LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following recent appointments and reappointments:

Michigan Soybean Marketing Program Committee

Richard A. Janssens of Monroe, owner of Janssens Farms, is appointed to represent district 3 growers for a term expiring September 23, 2011.  He succeeds Jason J. Woods whose term has expired.

Herbert N. Miller of Niles, owner and manager of Herb Miller Farm, is reappointed to represent district 1 growers for a term expiring September 23, 2011. 

The committee works to improve the economic position of Michigan soybean growers by aiding the industry through research and development, consumer education, promotion and advertising programs.

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 Assessors Board

Allan J. Berg of Rogers City, Belknap Township supervisor and owner and president of Berg Assessing & Consulting, is appointed to represent township supervisors for a term expiring at the pleasure of the governor.  He succeeds Maxine McClelland.

The State Assessors Board is responsible for training and certifying assessing officers, hearing complaints against assessing officers, and determining the level of certified assessors required for each city, township, and county in the state.

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

Strategic Economic Investment and Commercialization Board

Keith W. Cooley of Troy, chief executive officer of Next Energy, is appointed to represent businesses with expertise, knowledge, skill, or experience in venture capital investments, business finance, bringing competitive edge technology products to market, or representing qualified businesses for a term expiring December 31, 2012.  He succeeds James A. Croce whose term has expired.

Mary L. Campbell of Ann Arbor, principal of Enterprise Development Fund,is reappointed to represent businesses with expertise, knowledge, skill, or experience in venture capital investments, business finance, bringing competitive edge technology products to market, or representing a qualified business for a term expiring December 31, 2012.

David E. Cole, Ph.D. of Brutus, chairman of the Center for Automotive Research, is reappointed to represent businesses with expertise, knowledge, skill, or experience in venture capital investments, business finance, bringing competitive edge technology products to market, or representing qualified businesses for a term expiring December 31, 2012.

Lynnette J. Rhodes of Haslett, president of L & S Associates, is appointed to represent businesses with expertise, knowledge, skill, or experience in venture capital investments, business finance, bringing competitive edge technology products to market, or representing qualified businesses for a term expiring December 31, 2012.

Dennis Wend of Marine City, president and chief executive officer of Wend Associates, is reappointed to represent businesses with expertise, knowledge, skill, or experience in venture capital investments, business finance, bringing competitive edge technology products to market, or representing qualified businesses for a term expiring December 31, 2012.

Created as an independent entity within the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Strategic Economic Investment and Commercialization Board oversees the competitive grants and loans to Michigan institutions of higher education, Michigan research institutions, and Michigan nonprofit corporations for competitive edge technology projects. 

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 Transportation Commission

James S. Scalici, a Republican of Bingham Farms, president and owner of American Construction Engineers, is reappointed for a term expiring December 21, 2011. 

Ted B. Wahby, a Democrat of St. Clair Shores, Macomb County treasurer, is reappointed for a term expiring December 21, 2011.

The State Transportation Commission 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 bipartisan 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. 

These 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.

Wayne County Metropolitan Airport Authority
 
Mary L. Zuckerman of Livonia, executive vice president and chief of business operations for Detroit Medical Center, is appointed for a term expiring September 30, 2014.  She succeeds David L. Treadwell whose term has expired.

The authority is responsible for the management and operation of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Willow Run Airport - including the power to plan, promote, extend, maintain, acquire, purchase, construct, improve, repair, enlarge, and operate both airports.

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

Wayne County Airport Authority CEO Lester Robinson offered the following comment on the appointment:  "Mary Zuckerman has excellent analytical skills and a business-like approach to issues and will be a great addition to the authority.  We look forward to working with her."

Worker's Compensation Board of Magistrates

Michael T. Harris of Okemos, magistrate for the Worker's Compensation Board of Magistrates, is reappointed for a term expiring January 26, 2013. 

Timothy M. McAree of Rockford, magistrate for the Worker's Compensation Board of Magistrates, is reappointed for a term expiring January 26, 2013.   

Thomas G. Moher of Sault Ste. Marie, magistrate for the Worker's Compensation Board of Magistrates, is reappointed for a term expiring January 26, 2013. 

Melody A. Paige of Fenton, magistrate for the Worker's Compensation Board of Magistrates, is reappointed for a term expiring January 26, 2013.

Paul M. Purcell of Saginaw, magistrate for the Worker's Compensation Board of Magistrates, is reappointed for a term expiring January 26, 2013.   

George J. Quist of Grand Rapids, magistrate for the Worker's Compensation Board of Magistrates, is reappointed for a term expiring January 26, 2013.

Joy A. Turner of Grosse Pointe Park, magistrate for the Worker's Compensation Board of Magistrates, is reappointed for a term expiring January 26, 2013. 

The Worker's Compensation Board of Magistrates functions within the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth.  The magistrates are responsible for conducting hearings in disputes that arise under the Worker's Disability Compensation Act of 1969 and hear cases related to workers' compensation claims.

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.
  
Michigan Aeronautics Commission

Russell A. Kavalhuna of Lansing, is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring May 27, 2009.  He succeeds Joyce M. Woods who has resigned.

The Michigan Aeronautics Commission is responsible for the general supervision of all aeronautics within the state.  It is empowered by state law to make rules and regulations governing all airports, flight schools, and other aeronautical activities.

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.

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