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Governor Granholm Announces Recent Appointments

May 19, 2010

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

Michigan Aeronautics Commission

Russell A. Kavalhuna of Grand Rapids, assistant United States attorney, is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring May 27, 2013.

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

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.

Commission on Services to the Aging

William H. Walters IV of Brown City, retired, is appointed for a term expiring July 28, 2013.  He succeeds Rose Gill whose term will expire.

Owen F. Bieber of Byron Center, retired, is reappointed for a term expiring July 28, 2013.

Kathleen L. Johnston-Calati of Lansing, retired, is reappointed for a term expiring
July 28, 2013.

Janice A.B. Wilson of Fraser, retired, is reappointed for a term expiring July 28, 2013.

James C. Wright of Springfield, retired, is reappointed for a term expiring July 28, 2013.

The Commission on Services to the Aging advises the Office of Services to the Aging, the governor, and the Legislature on matters related to policies and programs for older and aging persons in Michigan.  The commission also promotes senior citizen interests within state government and communities.

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

Michigan Apple Marketing Program Committee

Tony R. Blattner of Lowell, partner of Twin Bee Orchard, LLC, is appointed to represent District 4 Growers for a term expiring April 1, 2013. 
He succeeds Julia Hersey whose term has expired.

Scott W. Lewis of New Era, owner of Lewis Orchards, is reappointed to represent District 5 Growers for a term expiring April 1, 2013.

The Michigan Apple Marketing Program Committee is responsible for supporting and creating greater marketing opportunities for the apple industry through advertising, promotion, and research.

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

Michigan Board of Auctioneers

Marian L. Novak of Northville, organizer for Michigan Teamsters Joint Council #43, is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring October 1, 2013.  She succeeds Don Hiltunen whose term has expired.

Gwyneth E. Besner of Acme, owner and president of Besner Auction & Realty, LLC and the Acme Institute, Inc., is reappointed to represent registered auctioneers for a term expiring October 1, 2014.

Michael J. Ferency of St. Johns, attorney at law, is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring October 1, 2014.

Bradley A. Stoecker of Dansville, member of Stoecker Auction Service, LLC, is reappointed to represent registered auctioneers for a term expiring October 1, 2013.

The Michigan Board of Auctioneers oversees ethical practices as they relate to the business of conducting auctions and assists the Department of Energy, Labor, and Economic Growth in the registration of auctioneers.

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

Commission for the Blind 
 
John C. Scott of Detroit, attorney in private practice and Detroit Chapter president for the National Federation of the Blind, is appointed to represent blind persons for a term expiring September 30, 2011.  He succeeds Velma Allen who has resigned.

Michael S. Geno of Port Huron, student center technology specialist at St. Clair County Community College and former president of the Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired, is reappointed to represent blind persons for a term expiring September 30, 2013.

Margaret Wolfe of Ann Arbor, retired librarian coordinator at the Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled, is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring September 30, 2013.

The Michigan Commission for the Blind works to promote vocational opportunities and provide individual support and care for Michigan's blind constituents.

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

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Board of Directors

Gerald H. Acker of Huntington Woods, senior partner with Goodman Acker, P.C. law firm, is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring February 18, 2012.  He succeeds Teola P. Hunter whose term has expired.

James G. Agee of Laingsburg, president of J.G. Agee Consultants, LLC, is reappointed to represent the general public and retired individuals 62 years of age or older for a term expiring February 18, 2012.

John M. Hamilton of Bloomfield Hills, business manager and international vice president of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 324, is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring February 18, 2012.

Emery I. Klein of Southfield, co-owner and general manager of Klein Properties, is reappointed to represent the general public and retired individuals 62 years of age or older for a term expiring February 18, 2012.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Board of Directors exercises authority and power necessary to carry out the lawful purposes of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Corporation.  It also develops policies that benefit the quality, cost, and availability to Blue Cross Blue Shield members.

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

Board of Boiler Rules

Amante Lanzon of Mt. Clemens, president of the Detroit Boiler Company, is appointed to represent boiler repair contractors for a term expiring June 30, 2014.  He succeeds Jason Jackard whose term will expire.

R. Kim Black of Grand Haven, president of Johnston Boiler Company, is reappointed to represent fire tube boiler manufacturers for a term expiring June 30, 2014.

