July 15, 2016
Friday, July 15, 2016
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Chris DeRose of Ann Arbor, Teresa Graham of Owosso, Ed Pigeon of Hopkins and the reappointments of Charles “Fritz” Benson of East Lansing, Josh Bocks of New Hudson and Vincent Viviano of Shelby Township to the Unarmed Combat Commission.
Housed within the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, the 11-member commission oversees professional boxing and mixed martial arts events.
"This group of individuals brings a wide range of experience to this commission and I look forward to their future contributions," Snyder said.
Appointments:
DeRose is the president and sole proprietor of C. DeRose & Associates. He is the owner and co-founder of Final Round Training Center for mixed martial arts and fitness in Ann Arbor. DeRose holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in business administration, both from the University of Michigan. He will represent individuals with experience, knowledge, or background in mixed martial arts (MMA) and replace John Thibault.
Graham retired in 2015 from the Owosso Public Schools administration. During her tenure she was elementary assistant principal and principal and high school assistant principal. She also formerly competed in Judo nationally and internationally. Graham holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Oakland University and a master’s degree in educational administration from Michigan State University. She will represent the general public and replace Kevin Moore.
Pigeon is the acting chairman for the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians. He currently sits on the Diversity Committee for Hopkins Public Schools and is a licensed MMA judge. Pigeon studied criminal justice at Grand Valley State University. He will represent individuals with experience, knowledge, or background in mixed martial arts (MMA) and replace Wolfgang Mueller.
Reappointments:
Benson retired in 2010 from his position as Chairman of Michigan Legislative Consultants. He is a licensed professional second in boxing in Michigan, a former amateur boxer, and currently serves as a member of the Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities Board of Outstate Michigan. Benson holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in education administration from Michigan State University. He will continue to represent individuals with experience, knowledge, or background in boxing.
Bocks is a senior transportation planner for the Michigan Department of Transportation. He is a former MMA fighter, MMA licensed judge, and MMA referee. Bocks holds a bachelor’s degree in geography and has a geographic information systems specialization certification from Michigan State University. He has a master’s degree in business leadership from Kaplan University. He will continue to represent individuals with experience, knowledge, or background in mixed martial arts (MMA).
Viviano is a community relations and park coordinator for Macomb County Department of Roads and has over 20 years of experience working in the banking and financial services industry. He is involved with many different charitable organizations including Turning Point domestic violence shelter, Athletes with Disabilities, Italian American Chamber of Commerce, Italian American Cultural Center, Fraternal Order of Police, and is a Henry Ford board member of the Philanthropic and Ambassador Boards. He will continue to represent individuals with experience, knowledge, or background in mixed martial arts.
Members serve four-year terms expiring June 5, 2020. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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