February 06, 2012
LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of three members and the reappointment of one member to the Michigan Food Policy Council.
The 25-member council is funded in partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and works to recommend programs and policies to the governor that ensure Michigan residents have access to a safe and healthy food supply.
"These individuals bring extensive and diverse experience with food health and safety," said Snyder. "They can successfully guide the council while continuing to build on the state's great agricultural diversity and reputation for quality and safety, which enhances our economic growth."
Appointed:
Renee DeWindt, of Benzonia, is the food service director at the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District where she leads the Farm-to-School program in seven area elementary and middle schools and in all Onekama Area Schools. DeWindt received her bachelor's degree in recreation administration with an emphasis on rehabilitation from Ferris State University. She will represent K-12 schools and will finish the remainder of a four-year term expiring Oct. 31, 2012, following the resignation of Kristin Misiak.
Martha (Marty) Gerencer, of Muskegon, is principal at Morse Marketing Connections, LLC. She has extensive experience with corporate food businesses and regional food systems through local, state and national initiatives. Previously, Gerencer worked for Gerber Products Company over a 20 year tenure in various roles on marketing and cross-functional business teams. She received a bachelor's degree in computer information science from Ferris State University and a master's degree from Aquinas College. Gerencer will represent food system organizations and replaces Elaine Brown.
Susan Goodell, of Birmingham, is the president and CEO of Forgotten Harvest, a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing surplus, prepared and perishable foods for distribution to more than 200 emergency food providers throughout Southeast Michigan. Goodell has been with the organization since 2001 and has more than 25 years of non-profit management experience. She is a graduate of John Hopkins University where she received her bachelor's degree in political science. Goodell will represent anti-hunger organizations and replaces Jane Marshall.
Reappointed:
Michael Hamm, of Mason, is a professor and the C.S. Mott chair of Sustainable Agriculture at Michigan State University. Previously, Hamm served as director of the C.S. Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems, co-founder and director of the New Jersey Urban Ecology Program, co-director of the New Jersey Food Stamp Nutrition Education Network, founder and director of the Cook Student Organic Farm, and as facilitator of the New Jersey Cooperative Gleaning Network. Hamm earned his bachelor's degree in biology from Northwestern University and his Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of Minnesota. He will represent institutions of higher education.
Appointees will serve four-year terms expiring Oct. 31, 2015, and are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
