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Snyder makes appointments to Board of Nursing

Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Benjamin Bufford, of Grand Rapids, Karl Olson, of East Lansing, Beth Recker, of Grand Rapids, and Amy Zoll, of Hillsdale, to the Michigan Board of Nursing.

Housed within the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, the 23-member board establishes qualifications for nurse licensure, approves standards for nurse education programs and takes disciplinary action against licensees when the health, safety, and welfare of the public have been adversely affected.

"These are great choices for this board," said Snyder. "I am confident they will effectively assist the board in overseeing the practice of Michigan's registered and practical nurses and nurse specialists."

Bufford is a lead engineer and technologist for GE Aviation Systems. He is a certified scrum master and serves on Varnum’s Diversity and Inclusion Council. Bufford earned a bachelor of science in electrical and computer engineering from Calvin College and is pursuing a master’s degree in engineering in digital and computer systems. He represents the general public and replaces Michael Ferency.

Olson is a tenured associate professor of physiology at Michigan State University. He serves on the Veterans Affairs Endocrinology grant review panel and the Committee on Faculty Affairs at Michigan State University where he chairs the Personnel Subcommittee. Olson earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry and a Ph.D. in pharmacology from the University of Minnesota. He represents the general public and replaces LaDonna Schultz.

Recker is a clinical nurse educator at Metro Health Hospital where she also works as a clinical coordinator and staff nurse. Recker serves on the Perioperative Safety Steering Committee, Professional Nursing Council, and chairs the Unit Based Council. Recker earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Calvin College and a master’s degree in nursing and nursing education from Grand Valley State University. She represents professional registered nurses with a baccalaureate degree engaged in nursing practice or nursing administration and fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Kelly Beranek.

Zoll is the director of obstetrics and women’s health at Hillsdale Community Health Center. Zoll previously served as patient representative and quality improvement coordinator, charge nurse, and staff nurse at Hillsdale Community Health Center. She is a member of the American College of Nurse-Midwives, National Association of Childbearing Centers, and Association of Women’s Health Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses. Zoll earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Hillsdale College, an associate degree in nursing from Jackson Community College, and a certificate in nurse midwifery from Frontier University. She represents nurse midwives and fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Sandra Velez.

Recker and Zoll will serve the remainder of four-year terms expiring June 30, 2017. Olson and Bufford will serve four-year terms expiring June 30, 2018. Appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

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