December 10, 2018
Snyder makes appointments, reappointments to 21 boards and commissions
Monday, Dec. 10, 2018
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced 49 appointments and reappointments to multiple boards and commissions.
“These individuals are highly dedicated to helping their fellow Michiganders and I thank them for their commitment to serve on these boards and commissions,” Snyder said.
Advisory Council on Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing
Appointments:
Cynthia Caldwell, of Springport, recently retired as a DeafBlind Specialist for the state of Michigan, providing counseling and training to deafblind persons and their families. She holds an associate degree in business administration from Oakland Community College, a bachelor’s degree in business and accounting, and a master’s degree in blind rehabilitation from Western Michigan University. She will represent individuals knowledgeable in the field of deafness and fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Karen Bailey. Caldwell will serve the remainder of a three-year term expiring Jan. 18, 2019.
Thomas Shields, of DeWitt, is president of Marketing Resource Group, Inc., a position he has held for more than 38 years. He has served as a board member for numerous business organizations as well as president, board member and treasurer of his church for over 20 years. Shields attended Oakland Community College and Wayne State University. He will represent deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing persons and replace Carole Mehling. Shields will serve the remainder of a three-year term expiring Jan. 18, 2020.
Matthew Stephens, of Taylor, currently works at Kroger as a ClickList agent (grocery pick up), and previously served as a summer director for National Technical Institute for the Deaf Student Life Team Student. He holds an associate degree in design and imaging technology from Rochester Institute of Technology, in Rochester, New York. He will represent deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing persons and replace Jeannette Johnson. Stephens will serve the remainder of a three-year term expiring Jan. 18, 2021.
Debbie Mitre-Smith, of Novi, is a development officer with Ascension St. John Hospital – The Holley Institute and previously served as an assistant professor in sign language studies at Madonna University. She also serves as an ASTra Advocate with the Michigan Hands and Voices. Mitre-Smith holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Madonna University. She will represent individuals knowledgeable in the field of deafness and replace Miriam Horwitz. Mitre-Smith will serve the remainder of a three-year term expiring Jan. 18, 2021.
Appointment:
Allen Bischer, of Minden City, is the owner/operator of Gentner Bischer Farms, where he manages more than 4,000 acres. In addition to growing numerous crops, the farm does custom sugar beet planting and harvesting as well as supplying straw, corn, and corn silage to local dairy and beef farmers. Bischer serves on the St. Peter & Paul Parish Council and Ubly School Board. He will replace Jim Roggenbuck.
Reappointment:
Greg Ackerman, of Vassar, is the managing member of Ackerman & Son LLC, a cash crop farm. He currently serves on the Dry Bean & Sugar Beet Advisory Committee for Farm Bureau and previously served as president of the Tuscola County Farm Bureau. Ackerman studied agriculture at Michigan State University.
Clinton Stoutenburg, of Sandusky, is the owner of Stoutenburg Farms, where he manages a 7,000-acre farm. Stoutenburg holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University.
Members will serve three-year terms to expire Dec. 31, 2021 and are subject to the consent of the Senate.
Michigan Community Service Commission
Appointments:
Corey Utley, of Okemos, is a business development manager at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Utley earned her bachelor’s degree in advertising from Michigan State University. She will represent community-based agencies and replace Robert Collier.
Angela Ayers, of Bloomfield Hills, is director of strategic policy for Gov. Rick Snyder. Previously, she worked as a policy planner for the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments and a leadership coach at Great Lakes Leadership Academy. Ayers earned her bachelor’s degree in science and forestry from Michigan State University and Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan - Dearborn. She will represent experts in the delivery of human, educational, environmental, or public safety services to communities and persons and replace David Price.
Sheila Alles, of Northville, serves as the interim state superintendent for the Michigan Department of Education. Previously, she served as the chief deputy superintendent for the Michigan Department of Education. Alles earned a master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Michigan and an education specialist degree in administration and supervision from Wayne State University. She will represent superintendents of public instruction and replace Michael Hill.
Dan Olsen, of Charlotte, is the communications and media relations manager for the Talent and Economic Development Department of Michigan. He previously served as an account executive at Truscott Rossman. Olsen earned his bachelor’s degree in advertising, with a focus in public relations from Michigan State University. He will represent experts in the delivery of human, educational, environmental, or public safety services to communities and persons and replace Kriste Etue.
Aubrey Moon, of Macomb Township, is the studio manager, master trainer, and client relations manager at The Barre Code Metro Detroit. She previously worked as an account executive at Martin Retail Group, Buick & GMC, and as an account coordinator at Zimmerman Advertising, Nissan Division. Moon earned her bachelor’s degree in advertising, with a focus in public relations from Michigan State University. She will represent business and replace John Truscott.
