June 16, 2017
Friday, June 16, 2017
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Tressa Gardner of Waterford and Melanie Lalonde of Grosse Pointe park to the Certificate of Need Commission.
The 11-member commission is a state program that works to help balance the cost, quality, and access to Michigan's health care system.
"Tressa and Melanie have years of experience as health professionals and I am confident in their ability to positively contribute to this commission," Snyder said.
Gardner is the president of DeGarA PLLC. She is a member of the American, Michigan, and Oakland County Osteopathic Associations as well as the American Colleges of Emergency Physicians and Osteopathic Emergency Physicians. Gardner holds a bachelor’s degree from Oakland University and a doctor of osteopathy from Michigan State University. She will represent osteopathic physicians engaged in the practice of osteopathic medicine and surgery. She will replace Kathleen Cowling.
Lalonde is a senior analyst of U.S. health care programs for General Motors. She previously worked for Delta Dental Plan of Michigan as a senior benefits consultant, and as a manager of health and welfare benefits for The Auto Club Group. Lalonde holds a bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies focused in employment relations from Michigan State University, a master’s degree in Human Resources from Central Michigan University, and a certificate in professional human resource management from Eastern Michigan University. She will represent Republicans and companies who are self-insured for health coverage. She will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Jessica Kochin.
Gardner will serve a three-year term expiring April 9, 2020. Lalonde will serve the remainder of a three-year term expiring January 1, 2019. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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