November 08, 2013
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the reappointments of Vincent DeLeonardis, of Northville; and Michael Harris, of Westland, and Jeffrey Spencer, of Davisburg, to the Barrier Free Design Board.
The nine-member board assists the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs with reviewing and processing requests for exceptions to the barrier free design specifications. It also makes recommendations for barrier free design rules.
“I am confident this group of appointees will continue to do great work on this important board,” Snyder said.
DeLeonardis is president and stockholder at George W. Auch Company, a general contract and construction company specializing in health care, educational, and institutional construction. He has more than 25 years of experience in positions of increased responsibility on projects ranging from civil infrastructure, open pit and underground mining facilities, nuclear power plant foundation construction and large industrial and commercial buildings. He is a US Green Building Council’s LEED Accredited Professional, a member of the Construction Specifications Institute, and a Certified Construction Document Technologist and Contract Administrator. DeLeonardis holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the Pennsylvania State University. He will continue to represent the construction industry.
Harris is executive director of the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America. In addition, he also works as a peer consultant for the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living, a commissioner for the City of Westland’s Nankin Transit Authority and as an advisory board member on numerous boards across the state. Previously, he assisted the architects during the design phase of Comerica Park and Ford Field to make sure the stadiums were designed in compliance with the barrier free design guidelines, he influenced the Michigan Bureau of Construction Codes to adopt a modular ramp in the 2000 International Building Codes for residential use, and played an integral role in the passage of disability related legislation. Harris holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Madonna University. He will continue to represent mobility limited individuals.
Spencer is the building official, building inspector, building reviewer and ordinance enforcement for the City of Auburn Hills, a position he has held since 1987. Previously, he worked as a project coordinator/carpenter for St. Joseph Hospital, foreman/carpenter for Parker Carpentry Contractor, and drywall and plaster finisher and hanger for Richard Clark. Spencer holds an associate’s degree of applied science in industrial technology from Baker College and is a graduate of Detroit Carpentry Trade School with a Journeyman’s Certificate. He will continue to represent building inspectors.
Members serve three-year terms expiring October 31, 2016, and their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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