Reappointments:
Heidi Magyar, of Laingsburg, serves as the director of corporate giving at General Motors. Prior to this role, she was the director of community outreach at GM. Magyar earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan - Flint. She will continue to represent experts in the delivery of human, educational, environmental, or public safety services to communities and persons.
Ami Michelle Rabideau, of East Grand Rapids, is the president of Saint Mary’s Foundation, a position she has served in for more than a decade. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois and Master of Public Administration from Grand Valley State University. She will continue to represent experts in the delivery of human, educational, environmental, or public safety services to communities and persons.
Robert Kolt, of Haslett, is the president and CEO of Kolt Communications, Inc. In addition, he serves with a rank of full-time instructors with a distinguished title of “Professor of Practice” and has taught in the Advertising and Public Relations Department in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University for 26 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree in broadcast and cinematic arts and journalism from Central Michigan University and master’s degree in communication from Michigan State University. He will continue to represent individuals with experience in promoting service and volunteerism among older adults.
Members will serve three-year terms to expire Dec. 31, 2021.
Appointment:
Kathleen Weber, of Ann Arbor, is a registered dental assistant in Michigan and is certified by the Dental Assisting National Board. She recently retired as the Dental Assisting Program Director for Washtenaw Community College, where she served in various roles for 32 years. Weber currently serves as president of the Theophil and Amanda April Family Foundation, and on the board of directors for Hope Medical Clinic. She holds an associate degree in dental assisting from Washtenaw Community College and a bachelor’s degree in allied health from Siena Heights University. She will represent dental assistants and fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Jennifer Kindel.
Weber will serve the remainder of a four-year term expiring June 30, 2019 and is subject to the consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons
Appointment:
Justin Clement, of Saginaw, is a government affairs consultant with The Frederick Group. He holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations & social relations and policy from James Madison College at Michigan State University. He will represent the general public and fill a vacancy created by the resignation of James Lance.
Clement will serve the remainder of a four-year term expiring June 30, 2019 and is subject to the consent of the Senate.
Appointments:
April Clobes, of Bath, is the president and CEO of Michigan State University Federal Credit Union. She is an executive board member of the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, Lansing Economic Area Partnership, and is a member of the WKAR Advisory Council. Clobes holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a master’s degree in advertising from Michigan State University, as well as a master’s in business administration from Western Michigan University. She will replace Tina Van Dam.
James Napolitano, of Dryden, is the senior vice president and managing director of Organic, Inc., with more than 21 years of marketing experience. He also serves as a firefighter and medical first responder for the Dryden Fire Department. Napolitano holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University. He will replace Walter Koziol.
Jenell Leonard, of DeWitt, is the vice president of public affairs for Marketing Resource Group, Inc. Previously, she served as director of the Michigan Film Office and external and strategic affairs advisor for Lt. Gov. Brian Calley. Leonard earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Thomas Edison State College and master’s degree in public administration from Walden University. She will replace Miranda Krajniak.
Jade Sims, of Okemos, is an international trade specialist with the Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University. She previously served as an academic specialist in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, French, Classics, and Italian at Michigan State University. Sims earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Alma College and Master of Business Administration in international management from Thunderbird School of Global Management. She will replace Jody Eden.
Glenn Stevens, of Beverly Hills, is the executive director and vice president of automotive and mobility initiatives for the Detroit Regional Chamber. He previously served as senior vice president at Original Equipment Suppliers Association. Stevens earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University. He will replace Steve Wilson.
Reappointment:
Margaret Stephanak, of Portage, is vice president of Southwest Michigan First. She serves on the Board of Governors for the Kalamazoo Country Club and on the Executive Leadership Team for the American Heart Association's “Go Red for Women” event. Stephanak holds a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University.
Clobes will serve a three-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2020, remaining members will serve three-year terms expiring Dec. 31, 2021.
State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision
Reappointments:
Russ Marlan, of DeWitt, is the deputy director of the Michigan Department of Corrections. Marlan earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University. He will continue to represent compact administrators.
Cheri Arwood, of St. Johns, will continue to represent the Executive Branch.
Members will serve four-year terms expiring Oct. 31, 2022.
Electronic Recording Commission
Appointment:
Brandon Denby, of Howell, was elected in 2016 as the Livingston County Register of Deeds. He previously owned and operated the title insurance company DBLiquid Management and studied business and hospitality at Lansing Community College. He will represent county registers of deeds and replace Michelle Stevenson.
Denby will serve a two-year term expiring Jan. 1, 2021.
Appointment:
Maureen Saxton, of DeWitt, is vice president of Van Dyke Horn Public Relations and was previously the founder and president of PR Edge, LLC. She holds a bachelor’s degree in international studies from the University of Michigan – Dearborn. She will represent the general public and replace Karl Olson.
