December 18, 2013
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced six reappointments to the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board, also known as the Children’s Trust Fund.
The 11-person board promotes the health, safety and welfare of Michigan's children and families by funding local programs and services that prevent child abuse and neglect.
“These have been valuable board members and I look forward to their continued contributions to this important board,” Snyder said.
John Brown, of East Lansing, is vice president of government relations for Jackson National Life Insurance Co., where he oversees its government relations efforts at the local, state and federal levels. He previously served as an attorney at Varnum, as director of worldwide government affairs at Amway, and as president of the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce. Brown holds an associate degree from Grand Rapids Community College, a bachelor’s degree in political science and economics from Hope College, and a degree from the University of Michigan Law School. He will continue to represent the business sector.
Shelly Kester, of Cedar, is the managing member of Wilson Kester PLLC. She previously worked for the law firm of Running, Wise, Wilson, Ford & Phillips, and as a Grand Traverse County defense contract attorney. Kester is the founding chair and board member of Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center and has years of volunteer experience helping with women and child-related issues. She previously served as mayor and city commissioner for Traverse City. Kester holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Michigan State University and a degree from the McGeorge School of Law. She will continue to represent volunteers.
Mark McDaniel, of East Lansing, is the president and CEO of Great Lakes Capital Fund, a nonprofit housing corporation with offices in Lansing, Detroit, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Illinois. He has more than 30 years of experience in the areas of affordable housing, community development, urban planning and market research. McDaniel holds a bachelor’s degree in urban planning from Michigan State University. He will continue to represent parents.
Vivek Sankaran, of Ann Arbor, is the founder and executive director of the Detroit Center for Family Advocacy and a clinical assistant professor of law with the Child Advocacy Law Clinic at the University of Michigan Law School, both of which are focused on the foster care system. Previously, he was the supervising attorney and Skadden Fellow at the Children’s Law Center in Washington, DC. Sankaran holds a bachelor’s degree in government from the College of William and Mary and a degree from the University of Michigan Law School. He will continue to represent the general public.
Deb Shaughnessy, of Charlotte, is a former member of the Michigan House of Representatives, and was mayor and city councilperson of Charlotte. She has also served in various roles with the state House and was a customer service representative for the Charlotte Insurance Agency. Shaughnessy holds a general associate degree with an emphasis on communications from Lansing Community College and was a Fellow of the Michigan Political Leadership Program. She will continue to represent the general public.
Lori Wortz, of Okemos, is a partner with WWP Strategies, an issue management and political consulting firm. She formerly served as chief of staff for a state Senate majority leader, and has worked on campaigns at every level, including statewide campaigns on gaming, eminent domain, conservation issues, right to work, and energy issues. She will continue to represent the religious community.
Members will serve three-year terms expiring Dec. 19, 2016, and their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the state Senate.
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