February 3, 2004

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced appointments to the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates and the Workers’ Compensation Appellate Commission.

The Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates functions within the Department of Labor and Economic Growth. Pursuant to Executive Order 2003-18, the number of magistrates was reduced from 30 to 26. 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.

Appointments to the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates include:

Christopher Ambrose of East Lansing, associate attorney at Sachs, Waldman, P.C. Mr. Ambrose is appointed for a term expiring January 26, 2007. He succeeds Cynthia Johnson whose term has expired

Jack Nolish of Huntington Woods, attorney at Meklir, Nolish, Friedman and Associates, P.C. Mr. Nolish is appointed for a term expiring January 26, 2007. He succeeds Jerome Solomon whose term has expired

Paul Reinhardt of East Grand Rapids, attorney at Reinhardt and Company, Attorneys and Counselors. Mr. Reinhardt is appointed for a term expiring January 26, 2007. He succeeds Richard Hedstrom whose term has expired

Rosemary Kozielski Wolock of Royal Oak, attorney in private practice. Ms. Wolock is appointed for a term expiring January 26, 2007. She succeeds John Rabaut whose term has expired

Michael Barney of Dearborn Heights is reappointed for a term expiring January 26, 2007.

Valencia Jarvis, of Southfield, is reappointed for a term expiring January 26, 2007.

Pursuant to Executive Order 2003-18, the former seven-member appellate commission was abolished and a new five-member commission was created. This commission has statutory authority to review and hear appeals of decisions and orders made by the workers’ compensation magistrates and to promulgate rules to amend its administrative appellate procedures. It also has the authority to review orders of the administrator and hearing referees of the Workers’ Compensation Agency.

Workers’ Compensation Appellate Commission appointments are:

Martha Glaser of Farmington Hills, attorney, Martha M. Glaser Law Office. Ms. Glaser is appointed for a term expiring September 30, 2006.

James Kent of East Lansing. Mr. Kent is appointed for a term expiring September 30, 2007. Mr. Kent also served on the former appellate commission.

Richard Leslie of Whitmore Lake. Mr. Leslie is appointed for a term expiring September 30, 2005. Mr. Leslie also served on the former appellate commission.

William Reamon, Jr., of Grand Rapids, attorney at Reamon, Fotieo, Szczytko & Fedewa, P.C. Mr. Reamon is appointed for a term expiring September 30, 2006.

Rodger Will of Grosse Ile, attorney at Kelman, Loria, Will, Harvey & Thompson in Wayne County. Mr. Will is appointed for a term expiring September 30, 2006.

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

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