September 21, 2012
LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder has appointed John Mark, of Muskegon, and Richard McLonis, of Shelby Township, to the Michigan Carnival-Amusement Safety Board.
The seven-member board, housed within the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, oversees the inspection and operation of more than 200 carnival and amusement companies and nearly 900 carnival rides.
"John and Richard bring years of outstanding experiences, and I am confident they will effectively work with the department to ensure the safety of all amusement and carnival rides in the Great Lakes State," said Snyder.
Mark is vice president of construction and maintenance for Michigan's Adventure, the state's largest amusement and water park. He has worked for Michigan's Adventure, previously Deer Park Funland, for more than 30 years, and served as maintenance manager prior to his current position. Mark is a member of the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials. He holds an associate degree in accounting from Muskegon Business College and a bachelor's degree in education from Ferris State University. Mark will represent amusement park operators and replaces Douglas Schmidt.
McLonis is a risk control consultant for Detroit-based Marsh USA Inc. and Marsh Risk Consulting. Previously, he worked as the corporate manager of health, safety and environment for Diversey Corp. in Livonia, as the safety and health coordinator for AutoAlliance International in Flat Rock and as director of corporate safety for Kmart Corp. in Troy. McLonis is a certified safety professional. He earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Oakland University and a master's degree in occupational and environmental health from Wayne State University. McLonis will represent the general public and replaces Carrie Jones.
Appointees will serve four-year terms that expire July 10, 2016, and their appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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