January 09, 2013
LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder has made three appointments and one reappointment to the Hispanic/Latino Commission.
Housed within the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, the 15-member commission develops a unified policy and plan of action to serve the needs of Michigan's Hispanic and Latino residents.
"I am confident these appointees will do great work promoting the diverse interests of Hispanics and Latinos in the Great Lakes State," said Snyder.
Appointed:
Melissa Fernandez, of Ferndale, owns Detroit-based Café con Leche. She also is a supply chain consultant for Ryder Integrated Logistics, a position she has held since 2011. Previously, she worked as field operations manager for Schneider Logistics and as a quality specialist and logistics coordinator for Vector SCM. Fernandez holds a bachelor's degree in international studies from the University of Michigan, and is pursuing a master's degree in business administration from the University of Detroit Mercy. She replaces Maria Elena Rodriguez.
Noel Garcia, of DeWitt, is a lieutenant and the internal affairs commander with the Lansing Police Department, where he has worked since 1989. He also is an adjunct professor at Baker College and the Lansing campus of Ferris State University. Garcia earned an associate degree in social science and criminal justice from Lansing Community College and bachelor's and master's degrees in criminal justice from Michigan State University. He replaces Lawrence Garcia.
Carlos Sanchez, of Grand Rapids, is director of Ferris State University's Latino Business and Economic Development Center. He previously served as executive director of the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, as a diversity specialist with Spectrum Health and as the diversity programs coordinator for the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. Sanchez received a bachelor's degree in international business from Davenport University. He replaces Arturo Reyes.
Reappointed:
Gilberto "Gil" Guzman, of Portage, is the recruiter for JSA Plainwell. He previously worked as a trainer and human resources consultant for McDonald's, and served as an agricultural specialist, wage and hour investigator and supervisor for the Michigan Department of Labor. He retired after 31 years of service to the state of Michigan. Guzman attended the University of Texas.
Appointees will serve three-year terms that expire Dec. 10, 2015, and their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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