Michael K. Muterspaugh of Eau Claire, jurisdictional inspector supervisor of FM Global, is reappointed to represent boiler insurance companies for a term expiring June 30, 2014.

The Board of Boiler Rules formulates definitions and rules for the safe construction, installation, inspection, and repair of boilers in this state.

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

Michigan Cherry Marketing Program Committee

Michael A. DeRuiter of Hart, vice president of DeRuiter Farms, is appointed to represent district 2 tart cherry growers for a term expiring February 1, 2013.  He succeeds Todd Fox whose term has expired.

Daryl K. Peterson of Ludington, president and owner of Bushel Basket Orchards, Inc., is reappointed to represent district 2 sweet cherry growers for a term expiring February 1, 2013.

Marc C. Willmeng of Watervliet, farm manager for Willmeng Farms, is reappointed to represent district 3 tart cherry growers for a term expiring February 1, 2013.

The Michigan Cherry Marketing Program Committee is responsible for supporting and creating greater marketing opportunities for the cherry industry through advertising, promotion, and research.

These appointments are subject to Section 6 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963.  They stand confirmed unless disapproved by the Michigan Senate within 60 days.
 
State Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board

Ronnie J. Boji of Orchard Lake, president of Boji Group, LLC, is appointed to represent the business community for a term expiring December 19, 2012.  He succeeds Rebecca Bahar-Cook whose term has expired.

Lisa R. Canada of Ferndale, political and legislative director for the International Union of Operating Engineers, is appointed to represent organized labor for a term expiring December 19, 2012.  She succeeds Anita Fox whose term has expired.

Mark A. Davidoff of West Bloomfield, partner with Deloitte Financial Advisory Services, LLP, is appointed to represent the business community for a term expiring December 19, 2012.  He succeeds Nancy Moody whose term has expired.

Cynthia K. Williams of East Lansing, executive director of the Michigan Educational Special Services Association (MESSA) and current member of the State Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board, is designated to serve as chairperson for a term expiring at the pleasure of the governor. 

The State Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board, also known as the ‘Children's Trust Fund,' is responsible for developing a plan to distribute funds to statewide education programs that work to develop awareness of child abuse and neglect.

These appointments are subject to Section 6 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963.  They stand confirmed unless disapproved by the Michigan Senate within 60 days.
 
Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity

Trina R. Shanks, PhD of Detroit, assistant professor of social work at the University of Michigan, is appointed to represent the private sector for a term expiring June 21, 2011.  She succeeds Sheilah Clay who has resigned.

William A. Reder of Auburn, Auburn city commissioner, is appointed to represent elected public officials for a term expiring June 21, 2011.  He succeeds Karol Bolton who has resigned.

The Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity provides an opportunity for low-income persons to actively participate in the development of policies and programs to reduce poverty.

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

Correctional Officers' Training Council

Timothy M. Eklin of Grand Blanc, associate dean of education and human service at Baker College of Flint, is reappointed to represent the academic community for a term expiring March 29, 2013.

Andrew C. Potter of Lake Odessa, vice president of the Michigan Corrections Organization, is reappointed to represent state corrections officers for a term expiring March 29, 2013.

The Correctional Officers' Training Council establishes standards and requirements regarding the training and education of state and local correctional officers.

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

Michigan Dairy Marketing Program Committee

Daniel Van Dyke of Marne, co-owner of J&J Dairy, Inc., is appointed to represent independent milk cooperatives for a term expiring December 31, 2012.  He succeeds John Pell whose term has expired.

Timothy C. Hood of Paw Paw, owner of Hood Farms, is reappointed to represent the Michigan Milk Producers Association for a term expiring December 31, 2012.

Daniel M. Javor of Hastings, partner of Burdock Hill Dairy, LLC, is reappointed to represent the Michigan Milk Producers Association for a term expiring December 31, 2012.

Gerald A. Neyer of Shepherd, owner and manager of Neyer Farms, Inc., is reappointed to represent the Michigan Farm Bureau for a term expiring December 31, 2012.

Kenneth P. Nobis of St. Johns, partner of Nobis Dairy Farms, is reappointed to represent the Michigan Milk Producers Association for a term expiring December 31, 2012.

The Michigan Dairy Marketing Program Committee's main focus is on research and promotion of the dairy market within the state.

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

Elevator Safety Board

Richard A. Egerer of Livonia, business manager of the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local #36, is reappointed to represent elevator contractor unions for a term expiring July 22, 2014.

