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Snyder creates Talent Investment Board

 

Contact: Sara Wurfel
P: 517-335-6397 or E: wurfels@michigan.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011

LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today issued Executive Order 13 of 2011, creating the Talent Investment Board to better focus on job creation and developing and connecting the state's talent.

This 47-member board replaces and streamlines the former Council for Labor and Economic Growth, which had 71 members. The board, housed within the Workforce Development Agency in the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, is charged with advising and assisting the governor regarding compliance with the federal Workforce Investment Act and overall talent development. The Governor, legislative representatives and department directors serve for their respective terms. All other appointees serve at the pleasure of the governor.

"One of the ways we will reinvent Michigan is to create an environment of job growth and talent development," Snyder said. "I am confident these individuals will use their diverse backgrounds and expertise to help meet these key goals."  

Appointed chair:
Gordon White, Jr. of Lansing, is executive vice president and managing director of DHR International's Lansing office and leads DHR's automotive industry sector. He has more than 15 years of experience of senior management level experience in the automotive industry. White earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Colgate University in New York. He will represent businesses in Michigan.

Appointed vice chair:
Bing Goei of Grand Rapids, is president and CEO of Eastern Floral. He has received various business awards, including Small Business of the Year in 2000, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for West Michigan-Retail Division in 2005, among many others. Goei serves on the Asian Center Board and Asian Professionals Organization Board, and previously served as chair of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce Board in 2006 and 2007. Goei will represent businesses in Michigan.

Besides the governor the members are:
Nancy Ayres of Grand Rapids, is general manager of Flexco (formerly Clippert Belt Lacer Company). Ayres was named one of Business Journal's 50 Most Influential Women in 2006, 2008 and 2010 and was a Michigan Manufacturer of the Year finalist in 2010. She earned a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and a master's degree in industrial and organizational psychology from Western Michigan University. Ayres will represent businesses in Michigan.

Brian Balasia of Warren, is president and CEO of Digerati, Inc. He is also founder and president of The MORE (Matching Opportunities and Resources with Entrepreneurs) Program, and aided the development of the Center of Entrepreneurship at the University of Michigan. He earned a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan. Balasia will represent businesses in Michigan.

David Brule II of Iron Mountain, is president of Boss Snowplow Division of Northern Star Industries, Inc. He is also the director of Industrial Development Corporation and the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. Brule earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Williams College in Massachusetts and participated on Team USA at the World University Games in 1989. He will represent businesses in Michigan.

Tim Bryan of Biscayne, FL, is chairman and CEO of GalaxE.Solutions, a leading, healthcare focused developer of customer software and IT business services. He is also the creator of the "Outsource to Detroit" initiative. Bryan was appointed to the board of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation Association. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Rutgers University. Bryan will represent businesses in Michigan.

Brian Burnett of Detroit, is center director for the Detroit Job Corps Center where he provides overall direction and oversees training for the programs' departments. Burnett is a member of the Flint Chamber of Commerce. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Central State University in Ohio. Burnett will represent those with expertise related to Job Corps programs.

Robert Campau of  East Lansing, is vice president of public policy and legal affairs for the Michigan Association of Realtors. He earned a bachelor's degree in communications from Michigan State University and a law degree from Cooley Law School. He will represent businesses in Michigan.

Carl Camden of Bloomfield Hills, is president and CEO of Kelly Services, Inc., a leader in providing workforce solutions. He was co-founder and co-owner of North Coast Behavioral Research Group and served as associate professor in the Communications Department at Cleveland State University. Camden earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and speech from Southwest Baptist College in Missouri, a master's degree in clinical psychology and speech communication from Central Missouri State University, and a doctorate in communications from Ohio State University. He will represent businesses in Michigan.

Jon Cotton of Detroit, is vice president and director of finance of the Health Plan of Michigan. He is a member of the boards for both the Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, Inc. and Caidan Enterprises, Inc. Cotton studied at the Academy of Healthcare Management and earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from DePaul University College of Commerce. He will represent businesses in Michigan.

Kimberley Dickens of Northville, is vice president of global human resources at Cooper Standard Automotive where she manages all aspects of human resource practices and programs. Dickens earned a bachelor's degree in industrial health and safety from Oakland University and a master's degree in business administration from Lewis University in Illinois. She will represent businesses in Michigan.

