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Snyder makes appointments, reappointments to Statewide Independent Living Council

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder has made six appointments and two reappointments to the Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council.

The 15-member council ensures statewide representation of citizens with disabilities.

 

"These appointees are dedicated, knowledgeable professionals, and I am confident they will do great work on behalf of the Great Lakes State and its citizens with disabilities," said Snyder.

 

Appointed:

Robin Bennett, of Canton, is the head mentor and public relations officer for Canton-based Integrated Living Solutions. She is also a contributing writer and social media intern for West Bloomfield-based Friendship Circle. Bennett holds a bachelor's degree in creative writing from Eastern Michigan University, where she is also pursuing a master's degree in nonprofit management. She will represent individuals with disabilities and replaces Renee Louvierre-Mitchell.

 

Lisa Cook-Gordon, of Melvin, is a director and transition consultant with the Michigan Family-to-Family Health Information and Education Center. Cook-Gordon earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Michigan - Flint and a master's degree in administration from Central Michigan University. She will represent disability advocates and replaces Harry Smith.

 

Sara Grivetti, of Midland, is chief executive officer of Disability Network of Michigan. Grivetti is a graduate of the Great Lakes Bay Regional Leadership Institute and received a bachelor's degree in management from Northwood University and a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling from Michigan State University. She will represent individuals with disabilities and replaces Norma Bauer.

 

Steven Ovalle, of Traverse City, is the compliance officer and vice president of operations for Grand Traverse Industries, a position he has held since 2000. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in exercise physiology from Bridgewater State College in Massachusetts and Oregon State University, respectively. Ovalle will represent organizations that provide services for individuals with disabilities and replaces Merrill Friedman.

 

Dawn Reamer, of New Boston, is a company attorney for Aisin Holdings of America Inc. She previously worked as a staff attorney and as corporate counsel for Yazaki North America Inc. Reamer earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Eastern Michigan University and a law degree from Wayne State University. She will represent parents and guardians of individuals with disabilities and replaces Patricia Hanley.  

 

Debra Self, of Fenton, is chief executive officer of Deaf Employment and Business Solutions. She previously served as director of Excel Employment Options. Self received a bachelor's degree in business administration from Cleary University. She will represent disability advocates and fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Tom Masseau.

 

Reappointed:

Kellie Boyd, of Brownstown, is executive director of Disability Network Oakland & Macomb, a position she has held since 2006. She previously served as a program manager for the Girlstown Foundation. Boyd holds a bachelor's degree in psychology/health and humanities and a master's degree in community agency counseling, both from Michigan State University. She will continue to represent directors of centers for independent living within the state.

 

Miranda Grunwell, of Portage, is the volunteer coordinator and program assistant for Disability Network Southwest Michigan, where she has worked since 2007. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Grand Valley State University. Grunwell will continue to represent disability advocates.

 

With the exception of Bennett, Grivetti and Self, appointees will serve three-year terms that expire Dec. 31, 2015. Bennett and Grivetti will serve the remainder of three-year terms that expire Dec. 31, 2014, and Self will serve the remainder of a three-year term that expires Dec. 31, 2013.

 

Appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

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