August 26, 2015
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Michael Chrissos, of Ann Arbor, and Randall Ritter, of Dexter, and the reappointment of Orest Sowirka, of Sterling Heights, to the Michigan Health Information Technology Commission.
Housed within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the 13-member commission facilitates and promotes the design, implementation, operation and maintenance of Michigan's health care information systems.
"Advances in health technology offer critical opportunities to connect individuals, government and the private sector," Snyder said. "I am confident the background and expertise of these individuals will be tremendous assets to the commission."
Appointments:
Chrissos is a partner with Ann Arbor Bone & Joint Surgery PC, site director for University of Michigan Department of Orthopedic Surgery and director of orthopedic trauma service at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. Chrissos earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Ohio State University and a doctorate from the Medical College of Ohio. He represents doctors of medicine and replaces Gregory Forzley.
Ritter is a healthcare consultant and performs operations and management assessments of hospitals/health systems. He previously served as the associate director of the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, where he was responsible for finance, human resources, facilities management, health care administration services, food production, and emergency management for an affiliated tertiary medical center and three outpatient clinics. Ritter holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Cincinnati and an MBA from San Diego State University. He represents the general public and replaces Michael Chrissos.
Reappointment:
Sowirka is the hospice medical director of Residential Hospice and medical director at Lourdes Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. He previously served as the medical director for the acute care for the elderly unit at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital. Sowirka earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biological sciences from Wayne State University and a doctorate from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He continues to represent doctors of osteopathic medicine.
Members serve four-year terms expiring Aug. 3, 2019. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
#####
