December 19, 2014
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Ed Benning, of Clio, and Zach Tomlinson, of Clio, and the reappointments of Carol Bergquist, of Escanaba, Caryn Pack Ivey, of Detroit, and Mitchell Tomlinson, of East Lansing, to the Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services.
The council reviews, analyzes and advises Michigan Rehabilitation Services, within the Michigan Department of Human Services.
"These individuals bring decades of experience to the council. They will provide strong insights to the board," said Snyder.
Benning is assistant general manager for the Mass Transportation Authority, where he has worked 30 years. He previously served as vice president of assembly operations for American Sunroof Corp. Benning earned a bachelor’s degree from Northwood University and a master’s in public administration from Central Michigan University. He represents business, industry, or labor and replaces Mark Eastburg.
Zach Tomlinson was the accessibility services coordinator for the University of Michigan – Flint. He worked as an after school study hall supervisor and a substitute teacher with the Clio Area Schools. Tomlinson earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan – Flint. He will represent current or former applicants for, or recipients of, vocational rehabilitation services and replaces Matthew Weaver.
Bergquist is director of vocational rehabilitation services for the Hannahville Indian Community, where she is also a planner and evaluarot. Bergquist earned a bachelor’s degree in exceptional education from the University of Wisconsin, and a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in rehabilitation counseling from Michigan State University. She continnues to represent the director of a project carried out under Section 121 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, providing vocational rehabilitation services grants to the governing bodies of an Indian tribe or to a consortium of tribal governing bodies.
Pack Ivey serves as project director for Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties for the Michigan Alliance Parent Training and Information Center. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music and business administration from Marygrove College. She continues to represent parent training and information centers established under Section 671 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Mitchell Tomlinson is president and CEO of Peckham Inc., where he has worked since 1976. Tomlinson is a board member of 501 Alliance, MARO Employment & Training and the Michigan State University Residential College in the Arts and Humanities. Tomlinson earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Culver-Stockton College and a master’s degree in vocational rehabilitation from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. He continues to represent community rehabilitation program service providers.
Appointees will three-year terms expiring Dec. 31, 2017. Their appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
#####
