January 31, 2012
LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of eight new members to the Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity.
The commission seeks to reduce the causes and effects of poverty as well as help foster self-sufficiency for low-income Michiganders.
"Building a strong quality of life for all Michiganders is essential to the future of our state," Snyder said. "I am confident these eight individuals will help strengthen and ensure strong service delivery and improve the lives of our most vulnerable citizens."
The Honorable Kimberly Small, of West Bloomfield, has served as a District Court Judge for the 48th District Court in Oakland County for the past 15 years. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and her law degree from the Detroit College of Law. She will represent elected public officials.
The Honorable Gregg Iddings, of Britton, is a Probate Court Judge with the Lenawee County Probate Court. He achieved a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and a law degree from the University of Toledo. He will represent elected public officials.
Nichole Jenks, of Mount Pleasant, has studied early childhood education and graphic arts at Mt. Pleasant Area Technical Center. She is one of the 2011 recipients of the Lloyd Carr MVP Mentoring awards. She will represent low-income persons.
Kimberly Ruiz, of Monroe, serves as the Bridges Out of Poverty coordinator for the Monroe County Opportunity Program. She is pursuing a degree in social work from Monroe Community College. She will represent low-income persons.
Sheu-Jane Gallagher, of Detroit, is an intake champion for TechTown and a project manager for The Villages Community Development Corporation. She has a bachelor's in mechanical engineering, a master's in biomedical engineering and a doctorate in mechanical engineering, all from Rutgers University. She will represent the private sector.
Frances Amos, of Waterford, is the marketing director for Solutions to Recovery and previously served three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives. She earned a bachelor's degree from Oakland University and will represent the private sector.
Dennis Echelbarger, of Byron Center, is the founder and chairman of the board of the accounting firm of Echelbarger, Himebaugh, Tamm & Co., P.C. in Grand Rapids. He holds a bachelor's degree from Aquinas College and will represent the private sector.
Anne Armstrong Cusack, of Grand Rapids, is a commissioner for the Grand Rapids Public Library and the co-owner of marketing firm Laughter That Matters. She earned a bachelor's from Yale University and a master's from the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She will represent elected public officials.
All eight individuals will serve three-year terms, expiring June 21, 2014. The appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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