December 19, 2014
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Cassandra Harmon-Higgins, of South Lyon, Mary Jane Tramontin, of Ann Arbor, and Christopher Wigent, of Northville, to the Task Force on the Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Children.
The task force was established in accordance with "Erin's Law,” which protects against the sexual abuse of children. The 15-member task force has one year to provide recommendations for reducing child sexual abuse. These recommendations will help in the creation of goals and guidelines for state and school policies.
“Protecting our children is one of the most important things we can do as a state,” Snyder said. “I thank this group of appointees and I am confident they will do great work on behalf of Michigan’s children.”
Harmon-Higgins is interim superintendent and executive director of labor relations and personnel for Howell Public Schools. She served in private practice and as an attorney at Access to Justice Legal Assistance Center. Harmon-Higgins earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminal justice from Florida A&M University, a master’s in justice policy and management from Florida Atlantic University, and a law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She represents individuals who have experience and expertise in the fields of intervention and prevention of child abuse and fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Kristen Clark.
Tramontin is a substitute teacher and retired classroom teacher. She is currently a trustee of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District Board of Education. Tramontin earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree in teaching from Nova Southeastern University. She represents school district board members, intermediate school district board members, or public academy board members and fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Pamela Fitzgerald.
Wigent is the superintendent of Wayne RESA, the largest intermediate school district in the state. He has more than 25 years of experience as a superintendent, previously serving as superintendent of Calhoun Intermediate School District, Olivet Community Schools, and Dryden Community Schools. He is chair of the Detroit Wayne County Human Services Collaborative, chair of the W.C. School Justice Partnership workgroup, and vice chair of the Guidance Center Board of Directors. Wigent earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Albion College and a master’s degree in K-12 school administration from Michigan State University. He represents individuals who have experience and expertise in the fields of intervention and prevention of child abuse.
Appointees will serve the remainder of one-year terms expiring June 16, 2015. Their appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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