Saxton will serve the remainder of a four-year term expiring June 30, 2022 and is subject to the consent of the Senate.
Appointments:
Virginia Manolakoudis, of Lansing, is an executive assistant within the Executive Office of Governor Rick Snyder. She previously served as a scheduler/front desk secretary for Governmental Consultant Services, Inc. Manolakoudis holds a bachelor’s degree in social science from Michigan State University. She will represent the general public and replace Melinda Doyle. Manolakoudis will serve the remainder of a four-year term expiring June 30, 2022.
Hrisais (Kris) Skorna, of Lansing, is an administrative assistant for the Michigan Laborers Training and Apprenticeship Institute. Skorna studied marketing at Lansing Community College. She will represent the general public and replace Paul McNamara. Skorna will serve the remainder of a four-year term expiring June 30, 2019.
Members are subject to the consent of the Senate.
Appointment:
Timothy (Toby) Sweeney, of Belmont, is the service manager of Pleune Service Co. where he oversees service technicians and the service department. He earned his Trane centrifugal chiller certification in Lacrosse, Wisc. He will represent HVAC equipment contractors and replace Christopher Fuller.
Sweeney will serve a four-year term expiring Oct. 1, 2022 and is subject to the consent of the Senate.
Automobile Theft Prevention Authority Board of Directors
Appointments:
William Patterson, of Marshall, is a claim team manager for State Farm Insurance. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Western Michigan University. He will represent automobile insurers doing business in the state and replace Mark Wagenshutz.
Daniel Pfannes, of Canton, is an undersheriff for the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, and previously served as chief of the Westland Police Department. He is an advisory board member for the Eastern Michigan University School of Police Staff and Command, an advisory committee member for Schoolcraft College Law Enforcement In-Service Training, a commissioner for the Detroit Crime Commission, and is vice chair of the Wayne County Regional Police Academy Advisory Board. Pfannes holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial supervision and management from Central Michigan University and a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Detroit. He will represent law enforcement officials and replace Michael McCabe.
Members will serve four-year terms expiring July 1, 2022 and are subject to the consent of the Senate.
Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission
Appointments:
Nic Clark, of Lansing, is the political director for Operating Engineers Local 324. Previously he served as the president of the Old Newsboys Association of Greater Lansing. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University. He will represent the general public and serve the remainder of a four-year term expiring June 5, 2019, filling a vacancy.
Bruce Hundley, of Howell, is the president of Advanced Metal Alloys, Inc., a position he has held for more than 30 years. He is a combat veteran who served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He will represent boxing and serve the remainder of a four-year term expiring June 5, 2021, filling a vacancy.
Members are subject to the consent of the Senate.
Michigan Veterans Facilities Board of Managers
Appointment:
Shane Preston, of Howell, works in the Michigan Senate as legislative director for Sen. Dale Zorn. Previously, he owned and operated Shane Preston Consulting, LLC. Preston enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2006, serving two combat deployments to Iraq. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Western Michigan University and Master of Science in management, leadership, and strategy from Michigan State University. He will represent a congressionally chartered veterans’ organizations and the Marine Corps League, and fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Paul Meade.
Preston will serve the remainder of a three-year term expiring Feb. 28, 2021 and is subject to the consent of the Senate.
State Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science
Appointment:
Harold (Howie) Rediske II, of Brownstown, is the owner and director of Uht Funeral Home in Westland. He previously served as a 68B10 aircraft powerplant repairer for the U.S. Army. Radiske completed the Northeast Alabama Community College Aviation Maintenance Repair program, and the mortuary science program at Wayne State University. He will represent professionals and fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Rodney Wakeman.
Rediske will serve the remainder of a four-year term expiring June 30, 2019 and is subject to the consent of the Senate.
State Historic Preservation Review Board
Appointment:
Lane Demas, of Mount Pleasant, is a professor for the Department of History at Central Michigan University and specializes in African American history, modern U.S. history, and the history of sports. He also serves as an editor for The Michigan Historical Review. Demas holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Northwestern University in Illinois, and a master’s degree and Ph.D. in history from the University of California. He will represent the historic preservation qualifications for the Secretary of the United States Department of Interior historic preservation qualifications standards for history and replace Sally Bund.
Reappointment:
Kemba Braynon, of Ypsilanti, is an associate and project architect for Quinn Evans Architects, and previously served as a historic architect and planner for the City of Detroit. She holds two bachelor’s degrees in architecture and English literature and a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Michigan. She will continue to represent the historic preservation qualifications for the Secretary of the United States Department of Interior historic preservation qualifications standards for architectural history.
