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Gov. Rick Snyder makes appointments, reappointments to Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity
July 17, 2015
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of James Borchard, of Frankenmuth, and Marcella Wilson, of Detroit, and the reappointments of Jessica Taylor, of Detroit, Jacob Maas, of Grand Rapids, and Bob Scolnik, of Norton Shores, to the Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity. He also announced the appointment of Jill Edwards-Sutton, of Mt. Pleasant, as chair of the Commission.
The 12-member commission is charged with reducing the causes, conditions, and effects of poverty and promoting social and economic opportunities that foster self-sufficiency for low-income people.
“I appreciate this talented and diverse group of appointees and I look forward to their ongoing contributions to this commission,” Snyder said.
Appointments: Borchard is a Saginaw County Circuit Court Judge, elected in 2010. He began his career working in the Saginaw County Prosecutor’s office, and then joined the law firm of Smith, Bovill, Fisher, Meyer, Borchard, P.C. Borchard earned a law degree from the University of Detroit Law School. He represents elected public officials and fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Anne Armstrong Cusack.
Wilson is president and CEO of Matrix Human Services where she has developed and implemented “Transition to Success”, a national standard of care to help overcome poverty. She is a licensed social worker, licensed marriage and family therapist, and is certified by the National Association of Social Workers, and is a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers. Wilson earned her bachelor’s degree and master’s in social work, both from the University of Michigan, and a doctorate from the University of Toledo. She represents the private sector and replaces Sheu-Jane Gallagher.
Taylor is the executive director of Chance for Life Organization in Detroit, where she is the facilitator for the development and implementation of behavioral modification programs within the Michigan Department of Corrections. She served as the mediation coordinator and volunteer recruiter for the Catholic Youth Organization and as the assistant to the director of training for the Wayne State University Center for Peace and Conflict Studies. Taylor earned both a bachelor’s in business administration and a master’s in business administration from Cornerstone University. She continues to represent low income persons.
Maas is the executive director of the Area Community Services Employment and Training Council in Kent and Allegan counties and has served as a contract administrator and a grants and contracts manager for the Council since 2010. He worked for Ross Innovative Employment Solutions where he served as an employer account representative, assistant director, and director. Maas currently serves as chair of the Kent County Essential Needs Taskforce and Economic Development Subcommittee. Maas earned a bachelor’s degree from Hope College. He continues to represent community action agencies.
Scolnik is a Muskegon County Commissioner. He served in the U.S. Army where he achieved the rank of Captain and served as the senior advisor of the Army Reserve in Western Michigan. He is a founding board member of the new Boys and Girls Club of Muskegon Lakeshore, has served on the board of Michigan Pine and Dunes Girl Scout Council, as chairman of the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce, as president of the Muskegon Rotary Club, and a founding board member of the Muskegon Film Festival. Scolnik earned a bachelor’s degree from Hobart College. He continues to represent public elected officials.
Borchard serves the remainder of a three-year term expiring June 21, 2017. Other appointees will serve three-year terms expiring June 21, 2018. Edwards-Sutton will serve as chair for a term expiring at the pleasure of the governor. Appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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