Snyder appoints members to Elevator Safety Board

LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today appointed Donald Purdie Jr. and Mark Smith to the Elevator Safety Board.

The board was created to promulgate rules, prepare examinations of inspectors and issue elevator contractor licenses.

"Donald and Mark bring extensive professional experience to the board and I appreciate their commitment to ensuring the safety of Michigan elevators," Snyder said.

Purdie, of Davisburg, is the vice president of Detroit Elevator Co., where he is responsible for governmental compliance, employment and personnel policy, human resources and pension planning. He holds multiple licenses including state of Michigan Class ‘A' Elevator Contractor, state of Michigan Elevator Journeyperson and National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities Certified Elevator Inspector. Purdie currently serves on the Construction Association of Michigan's board of directors. He previously served on the Chesterfield Township Library Board of Trustees and as president of the Chesterfield Township Parks and Recreation Board. Purdie represents elevator manufacturers and replaces Patrick Carroll.

Smith, of Muskegon, is the director of commercial lines underwriting at Hastings Mutual Insurance Co. and has 26 years of experience working in commercial insurance. He manages all commercial lines including field underwriters in all states of operation, loss control and audit. Smith previously served as a commercial affinity specialist for Hartford Insurance Co. in Grand Rapids. He earned a bachelor's degree in business management from Ferris State University. Smith represents insurance companies that are authorized to insure elevators and replaces Steven Lindsay.

Appointees will serve four-year terms expiring July 22, 2015, and are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

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