December 19, 2014
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced one new appointment and five reappointments to the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect.
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.
“I thank all of these appointees for their dedication to public service and I look forward to their contributions on the board,” Snyder said.
Appointment:
Kelly Ann Ramsey is a referee with the family division of the Wayne County Circuit Court. She is the co-founder of For The Seventh Generation, a charitable program providing life enrichment to disadvantaged children. Ramsey earned an associate degree in mental health from Oakland Community College, a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and a law degree from Wayne State University. She represents judges and attorneys and replaces Lisa Wenger.
Reappointments:
Danita Echols, of Flint is the vice president of Families on the Move. She served as a campus coach/research assistant for the Transition to Independence Program at the Wayne State University School of Social Work. She serves on the Detroit Task Force on Homeless Youth with the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth. Echols earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Eastern Michigan University and a master’s in social work in community development from Wayne State University. She continues to represent child protective services agencies.
Shannon Lowder, of Jackson is CEO of A Healing Place LLC, a private mental health practice. She chairs the Mental Health Standards Committee. Lowder earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and psychology from Michigan State University, a master’s degree in clinical and humanistic psychology from the Center for Humanistic Studies, and a doctoral degree in clinical and humanistic psychology from the Michigan School of Professional Psychology. She continues to represent health and mental health professionals.
Julie Nakfoor Pratt is the Barry County prosecutor. She serves on the advisory board of the Safe Harbor Children’s Advocacy Center of Barry County and the Family Support Center of Barry County. Nakfoor Pratt holds a bachelor’s degree in foreign languages from Michigan State University and a degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She continues to represent judges and attorneys.
Jennifer Pintar, of Tawas City is a detective sergeant with the Michigan State Police Alpena Post. Pintar earned a bachelor’s degree in community development from Central Michigan University. She continues to represent the law enforcement community.
Robert Sykes, of Ionia is an Ionia County probate judge. He also was a partner in a private law practice. He serves as the vice chair of the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect, on the Michigan Foster Care Review Board advisory committee, and on the Ionia County Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. Sykes earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminal justice from Purdue University and a law degree from Valparaiso University. He continues to represent judges and attorneys.
Appointees will serve three-year terms to expiring Dec. 31, 2017. Their appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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