Helen Dietrich of Conklin, is owner of Ridgeview Orchards, a family-owned business, where she has previously held various accounting and human resources positions. Dietrich is a Sparta Area Migrant Resource Council member and volunteers at Feeding America Food Distribution for the area migrant population. She will represent those with expertise related to migrant seasonal farm worker programs.

Mary Anne Gale of Cheboygan, is president of Careerscape, where she serves as career-public speaker, career coach and workshop leader. She has 35 years of experience at Procter and Gamble in manufacturing, supply chain, human resources and customer service. Gale earned a bachelor's degree in retailing from Michigan State University. She will represent businesses in Michigan.

James Gaskin of Flint, is executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Flint, which he has helped come back and grow. He previously worked with the Family Independence Agency of Michigan, Boys & Girls Club Fox Valley and the Boys & Girls Club of Lansing. Gaskin earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Central Michigan University. He will represent individuals or organizations who have experience with youth activities.

Nancy Gioia of Plymouth, is director of global electrification for Ford Motor Co. where she guides and develops Ford's global technology, product, and value chain strategy and plan for electrified vehicles. Gioia earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and a master's degree in electrical engineering from Stanford University. She will represent businesses in Michigan.

Alan Gocha, Jr. of Waterford, is a managing member of Oakland Law Group, PLLC and managing director of ETC Capital, LLC. He is a member of the board for Cardiox Corporation, Famgro, LLC, and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. Gocha earned a bachelor's degree in marketing from Michigan State University and a law degree from the University of Toledo. He will represent businesses in Michigan.

Mark Hackel of Macomb, was elected to serve as the first-ever Macomb County executive in 2010. He is an adjunct professor at Macomb Community College and Wayne State University, and a member of the Big Brother Big Sister Detroit Board of Directors. Hackel earning an associate's degree from Macomb Community College, a bachelor's degree from Wayne State University and a master's in public administration from Central Michigan University. He will represent an individual who is a chief elected executive officer of a city or county.

John Hamilton of Birmingham, is general vice president and business manager of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 324. He has held positions of general vice president, national training fund trustee and co-chair, and north/central states conference secretary-treasurer, vice president and president for the company. Hamilton will represent labor organizations.

Katherine Hogan of Cedar, is vice president of Corporate Training and Development for Hagerty Insurance. She holds certifications in both creative  and situational leadership and earned a bachelor's degree in health education from Northern Michigan University. Hogan will represent businesses in Michigan.

David Hollister of Lansing, is senior vice president of strategic initiatives at Prima Civitas Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Lansing. He previously served as director of the Michigan's former Department of Labor and Economic Growth under former Gov. Granholm. Hollister is a member of several boards, including Keep Learning and the Information Technology Empowerment Center. He earned a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University. Hollister will represent individuals or organizations who have experience with youth activities.

James Jacobs of Grosse Pointe Park, is president of Macomb Community College. He has 25 years of experience initiating and managing community college workforce development programs.  He is a member of the National Council for Workforce Education. Jacobs earned a bachelor's degree from Binghamton University- Harpur College of Arts and Sciences in New York and a master's degree and doctorate in politics from Princeton University. He will represent individuals or organizations with experience and expertise in the delivery of workforce investment activities.

William Jones of Birmingham, became CEO of Focus: HOPE in 2009 after an extensive career with Chrysler and Chrysler Financial. He has helped with the HOPE Village Initiative, making the 100-block area around the Detroit campus an attractive place to live, work and raise a family. Jones earned both a bachelor's degree in psychology and an MBA from Columbia University. He will represent businesses in Michigan.

Frank Jonna of Farmington Hills, is CEO of Jonna Companies, Jonna Realty Ventures, Inc. and Jonna Construction Company L.L.C. He is also the chairman of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Henry Ford Health System Board of Governors and the Midtown Detroit, Inc. Board of Directors. Jonna studied at Wayne State University. He will represent businesses in Michigan.

Timothy Leuliette of West Bloomfield, is managing partner of the investment, financial advisory and merchant banking firm Finnea Group LLC. He also serves as president and CEO of its joint venture Andus-Leuliette. He earned both a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Michigan. Leuliette will represent businesses in Michigan.

David Nicholson of Grosse Pointe Farms, is vice president of PVS Chemicals, Inc. and holds several other positions under the PVS company brand. Nicholson earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin and an MBA from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. He will represent businesses in Michigan.

Arnold Redsicker of Lawrence, is director of business development-torsional products/ROSTA product manager at Lovejoy-Inc. He was named the business person of the year from the South Haven Chamber of Commerce in 2011 and received the Michigan Works! Outstanding Service Award in 2010. Redsicker earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Ithaca College. He will represent businesses in Michigan.

