June 17, 2011
LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Brian Boyle, John C. Buehler and Robert J. Tjapkes to the Workers' Compensation Board of Magistrates.
The board hears administrative claims for benefits and resolve disputes arising under the Workers' Disability Compensation Act.
"These individuals bring remarkable talent to the board and will use their skills to serve our citizens," Snyder said.
Boyle, of West Bloomfield, is a trial attorney for workers' compensation defense in the Detroit firm of Phifer & White, P.C. He previously served as a trial attorney specializing in negligence defense for Liberty Mutual Insurance. Boyle earned a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and a law degree from Cooley Law School.
Buehler, of Dearborn Heights, is a self-employed attorney and tutor and mentor in the Dearborn Heights School District. He previously served as a pharmaceutical account executive, a licensed property and casualty insurance agent for AAA Michigan and a workers' compensation litigation attorney for Kemper Insurance. Buehler earned a bachelor's degree from Marquette University and a law degree from the University of Dearborn-Mercy.
Tjapkes, of Clarksville, is an attorney advisor in the Social Security Administration in Grand Rapids, where he has served for the last two years. He previously was in private practice in Grand Rapids, worked as staff counsel for Travelers Insurance Co. and was manager of the Christian Reformed Home Missions in Grand Rapids. He earned a bachelor's degree from Calvin College and a law degree from Marquette University.
Boyle, Buehler and Tjapkes all fill existing vacancies and will serve four-year terms expiring Jan. 26, 2015, and are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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