July 17, 2013
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of Richard Bandstra, of Grand Rapids, and the reappointment of Thomas Phillips, of Okemos, to the state Board of Ethics. Snyder also announced the appointment of Peter Webster, of Beverly Hills, as chair of the board.
The seven-member board serves as an advisory and investigatory committee, which determines the ethical conduct of classified and unclassified state employees and public officers in the executive branch of state government.
"These gentlemen are highly skilled and experienced individuals and I thank them for their willingness to serve on this important board," Snyder said.
Phillips is of counsel with Miller, Canfield, Paddock & Stone. He was previously a partner at Miller Canfield, with more than 25 years of experience in the practice of environmental and regulatory law. He also served as both an assistant attorney general and special assistant attorney general. Phillips was honored as one of the "Best Lawyers in America" for environmental law, eminent domain, and condemnation law, as well as one of Michigan's Super Lawyers. He holds a bachelor's degree in English/secondary education from Concordia University-Chicago, a master's degree in advertising from Michigan State University and a degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Phillips will serve as an independent.
Bandstra recently retired as chief legal counsel for Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, a position he held since 2011. Previously, Bandstra served as a judge on the Michigan Third District Court of Appeals from 1994 until his retirement from the court in January 2011. He served as chief judge of the court from 1998 to 2001. Before being elected judge, Bandstra was a member of the state House of Representatives. He earned his bachelor's degree from Calvin College and his master's and law degrees from the University of Chicago. Bandstra, a Republican, will replace John Pirich.
Phillips and Bandstra will serve four-year terms that expire Feb. 7, 2017, and their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the state Senate.
Webster is a member of Dickinson Wright PLLC. He specializes in the areas of antitrust, condemnation, land use and regulation, gaming, real estate, schools and educational institutions. He is a former Oakland County commissioner and remains active in the community. Webster holds a bachelor's degree in marine engineering systems from the United States Merchant Marine Academy and a law degree from Wayne State University. He will serve as chair at the pleasure of the governor.
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