David L. Flint of Fenton, foreman of the elevator shop at the University of Michigan, is reappointed to represent elevator owners and lessees for a term expiring July 22, 2014.

Eric P. Thomas of Flint, president of Miscellaneous Records, Inc., is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring July 22, 2014.

The Elevator Safety Board responsibilities include the promulgation of rules, preparation of examinations, and issuance of elevator contractor licenses.

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

Committee on Juvenile Justice

Francisco A. Villarruel, PhD of East Lansing, university outreach and engagement senior fellow and professor in human development and family studies at Michigan State University, is appointed to represent persons with special experience and competence in addressing problems related to school violence and vandalism and alternatives to suspension and expulsion for a term expiring March 15, 2012.  He succeeds Marilyn Latterman who has resigned.

M. Chiquita McKenzie-Bennett of Detroit, financial aid coordinator and counselor at Marygrove College, is reappointed to represent persons with special experience and competence in addressing problems related to school violence and vandalism and alternatives to suspension and expulsion for a term expiring March 15, 2012. 

The Committee on Juvenile Justice was organized in 1974 as an independent state-level body to provide leadership and policy direction for administration of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Act in Michigan.  The committee participates in the development and review of the federally-required Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Plan, and advises the Department of Human Services and the governor on matters relating to the juvenile justice system in this state to ensure compliance with federal program requirements under the act.

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

Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards

Christopher M. Luty of Sanford, president of the Michigan State Police Troopers Association, is appointed to represent individuals submitted by the Michigan State Police Troopers Association for a term expiring November 1, 2013.  He succeeds Michael Moorman whose term has expired.

John P. Buczek, III of Saginaw, executive director of Michigan Fraternal Order of Police, is reappointed to represent individuals submitted by the Michigan Chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police for a term expiring November 1, 2013.

Richard A. Mattice of Jenison, chief of police at the Kentwood Police Department, is reappointed to represent individuals submitted by the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police for a term expiring November 1, 2013.

Frederick F. Timpner of Farmington Hills, executive director of the Michigan Association of Police, is reappointed to represent individuals nominated by the Michigan Association of Police for a term expiring November 1, 2013.

Gene L. Wriggelsworth of Lansing, Ingham County sheriff, is reappointed to represent individuals submitted by the Michigan Sheriffs' Association for a term expiring November 1, 2013.

The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards oversees all law enforcement training funds and criminal justice training funds in Michigan.  The commission's main focus is on increasing the availability of formal in-service training; increasing the number of officers receiving training as well as on the institution of law enforcement training standards; the implementation of a web-based information system available to all law enforcement; and awarding training grants that advance the objectives of the commission.

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

Betty M. Blackburne of Newport, board of director and vice president of the Manufactured Homeowners Legislative Association of Michigan, is reappointed to represent residents of a licensed mobile home park having 100 or more sites for a term expiring May 9, 2013.

Kathy M. Edwards-Johnson of Belding, general manager of Northern Properties, LLC, is reappointed to represent operators of a licensed mobile home park having 100 or more sites for a term expiring May 9, 2013.

David P. Hagey of Buchanan, director of marketing of Fairmont Homes, is reappointed to represent manufacturers of mobile homes for a term expiring May 9, 2013.

Pete L. Hennard of Prescott, Ogemaw County commissioner, is reappointed to represent an elected official of a local government for a term expiring May 9, 2013.

Mark M. Raukar of Sylvan Lake, president of Little Valley Homes, Inc., is reappointed to represent operators of a licensed mobile home park having less than 100 sites for a term expiring May 9, 2013.

Jerome A. Ruggirello of Northville, CEO of AJR Development, is reappointed to represent operators of a licensed mobile home park having 100 or more sites for a term expiring May 9, 2013.

The Manufactured Housing Commission is responsible for establishing a uniform policy relating to all phases of manufactured housing businesses, manufactured housing parks, and seasonal manufactured housing parks.

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

Duane E. Branch of Grass Lake, owner of Debar Consultants, is reappointed to represent licensed master plumbers securing permits for a term expiring June 30, 2013.

The State Plumbing Board makes recommendations per the plumbing code rules and licenses plumbers in the state.

This appointment 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.
 