Members will serve four-year terms expiring Dec. 31, 2022.
Appointment:
Nick Buggia, of Mayville, is the Upper Midwestern States Manager for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation where he works with state legislatures and governors in midwestern states to promote hunting, trapping, and recreational shooting policies. Buggia earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Saginaw Valley State University. He will represent rural areas of this state whose economies are substantially impacted by hunting and fishing and replace Randy Stec.
Buggia will serve a four-year term expiring March 31, 2022.
Michigan Dairy Marketing Committee
Appointments:
Renee McCauley, of Lowell, manages Tumbleweed Dairy, where she is responsible for the managing of information and administering the preventative care of animals from calf to cow. McCauley served on the Michigan Farm Bureau Board of Directors, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, and the Kent County Farm Bureau. McCauley holds a Bachelor of Science from Michigan State University. She will replace Peter Kleiman and represent the Michigan Farm Bureau.
Amy Martin, of Leroy, is owner of Gingrich Meadows, Inc., a dairy producing farm. Martin is charged with accounting, public speaking, herd management and crop harvesting. She holds an associate degree in dairy tech from Michigan State University. She will represent the Michigan Milk Producers Association and replace James Reid.
Reappointments:
Timothy Hood, of Paw Paw, is the CEO of Hood Farms and has over 35 years of experience running a dairy farm. He has 1,100 acres, grows corn and alfalfa, has 490 dairy cows and 420 replacement heifers. Hood Farms is a fourth-generation dairy farm which employs 11 non-family members, as well as four of their children. He will continue to represent the Michigan Milk Producers Association.
Kenneth Nobis, of St. Johns, is partner/owner of Nobis Dairy Farms and has 44 years of experience managing a dairy farm. He operates a 1,000-cow dairy farm in partnership with his brother and son. They also farm 3,000 acres of corn, alfalfa, soybeans and wheat. He is the president of the Michigan Milk Producers Association. Nobis holds a bachelor’s degree in general agriculture from Western Michigan University. He will continue to represent the Michigan Milk Producers Association.
Dwight Nash, of Elsie, is a life-long dairy farmer. He has extensive experience on the Clinton County Farm Bureau, serving as the community action group president as well as on the political action committee/candidate evaluation committee. He will continue to represent the Dairy Farmers of America.
Members will serve three-year terms expiring Dec. 31, 2021.
Appointment:
Nathan William Schwass, of Scottville, is the general partner/COO of Springdale Farms, a position he has held since 1993. Schwass was the treasurer/lieutenant for the Riverton Fire Department and was the vice president of the Mason County Farm Bureau. Schwass attended West Shore Community College. He will represent processed growers and replace Nathan Karnemaat.
William will serve a three-year term to expire Oct. 31, 2021.
Statewide Independent Living Council
Reappointments:
Gabriella Burman, of Huntington Woods, is a communications coordinator for Hillel Day School in Farmington Hills. She is vice chair of the United Cerebral Palsy of Metro Detroit and The Friendship Circle. Burman holds a bachelor’s degree in writing seminars with a minor in French from Johns Hopkins University. She will continue to represent advocates of and for individuals with disabilities.
Kelsey Kleimola, of Ypsilanti, is a quality analyst at JLodge, and is Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2014. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Aquinas College. She will continue to represent individuals with disabilities.
Members will serve three-year terms expiring Dec. 31, 2021.
Michigan Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers with Developmental Disabilities
Appointment:
M. Jennifer Forsthoff, of Fenton, is the author of the book “Chosen for Charlie: When God Gifts You with a Special-Needs Child,” and currently serves as the secretary for Mid-Michigan American Business Clubs (AMBUCS), where she helps plan and host the Special Needs Expo in Flint. She is a former elementary school teacher and is an active member and volunteer at Cornerstone Church of Highland. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a concentration in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla. She will represent parents of infants or toddlers with disabilities or children with disabilities less than 13 years old at the time of appointment with knowledge of, or experience with, programs for infants and toddlers with disabilities.
Forsthoff will serve the remainder of a four-year term expiring Oct. 31, 2019, filling a vacancy created by the resignation of Lauren Heilman.
Reappointment:
Terri Flint, of Fenton, is the elevator program manager for facilities maintenance at the University of Michigan. She served as the work flow planner and elevator shop contract manager intermediate at the University of Michigan, as well as the superintendent at Millar Elevator Service Company. Flint has completed various University of Michigan training courses, certified as a qualified elevator inspector, and completed the American Society of Mechanical Engineers related courses. She holds her State of Michigan Class A elevator contractor’s license, State of Michigan Class A journeypersons’ license, and holds her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University.
She will continue to represent elevator owners and lessees and serve a four-year term to expire July 22, 2022.
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