Appointments made to Michigan Quality Community Care Council board

LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today announced seven appointments to the Michigan Quality Community Care Council board of directors.

Established in 2004 through an interlocal agreement between the Michigan Department of Community Health and the Tri-County Aging Consortium, the 11-member council provides effective and efficient personal assistance services for in-home health care programs.

"These appointees bring outstanding, diverse experiences to the council, and I am confident they will do great work on behalf of the state's home health care industry and the citizens it serves," said Snyder.

Letty Azar, of Harrison Township, is vice president of corporate development for Residential Home Health and Hospice. Previously, she served as regional director of operations and professional services liaison for Ciena Healthcare Management Inc., and held various positions with Toledo-based HCR ManorCare. Azar holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in counseling, both from Oakland University. She will represent consumer representatives and replaces Verna Spayth.

Michael Damstra, of Spring Lake, is owner and president of CareLinc Medical Equipment and Supply, a business he founded in 1997. Previously, he served as vice president and general manager of Purity Cylinder Gasses/Airway Oxygen, where he worked for 23 years. Damstra serves as vice chairman of the Metro Health Foundation's executive committee and as a board member for the Hospice of Michigan Foundation. He will represent consumer representatives and replaces Eric Thomas.

Wynn Esterline, of Manitou Beach, is owner of Adrian-based Home Instead Senior Care, a small business he opened in 2000. He is a member and legislative chair of the National Private Duty Association's Michigan Chapter board of directors. Esterline holds a bachelor's degree in communication from Arizona State University. He will represent consumer representatives and replaces Scott Heinzman.

Russ Knopp, of Traverse City, is owner and operator of Comfort Keepers of Northwest Michigan. He formerly owned Choice Connections, a senior housing placement advisory service. Knopp is a founding member of the National Private Duty Association's Michigan Chapter and a member and former chair of the Bay Area Senior Advocates. He received a bachelor's degree in marketing from the University of Toledo. Knopp will represent consumer representatives and replaces Houwyda Fawaz-Anouti.

Janice Lampman, of Midland, is executive director of The Arc of Midland, a position she has held since 2001. With the organization, where she has worked since 1993, she previously oversaw the personal assistance services division, and served as coordinator of the self-determination initiative. Lampman holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Saginaw Valley State University. She will represent consumer advocates and replaces Dohn Hoyle.

Tina Abbate Marzolf, of Auburn Hills, is chief executive officer of the Southfield-based Area Agency on Aging 1-B, where she has worked since 1992. Previously, she held the positions of aging services community planner and director of contracted and purchased services. Marzolf is secretary of the Area Agency on Aging Association of Michigan, and is a member of the Michigan State Senior Mobility Workgroup. She earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Michigan and a master's degree in administration from Central Michigan University. Marzolf will represent consumer advocates and replaces Tammy Sue Finn.

Lodewyk "Lody" Zwarensteyn, of Kentwood, is president and CEO of Grand Rapids-based Alliance for Health, where he has worked since 1972. Previously, he held positions with Davenport University, Ferris State University and Grand Valley State University. Zwarensteyn is a member of the Grand Rapids African-American Health Institute's board of directors, the Greater Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce's health policy committee and the Kent County Children's Health Access Advisory Council. He received bachelor's and master's degrees in geography from Michigan State University. Zwarensteyn will represent consumer representatives and replaces Sara Harrison.

Michigan Department of Community Health Director Jim Haveman and Michigan Department of Human Services Director Maura Corrigan also were named to the council board of directors.

Appointees will serve terms at the pleasure of the governor, and their appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

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