May 13, 2011
LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today announced appointments to the Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan.
The commission works to develop a unified policy and plan of action to serve the needs of Michigan's Hispanic and Latino communities.
Jeorge Fierro, Gilberto Guevara, Julio Morales and Milinda Ysasi-Castanon are appointed.
"This highly qualified group of individuals will put their knowledge and experience to use as they identify issues and action plans with Michigan's Hispanic/Latino community," Snyder said.
Fierro, of Hamilton, is the director of outreach and special programs for Extended University Programs at Western Michigan University. In that capacity, he develops regional sites as well as programs to support key populations, including military and migrant workers. He also is a part-time instructor in the Family Consumer Sciences Department at Western Michigan University. Fierro currently serves as the president of the Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary. He earned a bachelor's degree from Grand Valley State University and a master's degree from Western Michigan University, where he is also pursuing a Ph.D. He replaces Debra M. Rivera-Ehrmann.
Guevara, of Saginaw, has worked with the Community Action Committee since 1988 to provide a forum to identify and discuss significant community issues by representatives from the major public and private institutions in the Saginaw area. He previously served the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw from 1980 to 2005 and currently sits on the board of the Saginaw Economic Development Corporation. He replaces Michael Lee Espinoza.
Morales, of Byron Center, is the manager of strategy development for Consumers Energy in Jackson where he's responsible for development and implementation of strategic business plans. He earned a bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering technology from Ferris State University and a master's degree in business management from Aquinas College. Morales replaces Ricardo DelRosario Garcia.
Ysasi-Castanon, of Grand Rapids, is a senior human resources generalist at Cascade Engineering, where she has worked since 1999. She has been heavily involved with the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, currently serving as the board chair. She also is a member of the Grand Valley State University Alumni Association Board of Directors. Ysasi-Castanon earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from GVSU and was a fellow of the Michigan Political Leadership Program at Michigan State University. She replaces Leonard Anthony Savala, III.
Appointees will serve three-year terms expiring December 10, 2013, and are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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