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Community Service Commission appointments made

Monday, Oct. 24, 2011

LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today announced six appointments and three reappointments to the 25-member Michigan Community Service Commission, which works to create and strengthen a culture of service and volunteerism.

Snyder is attending the annual Governor's Service Awards ceremony tonight to help honor and celebrate the exemplary efforts of volunteers and the positive difference they make in communities across Michigan. Live streaming coverage of the ceremony can be found online starting at 7 p.m.   

"I am confident these appointees will do an outstanding job as they work to promote and enhance volunteerism and community service throughout Michigan," Snyder said. "They each bring unique skills and experiences to the commission and I look forward to their contributions."

Appointments:
Julie Calley, of Portland, serves as an Ionia County Commissioner. She also serves as a member of the Community Mental Health Board, the Board of Public Works and the Community Corrections Board in the county. Calley earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Northwood University. She will represent experts in the delivery of human, educational, environmental or public safety services to communities and persons. Calley replaces Daniel Mulhern.

Michael Lavoie, of Bloomfield Township, is a member and shareholder of the business litigation practice group for Butzel Long law firm in Detroit. He previously worked in the U.S. Attorney's Office in Detroit and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa for two years. He earned a bachelor's degree in government from the University of Notre Dame and a law degree from the University of Detroit. Lavoie will represent businesses and replaces Russell Mawby.

Fred Mester, of Bloomfield Hills, is an attorney with Fred M. Mester P.C. law firm in Birmingham. He is a former assistant U.S. Attorney and previously served 27 years as a circuit court judge for the Sixth Judicial Circuit. Mester earned a bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University and a law degree from Wayne State University Law School. He will represent individuals with experience in promoting service and volunteerism among older adults and replaces Karen Betley.

Judy Watson-Olson, of Gwinn, is president and CEO of Great Lakes Center for Youth Development in Marquette. She previously served as the regional director for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Youth Initiative Partnerships and worked for the Michigan State University Extension. Olson earned a bachelor's degree in human ecology from Michigan State University, a master's degree in agriculture and natural resources from MSU and a doctorate in child and youth studies from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. She will represent local educators and replaces Joseph Lubig.

Larry Romanelli, of Muskegon, is the chief of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians headquartered in Manistee. He has been an employment and training coordinator for the past 12 years and was self-employed for 25 years in the construction industry. Romanelli earned an associate's degree from Muskegon Community College. He will represent Native American tribes and replaces Joseph Sowmick.

John Truscott, of Okemos, is president and principal of Truscott Rossman in Lansing. He previously served as the director of communications and press secretary for former Governor John Engler. Truscott is a member of the Sparrow Hospital Foundation Board of Directors and a past chairman of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. Truscott earned a bachelor's degree in communication from Michigan State University. He represents experts in the delivery of human, educational, environmental or public safety services to communities and persons. Truscott replaces James Vella.

Reappointments:
Donna Niester, of Fort Gratiot, has served on the commission since 2005 and is a trustee of the James C. Acheson Foundation and CFO of Acheson Ventures LLC. Before that, she was a partner in Austin, Niester, Schweihofer and Finnegan PC. Niester earned a bachelor's degree from Walsh College in Troy. Niester represents businesses.

Marsha Smith, of Traverse City, has served on the commission since 2005 and is the executive director of Rotary Charities in Traverse City. She previously served as the executive director of the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation and has been the development officer of several institutions. Smith earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University. She represents a National Service Program.

Larry Williamson, of Grand Rapids, has served on the commission since 2005 and is the vice president of field operations in West Michigan for Comcast. He is a member of the Michigan Cable Telecommunications Association. Williamson earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Bowling Green State University. He represents businesses.

Watson-Olson, Lavoie, Mester, Niester, Romanelli, Smith and Williamson will serve three-year terms expiring Oct. 1, 2014. Calley and Truscott will serve the remainder of three-year terms expiring Oct. 1, 2012. The appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

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