March 24, 2017
Friday, March 24, 2017
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Cheryl Lohmeyer of Monroe and Catherine Onsted of Jackson, as well as the reappointments of Lori Budnik of Rogers City, Lani Forbes of Hastings, and Veda Thompkins of Detroit to the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect.
The 11-person board promotes the health, safety and welfare of Michigan's children and families by funding local programs and services that prevent child abuse and neglect.
“I thank these individuals for their commitment to protecting Michigan’s most vulnerable children and I am confident their knowledge and experience will contribute greatly to the board,” Snyder said.
Appointments:
Lohmeyer is a Monroe County Probate Judge and previously served as a member of the Monroe County Child Protective Attorney Consortium. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a law degree from the University Of Toledo College Of Law. She will represent judges and attorneys and fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Robin Eagleson.
Onsted retired as a parent-aide with Parkside Family Counseling Services, where she was assigned to families who had children placed in foster care and supervised visits. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Cleary College. She will represent parent groups and replace Betsy Boggs.
Reappointments:
Budnik is the child protective services supervisor for the Alcona/Alpena/Montmorency County office of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. She has more than 20 years of experience with child welfare. She recently helped to establish a Children’s Advocacy Center in Alpena. Budnik holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in social work, both from Grand Valley State University. She will continue to represent child protective services agencies.
Forbes is the executive director for Barry County United Way, is a medical lieutenant for the Freeport Fire Department, and is involved in many local and regional boards. She will continue to represent parents.
Thompkins is the president of Families On The Move, Inc., a volunteer non-profit organization which advocates for at-risk youth, birth families, and foster and adoptive families. Thompkins holds an associate’s degree from Wayne County Community College. She will continue to represent the law enforcement community.
Lohmeyer will serve the remainder of a three-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2018. The remainder of the appointees will serve three-year terms expiring Dec. 31, 2019.
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