Anne Rosewarne of Okemos, is president and CEO of Michigan Health Council. Her 18-year old MOM (Medical Opportunities in Michigan) system has produced 350,000 physician and employment matches since its inception. Rosewarne earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Michigan. She will represent businesses in Michigan.

Mara Letica Saad of Bloomfield Hills, is executive vice president, general counsel and secretary of Letica Corporation. She was selected by Crain's Detroit Business Magazine as one of Metro Detroit's Most Influential Women in 2007. Saad earned a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Michigan and a law degree from Seattle University in Washington. She will represent businesses in Michigan.

Paul Saginaw of Ann Arbor, is co-owner and founding partner of Zingerman's Delicatessen, which began as a restaurant and retail space and has since grown to a community of businesses with 17 partners and more than 600 employees. He is a board member of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies and as vice president for Food Gatherers. He earned a bachelor's degree in zoology from the University of Michigan. Saginaw will represent businesses in Michigan.

Jai Shah of Northville, is vice president of finance, retail/wholesale at Masco Corporation, one of the world's leading manufacturers of home improvement and building productsw. He earned both a bachelor's degree and master's degree in accounting from the University of Waterloo in Canada, and an MBA from the University of Michigan. Shah will represent businesses in Michigan.

Kester So of Okemos, is an attorney of Dickinson Wright PLLC. He is a member of the Michigan State Bar and earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Michigan and a law degree from the University of California Hastings. So will represent businesses in Michigan.

Frank Venegas, Jr. of Bingham Farms, is CEO and chairman of The Ideal Group, Inc. An entrepreneur, he began his career as a floor sweeper and operations manager for Smede Son before founding Ideal Steel. His company holds 50 patents on 20 products and generates more than $140 million in revenue. Venegas will represent businesses in Michigan.

Zane Walker of North Branch, is president of the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council. He previously worked as a mid-state business agent, organizer, an executive board member, and conductor for Iron Workers Local 25. Walker received the Donald J. Mosher "volunteer of the year" award in 2007. He is a member of the Lapeer Democratic Party, Michigan Democratic Party, Lapeer Economic Club, St. Clair EDA, and Lapeer Eagles. Walker will represent labor organizations.

Scott Wilkerson of Okemos, is president and CEO of Physicians Health Plan and also serves as president and CEO of PHP's Shared Services. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Oklahoma. Wilkerson will represent businesses in Michigan.

Elaine Wood of Traverse City, is CEO for the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments. She earned a bachelor's degree in English from Albion College and a master's degree in arts and organization management from Spring Arbor University. She will represent individuals or organizations who have experience and expertise in the delivery of workforce investment activities.

William Young of Detroit, is president of Absopure Water Company and chairman, president and CEO of Plastipak Packaging, Inc. He is a member of the Board of Trustees at the University of Detroit Mercy and on the board for Business Leaders for Michigan. Young earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Detroit and attended the Detroit College of Law. He will represent businesses in Michigan.

The final appointee to the board will represent individuals with expertise relating to Native American Programs and be named at a later date.

Four legislative representatives:
Sen. Dave Hildenbrand serves as vice chair on the Economic Development, Government Operations and Outdoor Recreation & Tourism committees. He is also a member of the Redistricting and Michigan Capitol committees.

Sen. Phil Pavlov serves as chair of the Education Committee and vice chair of the Natural Resources- Environment & Great Lakes committees. He is also a member of the Regulatory Reform and Transportation committees.

Rep. Jim Ananich serves on the Appropriations Committee as well as the Agriculture & Rural Development, Energy-Labor & Economic Growth and School Aid subcommittees.

Rep. Sharon Tyler serves as vice chair of the Agriculture and Commerce Committee and as chair of the Commerce Subcommittee on Economic Development & Trade. She is a member of the Military-Veterans Affairs & Homeland Security Committee and Redistricting & Elections Committee.

State department directors:
Michael Finney is president and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and president of the Michigan Strategic Fund.

Steven Hilfinger is director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and the state's chief regulatory officer.

Olga Dazzo is director of the Michigan Department of Community Health.

Maura Corrigan is director of the Michigan Department of Human Services.

Michael Flanagan is state superintendent of public instruction and director of the Michigan Department of Education.

Appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

The attached EO is official Thursday, Dec. 1.

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