  The board is also responsible for the recommendation of licensure to schools or individuals that have passed the designated exam created by the board.

The above 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.

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