July 31, 2012
LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder has appointed Sharon Blackburn, of Cadillac, Diantha Hicks, of Alma, Paul Hoff, of Ann Arbor, and Melissa Lewis, of Plymouth, to the Michigan Board of Audiology.
The nine-member committee assists the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs in overseeing the practice of more than 500 Michigan audiologists.
"I am thrilled to appoint these dedicated, hard-working and experienced individuals to the board," Snyder said.
Blackburn is the owner and director of Audiological Services of Cadillac Inc. and Michigan Hearing Systems Inc., where she provides comprehensive diagnostic testing for hearing and balance disorders. She is a member of the Michigan Academy of Audiology, American Academy of Audiology, Academy of Dispensing Audiology and the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association, and previously served on the Michigan Board of Audiology from 2007-2009. Blackburn holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and speech pathology from Boston College, a master's degree in audiology from Central Michigan University and a clinical doctorate of audiology from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. She will represent audiologists and replaces Virginia Schroeder.
Hicks is owner of Real Basic Inc., a real estate investment company. Previously, she worked for Mission Paint, GTE Corporation and the Michigan Department of Public Health. Hicks serves as treasurer for the Alma Woman's Club and is a member and past president of the MidMichigan Medical Center Auxiliary. She earned a bachelor's degree in microbiology and public health from Michigan State University. Hicks will represent the general public and replaces Joe Kollaritsch.
Hoff serves as a physician with Michigan Otolaryngology Surgical Associates and is an affiliated faculty member in the University of Michigan's Department of Otolaryngology. He also leads St. Joseph Mercy Hospital's otolaryngology department and serves on its Specialty Leadership Alliance board of directors. Hoff is treasurer and incoming president of the Michigan Otolaryngological Society and a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology. He received a bachelor's degree in biology from St. Olaf College in Minnesota, a master's degree in cardiovascular pharmacology from the University of Michigan and a medical degree from the University of Michigan. Hoff will represent licensed otolaryngologists and replaces Dr. Michael Seidman.
Lewis is an attorney with Bodman PLC in Detroit. She brings diverse legal experiences, including work in banking, business and real estate. Lewis is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association. She holds a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and a law degree from the University of Michigan. Lewis will represent the general public and replaces Steven Kauffman.
Appointees will serve four-year terms that expire June 30, 2016, and their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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