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Governor Granholm Announces Appointments to Disability Concerns Commission

September 29, 2009

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following recent appointments, reappointments and designation to the Disability Concerns Commission

Ronald L. Bower of North Branch, retired, is appointed for a term expiring November 30, 2011.

Joseph M. Connelly of Livonia, past state commander for Disabled American Veterans, is appointed for a term expiring November 30, 2012.

Kathy L. Ford of Okemos, teacher and special education instructional specialist with Ingham Intermediate School District, is appointed for a term expiring November 30, 2012.

Miranda M. Grunwell of Portage, independent living support for Disability Network Southwest Michigan, is appointed for a term expiring November 30, 2011.

Mary L. Kelley of Northville, former educator and former chair of Democratic Disability Caucus, is appointed for a term expiring November 30, 2012.

Jeffery A. Lang of Lansing, senior pastor for Southside Church and International Ministries, is appointed for a term expiring November 30, 2011.

Jane P. MacFarlane of Clawson, advocacy worker for Paws with a Cause, is appointed for a term expiring November 30, 2010.

Catherine E. Mercer of Holt, customer service representative for National Passport Information Call Center, Peckham, is appointed for a term expiring November 30, 2009, and is reappointed for a term expiring November 30, 2013.

Dana S. Parker of Birmingham, prevention education and outreach specialist with Gateway Community Health and founder and executive director of Dig My Roots Foundation, is appointed for a term expiring November 30, 2010.

Brian F. Sheridan of Royal Oak, principal with Fusion Medical, is appointed for a term expiring November 30, 2010.

Zachary J. Tomlinson of Clio, accessibility services coordinator for University of Michigan-Flint, is appointed for a term expiring November 30, 2009, and is reappointed for a term expiring November 30, 2013.

Daniel R. Vivian of Lansing, information referral specialist for Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service, is appointed for a term expiring November 30, 2009, and is reappointed for a term expiring November 30, 2013.  He also is designated to serve as Chairperson for a term expiring at the pleasure of the governor. 

Steffanie D. Webster of Farmington, past district director for Little People of America, Inc., is appointed for a term expiring November 30, 2009, and is reappointed for a term expiring November 30, 2013.

The Disability Concerns Commission advocates for the rights and concerns of Michigan's 1.9 million citizens with disabilities and provides information and technical assistance for employers and state and local government.  Commissioners serve in an advisory capacity to provide perspectives of people with disabilities, the business community, and professional service providers.

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

The commission's first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2009, in Lansing.

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