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Governor Granholm Announces Recent Appointments, Reappointments

December 8, 2009

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

Michigan Cherry Marketing Program Committee

Brian N. Altonen of Kewadin, co-owner of Altonen Farms, is appointed to represent District 1 tart cherry growers for a term expiring February 1, 2012.  He succeeds John King whose term has expired.

James E. Nugent of Suttons Bay, partner with Sunblossom Orchards, is appointed to represent District 1 tart cherry growers for a term expiring February 1, 2012.  He succeeds Jeffrey Send whose term has expired.

The Michigan Cherry Marketing Program Committee is charged to administer the Michigan Cherry Promotion and Development Program.

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

Michigan Board of Dentistry

John A. Molinari, Ph.D. of Northville, professor with the Department of Biomedical Sciences for the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring June 30, 2013.  He succeeds Faiz Khan whose term has expired.

William D. Wright, D.D.S. of Lansing, retired dentist, is appointed to represent dentists for a term expiring June 30, 2013.  He succeeds Charles Marinelli whose term has expired.

Lawrence M. Haber, D.D.S. of Commerce Township, adjunct clinical associate professor with the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, is reappointed to represent dentists for a term expiring June 30, 2013.

Joanne A. Hodder of Grand Rapids, on-call dental hygienist, is reappointed to represent dental hygienists for a term expiring June 30, 2013.

The Michigan Board of Dentistry is responsible for the licensure and examination of persons prior to their entry into the practice of dentistry, dental hygiene, or dental assisting in Michigan and for the certification of dental specialists.

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.

Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Board and MEDC Executive Committee

Jeff J. Metts of Charlotte, president of Dowding Industries, Inc., is appointed to the MEDC Executive Committee to represent the private sector for a term expiring April 5, 2012.  Mr. Metts is also appointed to the MEDC board for a term expiring at the pleasure of the governor.  He succeeds Frederick W. Hoffman who has resigned.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation Board authorizes and approves the annual audit and evaluates the performance of the MEDC.  The MEDC Executive Committee oversees the corporation and the CEO of the corporation.

These appointments are not subject to disapproval by the Michigan Senate.

Health Information Technology Commission

Dennis A. Swan of Okemos, president and CEO of Sparrow Hospital and Health System, is appointed to represent hospitals for a term expiring August 3, 2013.  He succeeds Jeanne M. Strickland whose term has expired.

Toshiki Masaki of Canton, public policy manager with Ford Motor Co., is reappointed to represent purchasers or employers for a term expiring August 3, 2013. 

Mark E. Notman, Ph.D. of East Lansing, associate professor, executive director of administrative services, and chief technical officer for the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, is reappointed to represent schools of medicine in Michigan for a term expiring August 3, 2013. 

The Health Information Technology Commission facilitates and promotes the design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of interoperable health care information infrastructures in this state.

These appointments are not subject to disapproval by the Michigan Senate.

State Plumbing Board

Daniel A. Nixon of Richmond, business representative for Plumbers Local 98, is appointed to represent licensed journey plumbers for a term expiring June 30, 2012.  He succeeds Richard S. Gaber who has resigned.

Ronald M. Krochmalny of Dearborn Heights, retired carpenter, is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring June 30, 2011.  He succeeds Charlie Whipple who has resigned.

The State Plumbing Board licenses plumbers in the state and makes recommendations regarding plumbing related rules.

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

Michigan Soybean Marketing Program Committee

Mark L. Bierlein of Reese, self-employed farmer and manager of Bierlein Seed, Inc., is reappointed to represent district 5 growers for a term expiring September 23, 2012.

Richard A. Welden of Jonesville, owner and operator of Welden Farm, is reappointed to represent district 2 growers for a term expiring September 23, 2012.

James E. Wilson of Yale, owner of Wilson Bros., is reappointed to represent district 4 growers for a term expiring September 23, 2012.

The Michigan Soybean Marketing Program Committee works to improve the economic position of Michigan soybean growers by aiding the industry through consumer education and promotion and advertising programs.

These 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.

Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs

T. Michael Jackson of Traverse City, retired global director of corporate relations for Dow Corning Corp., is appointed for a term expiring September 1, 2011.  He succeeds James Garavaglia whose term has expired.

Steve H. Tobocman of Detroit, managing member of New Solutions Group LLC and former state representative, is appointed for a term expiring September 1, 2012.  He succeeds George N'Namdi whose term has expired.

Vickie Metz Wagner of Three Oaks, director of development with the University of Notre Dame Institute of Latino Studies, is appointed for a term expiring September 1, 2012.  She succeeds Craig Ruff who has resigned.

Melonie B. Colaianne of Northville, president of Masco Foundation and director of corporate affairs with Masco Corporation, is reappointed for a term expiring September 1, 2012.

