January 24, 2014
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced one appointment and five reappointments to the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect.
Executive Order 2013-4 established the task force, which is an 18-member panel consisting of professionals with knowledge and experience relating to the criminal justice system and issues of child physical abuse, child neglect, child sexual abuse and exploitation, and child maltreatment related fatalities.
“Protecting Michigan’s children is of vital importance and I look forward to the contributions that these dedicated professionals will make to the board,” Snyder said.
Appointed
Larry Watkins, of Flint, is the interim superintendent of Flint Community Schools. He previously served in numerous capacities with Flint Community Schools, including director of pupil personnel services; assistant director of pupil personnel services; director of school safety and security; staff assistant for school safety; day camp director; and varsity wrestling coach. He also served as a juvenile probation officer with Genesee County Probate Court and director of recreation for the Jackson prison. Watkins has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Hillsdale College and a master’s degree in educational administration and community leadership from Central Michigan University. He will represent child advocates and will replace Dan Adams.
Reappointed
Betsy Boggs, of Ada, most recently served as the executive director of Adoptive Family Support Network and has personal and professional experience with parents with adopted children. She previously held positions with United Methodist Community House, Grand Rapids Community College, and Heart of West Michigan United Way. Boggs has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and child development and a master’s degree in family studies, both from Michigan State University. She will continue to represent parents groups.
Lori Budnick, of Rogers City, is the child protective services supervisor for Alcona/Alpena/Montmorency County Department of Human Services. She has more than 20 years of experience with child welfare, starting as a youth specialist in a juvenile detention facility in Ottawa County and continuing as a foster care worker and child protective services worker. She recently helped to establish a Children’s Advocacy Center in Alpena. Budnik has a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree of social work, both from Grand Valley State University. She will continue to represent child protective services agencies.
Lani Forbes, of Freeport, is the executive director of the Barry County United Way & Volunteer Center as well as a medical lieutenant with the Freeport Fire Department. She has 22 years of experience working with families and is a parent herself. She previously served as the community relations/development director for Building Block Inc., an inner-city childcare center working with families that are at-risk, homeless or victims of domestic violence. She will continue to represent parents, including, but not limited to, parents experienced in working with children with disabilities.
Terrance Gilsenan, of Warren, is an attorney in private practice. He has extensive experience in probate court and is considered a professional guardian. Gilsenan has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Detroit and a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy. He will continue to represent child advocates, including both attorneys for children and court appointed special advocates.
Susan Hull, of Oxford, is the child welfare director for the Oakland County Department of Human Services. She previously worked in Ingham, Washtenaw, Livingston, Genesee, and Macomb counties and has almost 40 years of experience in this field. Hull has a bachelor’s degree in history and social studies from Oakland University. She will continue to represent child protective services agencies.
Members serve three-year terms expiring Dec. 31, 2016, and their appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the state Senate.
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