May 21, 2012
LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today announced four appointments and four reappointments to the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports.
The 15-member council was established in 1992 to urge an increase in the physical activity and an improvement in the health of Michiganders.
"Good general health and fitness is an integral part of our reinvention of Michigan," said Snyder. "I look forward to the work of these individuals to improve quality of life for all citizens."
Appointed:
Paul Barbeau, of Midland, is the president and general manager of the Great Lakes Loons baseball club and ESPN 100.9 FM. He also serves on the boards of directors for Chemical Bank, the Midland Community Center and Midland Area Chamber of Commerce as well as on an advisory board for the Saginaw Valley State University Athletic Department. Barbeau holds a bachelor's degree in history and government from Georgetown University. He will replace Daniel Varner.
Anuja Rajendra, of Ann Arbor, is the founder and CEO of BollyFit, focused on improving physical and mental fitness through Bollywood-inspired dance classes. She also designed an ice dance routine performed by silver medalists at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, the first ever Indian dance-inspired routine. She earned a bachelor's degree in industrial and operational engineering and a master's of business administration in entrepreneurship and international business, both from the University of Michigan. Rajendra will replace Peter Ajluni.
Cinthia Vander Sloot, of Big Rapids, is the assistant director of university recreation for Ferris State University, responsible for designing fitness programs for faculty, staff and students. She is certified as both a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in English education and a master's of education in curriculum and instruction, both from Ferris State University. Vander Sloot will replace Patricia Ball.
Ronald Winter, of Kalamazoo, is an NFL official, currently serving as a referee after working from 1995 until 1998 as a line judge. Previously, he worked as an NCAA football and basketball official. He also worked as director of campus recreational activities at Western Michigan University. Winter holds both bachelor's and master's degrees from Michigan State University, and replaces Barry Franklin.
Reappointed:
Lila Lazarus, of Commerce Township, is the founder and CEO of the media firm Lila Productions LLC. Previously, she worked as a health reporter and anchor for both WJBK FOX and WDIV NBC in Detroit. In addition to her career work, Lazarus is president of Kids Kicking Cancer and a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters. She holds a bachelor's degree in political science and German from Kalamazoo College, a master's degree in political science from the University of Massachusetts and a master's degree in journalism from the University of Michigan.
Thomas Minter, of Okemos, previously served as an assistant to the executive director of the Michigan High School Athletic Association for 17 years, as Meridian Township treasurer from 1977-95 and as an Ingham County commissioner from 1999-2005. In addition, he has worked as a sports official and referee for high school and college sports since 1965. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Minter earned an associate degree in business from Jackson Community College and a bachelor's degree in political science from Michigan State University.
James "Jim" Pivarnik, of East Lansing, is a professor of kinesiology and epidemiology at Michigan State University. He currently serves on the science advisory panel to the President's Council on Physical Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, and he previously served as president of the American College of Sports Medicine. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in recreation and park administration from Indiana University, master's degrees in physical and health education from James Madison University and in epidemiology from Michigan State University, and a doctorate in human performance from Indiana University.
Terence Thomas, of Grosse Pointe, is the co-founder of Thomas Group Consulting Inc. He also serves on the board of directors of 100 Black Men of Greater Detroit Inc. and as the national public policy co-chair for the National Association of Health Services Executives. Thomas was selected as part of the 2008 class of Crain's 40 Under 40 awards program. He holds a bachelor's degree in American history from Albion College and a law degree from the University of Wisconsin.
Appointees will serve two-year terms that expire April 30, 2014, and their appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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