Steven M. Horn of Beverly Hills, owner and consultant for Nonprofits Profit Consulting, is reappointed for a term expiring September 1, 2012.  He is also designated to serve as chairperson for a term expiring at the pleasure of the governor.

Cindy Ornstein of Flint, president and CEO of Flint Cultural Center Corp., is reappointed for a term expiring September 1, 2011.

Vivian Rogers Pickard of Bloomfield Hills, director of corporate relations with General Motors Corp., is reappointed for a term expiring September 1, 2011.

Mark T. Putney of Hickory Corners, retired owner of Putney Company, is reappointed for a term expiring September 1, 2011.

The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs serves to encourage, develop and facilitate an enriched environment of artistic, creative and cultural activity in Michigan.

These appointments are not subject to disapproval by the Michigan Senate.

State Boundary Commission

Cameron G. Priebe of Taylor, former mayor of the city of Taylor, is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring November 15, 2012.

The State Boundary Commission has the authority for annexation, incorporation, and consolidation processes involving local units of government.

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

Data Collection Agency Governing Board

John W. Schrock of Grand Ledge, assistant administrator of self-insurers programs for the Bureau of Workers' and Unemployment Compensation, is reappointed to represent the executive branch of state government for a term expiring December 31, 2010.

The Data Collection Agency Governing Board is responsible for the determination of workers' compensation data requirements for establishing workers' disability compensation insurance rates.

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

Michigan Juvenile Accountability Block Grant Advisory Board

John S. Ange of Port Huron, chief of the juvenile division and assistant prosecutor with the Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, is appointed to represent county prosecutors or assistant county prosecutors for a term expiring December 31, 2011.

William L. Federspiel of Saginaw, Saginaw County sheriff, is appointed to represent county sheriffs or deputy sheriffs for a term expiring December 31, 2012.

Wassim B. Mahfouz of Dearborn Heights, Wayne County executive assistant, is appointed to represent nonprofit, religious, or community groups for a term expiring December 31, 2010.

K.P. Pelleran of Lansing, state director of Fight Crime: Invest in Kids - Michigan, is appointed to represent nonprofit, nongovernmental victim advocacy organizations for a term expiring December 31, 2012.

Hon. Michelle M. Rick of St. Johns, judge of the 29th Circuit Court, is appointed to represent judges of the circuit court with active responsibility for cases involving family law and juvenile justice for a term expiring December 31, 2013.

The Michigan Juvenile Accountability Block Grant Advisory Board is required by the federal government to serve as the oversight and advisory body for federal juvenile justice funds.  It serves as the advisory body for the state's juvenile offenders, including alternatives to incarceration, pretrial services, expeditious handling of juvenile cases, prosecution of violent juvenile offenders, training programs for those involved with juveniles and their families.

These appointments are not subject to disapproval by the Michigan Senate.

Library of Michigan Board of Trustees

Barbara D. Bartlett of Traunik, library media director with Superior Central Public Schools, is reappointed to represent librarians from public or private K-12 systems for a term expiring October 1, 2012.

Elaine M. Logan of Ann Arbor, member of the Special Libraries Association and library director at Eastern Michigan University, is reappointed to represent librarians from special libraries for a term expiring October 1, 2012.  

The Library of Michigan Board of Trustees serves in an advisory capacity to the Michigan Department of Education. 

These reappointments are not subject to disapproval by the Michigan Senate.

Michigan Tobacco Settlement Finance Authority Board of Directors

Charlotte P. Edwards of Flint, community development officer with Citizen's Bank, is reappointed to represent individuals with knowledge, skill, or experience in the business or financial fields for a term expiring December 15, 2013.

The Michigan Tobacco Settlement Finance Authority is charged with issuing bonds secured by a pledge of a percentage of tobacco settlement proceeds, which are used to finance projects under the 21st Century Jobs Fund, and make deposits to the state school aid fund and the general fund.

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

Michigan Parole and Commutation Board

Robert S. Aguirre of Otisville, trainer advisor for Pacific Architects & Engineers Group, is appointed for a term expiring November 30, 2013.  He succeeds Lisa Gettys whose term will expire.

Ted R. Hammon of Burton, former state representative, is appointed for a term expiring November 30, 2013.  He succeeds David Fountain whose term will expire.

John Sullivan of Northville, current Parole and Commutation Board member, is reappointed for a term expiring November 30, 2013.

Sonia Amos Warchock of Jackson, current Parole and Commutation Board member, is reappointed for a term expiring November 30, 2013.

The Michigan Parole and Commutation Board, recently reorganized by Executive Order 2009-5, is charged with conducting and administering effective implementation of the corrections policy and reviewing and considering parole and commutation requests.

These appointments are not subject to disapproval by the Michigan Senate.

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