Public School Employees' Retirement Board

Jonathon R. Fielbrandt of Clarkston, chemistry teacher at Sterling Heights High School of Warren Consolidated Schools, is appointed to represent classroom teachers or other certified school personnel for a term expiring March 30, 2013.  He succeeds Martha Pichla whose term has expired.

Timothy A. Raymer of Grand Rapids, assistant superintendent for finance and operations for Forest Hills Public Schools, is appointed to represent a school finance or operations manager who is not a superintendant for a term expiring March 30, 2012.  He succeeds Richard Montcalm who has resigned.

Susan W. Meston, PhD of Spring Lake, superintendent of Muskegon Area Intermediate School District, is reappointed to represent school superintendents for a term expiring March 30, 2013.

Diana R. Osborn of Muskegon, dean of administrative services for Muskegon Community College, is reappointed to represent active or retired non-certified support personnel for a term expiring March 30, 2013.

The Michigan Public School Employees' Retirement Board provides oversight of the Michigan public school employees' retirement system.

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

Ski Area Safety Board

Richard D. Starkey of Sanford, retired president and CEO of Community Hospital Services, is reappointed to represent the Lower Peninsula general public with ski experience for a term expiring June 8, 2014.

Arnold "Jim" Vander Spoel of Ironwood, supervisor of operations for the Mt. Zion ski area at Gogebic Community College, is reappointed to represent the Upper Peninsula general public with ski experience for a term expiring June 8, 2014.

The Ski Area Safety Board is responsible for protecting the public using ski areas and lifts by providing for the safe construction, installation, repair, use, operation, maintenance, and inspection of all ski areas and ski lifts.

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

Michigan Tax Tribunal

Marcus L. Abood of Lansing, president and owner of Abood Appraisal Co., is appointed to represent real estate appraisers for a term commencing April 26, 2010, and is reappointed for a term expiring June 30, 2014.  He succeeds Richard Southern who has resigned.

Steven H. Lasher of Lake, shareholder with Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C., is appointed to represent members at large for a term expiring June 30, 2014.  He succeeds Rachel Ashbury whose term will expire.

The Tax Tribunal hears appeals from taxpayers who are aggrieved by ad valorem property tax assessments, special assessments, equalization, allocation, and apportionment under the general property tax laws. The tribunal also has jurisdiction over determinations issued by the Michigan Department of Treasury concerning income tax; sales, use, and withholding taxes; single business tax; motor fuel tax; and intangible and inheritance taxes.

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

Michigan Travel Commission

Frank D. Ettawageshik of Harbor Springs, executive director of the United Tribes of Michigan, is reappointed to represent the private sector of the travel, tourism, and recreation industry for a term expiring August 20, 2013.

Judy Z. Keller of Frankenmuth, owner and president of the Bavarian Inn Lodge, is reappointed to represent the private sector of the travel, tourism, and recreation industry for a term expiring August 20, 2013.

Patricia E. Mooradian of Bloomfield Hills, president of The Henry Ford, is reappointed to represent persons experienced in the travel, tourism, and recreation industry or a related field for a term expiring August 20, 2013.

Jerry L. Preston of Flint, president of the Flint Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, is reappointed to represent the travel industry for a term expiring August 20, 2013.

The Michigan Travel Commission is responsible for assisting Travel Michigan in developing a comprehensive, long-range master plan for tourism.  Travel Michigan is an agency housed within the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to promote tourism within the state of Michigan.

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

Jacqueline A. El-Sayed, PhD of Bloomfield Hills, associate professor of engineering at Kettering University, is reappointed to represent 4-year colleges or universities for a term expiring August 4, 2011.

Walter G. Heinritzi of Lansing, executive director of the Michigan Trucking Association, is reappointed to represent the Michigan Trucking Association for a term expiring August 4, 2011.

Thomas W. O'Brien of Fremont, director of the Lakeshore Business and Industrial Service Center at Muskegon Community College, is reappointed to represent Michigan Community Colleges for a term expiring August 4, 2011.

James C. Parrinello of Macomb Township, organizer for Teamsters Joint Council #43, is reappointed to represent organized labor for a term expiring August 4, 2011.

David G. Zick of Bloomfield Hills, president of Group Associates, Inc., is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring August 4, 2011.

The Michigan Truck Safety Commission is responsible for the expenditures of the Truck Safety Fund grants, works to enhance truck and truck driver safety through education and training, and initiates data collection and research on truck safety related issues.

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