September 10, 2007

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following recent appointments and reappointments to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, the State Transportation Commission, the General Industry Safety Standards Commission, and the Michigan Board of Physical Therapy:

Michigan State Housing Development Authority

Ismael Ahmed of Dearborn, director of the Department of Human Services, is appointed to represent principal heads of the executive branch of state government for a term expiring at the pleasure of the governor.  He succeeds Marianne Udow-Phillips who has resigned.

Marianne Udow-Phillips of Ann Arbor, director of the Center for Healthcare Quality and Transformation and former director of the Department of Human Services, is appointed to represent Democrats for a term expiring March 10, 2011.  She succeeds Bernard S. Glieberman whose term has expired. 

Archie L. Clark of Ecorse, president and CEO of Progressive Parking LTD, is appointed to represent Democrats for a term expiring March 10, 2011. 

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), a bi-partisan entity, provides financial and technical assistance through public and private partnerships to create and preserve decent, affordable housing for low- and moderate-income Michigan residents.  MSHDA's loans and operating expenses are financed through the sale of tax-exempt and taxable bonds and notes to private investors, not from state tax revenues.  Proceeds of the bonds and notes are loaned at below-market interest rates to developers of rental housing and also help to fund home mortgages and improvement loans. 

These appointments are subject to Section 6 of Article V of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963.  They stand confirmed unless disapproved by the Michigan Senate within 60 days.

State Transportation Commission

Jerrold M. Jung of Birmingham, an Independent and president of Michigan CAT, is appointed for a term expiring December 21, 2009.  He succeeds Vincent J. Brennan who has resigned.

The State Transportation Commission, a bipartisan entity, establishes policies for the Department of Transportation, its programs and facilities, and other public works of the state as provided by law.  Responsibilities of the commission include the development and implementation of comprehensive transportation plans for the entire state, providing professional and technical assistance, and overseeing the administration of state and federal funds allocated for these programs.

This appointment is subject to Section 6 of Article V of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963.  It stands confirmed unless disapproved by the Michigan Senate within 60 days.

General Industry Safety Standards Commission

AJ Hale Jr. of Marshall, EHS engineer III with Tenneco Automotive, is appointed to represent employers in the private sector for a term expiring March 26, 2009.  He succeeds Michael L. Eckert who has resigned.

Elizabeth M. Koto of Grosse Pointe, city planner for the city of St. Clair Shores, is appointed to represent the management of public employers of the state for a term expiring March 26, 2008.  She succeeds George A. Reamer who has resigned.

Dwayne F. Betcher of Allegan, library assistant for the Herrick District Library in Holland, is reappointed to represent public employees of the state for a term expiring March 26, 2007.

Thomas J. Pytlik of Bay City, environmental health and safety delivery specialist for Dow Chemical Company, is reappointed to represent the management of principle industries in the state for a term expiring March 26, 2010. 

The General Industry Safety Standards Commission is responsible for promulgating standards in accordance with the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act to prevent accidents in places of employment and to protect the lives and safety of employees.

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 Board of Physical Therapy

Linda M. Thomas-Pilarczyk of Parma, is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 21, 2007, and expiring December 31, 2011.  She succeeds Terry G. Bennett whose term has expired.

Sandra L. Maes of Harrison Township, administrator of Orthopedic Therapy Inc., is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring December 31, 2009.

The Michigan Board of Physical Therapy was created by Act 164 of 1965.  Pursuant to Act 368 of 1978, the board provides for the licensure and examination of persons prior to their entry into the practice of physical therapy.

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

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