July 12, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 12, 2019
Gov. Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today announced the following appointments to the Michigan Board of Acupuncture, Michigan Aeronautics Commission, Michigan Board of Audiology, State Construction Code Commission, Michigan Board of Counseling, Elevator Safety Board, Health Endowment Fund Board, Michigan Board of Optometry, Health Information Technology Commission, Michigan Iron Industry Museum Advisory Board, Michigan Public Safety Communications Interoperability Board, and the Michigan Veterans’ Trust Fund Board of Trustees.
Michigan Board of Acupuncture
Caitlin Bonk, of Royal Oak, is an acupuncturist with Gray Chiropractic and Wellness Center. She earned her Bachelor of Professional Health Sciences and Master of Science in Oriental Medicine from East West College of Natural Medicine. Ms. Bonk is appointed to succeed David Krofcheck, whose term expired June 30, 2019, to represent acupuncturists for a term expiring June 30, 2023.
Elizabeth L. Stewart, of Adrian, is the owner of Phoenix Rising: Adrian Wellness Center, PLLC and a senior faculty member at Acutonics Institute of Integrative Medicine, LLC. She earned her Master of Acupuncture and Herbal Certificate from the Academy for Five Element Acupuncture, and Acutonics Certifications from The Acutonics Institute of Integrative Medicine (formerly the Kairos Institute of Sound Healing). Ms. Stewart is appointed to succeed Xiaohong Tan, whose term expired June 30, 2019, to represent acupuncturists for a term expiring June 30, 2023.
Dr. Charlotte Yang, of Saginaw, is a physician with an independent family practice. She earned her Bachelor of Medicine from Fudan University Medical School in Shanghai, China and a Certificate by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates. Dr. Yang is appointed to succeed Sheryl Blanchard, whose term expired June 30, 2019, to represent the general public for a term expiring June 30, 2023.
The Michigan Board of Acupuncture works with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of approximately 89 acupuncturists. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the board to promote and protect the public's health, safety, and welfare, which is implemented by the Board by ascertaining minimal entry level competency of acupuncturists. The Board also has the obligation to take disciplinary action against registrants who have adversely affected the public's health, safety, and welfare.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Aeronautics Commission
Kelly K. Burris, of Pleasant Ridge, is the owner of Burris Law, PLLC and a former engineer with McDonnell Douglas and Boeing. She is also a licensed pilot who has participated in the Angel Flight program. Ms. Burris is appointed to succeed J. David VanderVeen, whose term expired May 27, 2019, for a term expiring May 27, 2023.
Brian R. Smith, of Detroit, is an adjunct professor of mathematics and calculus at Wayne County Community College District and a former senior engineering specialist with General Dynamics Land Systems. He currently serves as the president of the Tuskegee Airmen National Museum. Dr. Smith is appointed to succeed Peter Kamarainen, whose term expired May 27, 2019, for a term expiring May 27, 2023.
The Michigan Aeronautics Commission is responsible for the general supervision of all aeronautics within the state. The Commission is empowered by state law to make rules and regulations governing all airports, flight schools, and other aeronautical activities.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Audiology
Lauren Dadisho, of West Bloomfield, is a clinical audiologist with ENT Specialists, P.C. in Novi. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Doctor of Audiology from Wayne State University. Dr. Dadisho is appointed to succeed Thomas O’Connor, whose term expired June 30, 2019, to represent audiologists for a term expiring June 30, 2023.
Stylianos Dokianakis, of Saugatuck, is an audiologist and owner of Holland Doctors of Audiology. He earned his Master of Science in Communicative Disorders from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a Doctor of Audiology from A.T. Still University of Health Sciences. Dr. Dokianakis is appointed to succeed Paul Kileny, whose term expired June 30, 2019, to represent audiologists for a term expiring June 30, 2023.
The Michigan Board of Audiology was enacted as part of the Public Health Code to license audiologists who apply nonmedical and nonsurgical principles, methods, and procedures related to disorders of hearing. The Board promotes and protects the public's health, safety, and welfare, and has the obligation to take disciplinary action against licensees who have adversely affected the public's health, safety, and welfare.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
State Construction Code Commission
Brad D. Bartholomew, of Kalamazoo, is the owner of Bartholomew Heating & Cooling, Inc. and Energy Saving Services, Inc. Mr. Bartholomew is appointed to succeed Donald Staley, whose term expired January 31, 2019, to represent industrial management for a term expiring January 31, 2023.
Frank J. Bayer, of Clinton Township, is a plan review coordinator for the City of Sterling Heights and owner of Michicode, LLC. Mr. Bayer is appointed to succeed Thomas Baldwin, whose term expired January 31, 2019, to represent municipal building inspectors for a term expiring January 31, 2023.
Glenn A. Davis, of Bloomfield Hills, is the chief of construction inspections for the City of Detroit. Mr. Davis is appointed to succeed William Richard Benoit, whose term expired January 31, 2019, to represent municipal building inspectors for a term expiring January 31, 2023.
Mark A. Lee, of Kalamazoo, is a change agent and owner of Better World Builders, LLC and a commissioner for the Kalamazoo County Building Authority. Mr. Lee is appointed to succeed Roger E. Papineau, whose term expired January 31, 2019, to represent licensed residential builders for a term expiring January 31, 2023.
The State Construction Code Commission was created to improve the quality of housing for Michigan residents while assisting the housing industry. The Commission appoints the members to the Building Officials Advisory Board.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Counseling
Gary Harper, of Ann Arbor, is a professor of global public health at the University of Michigan. He earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Purdue University. Dr. Harper is appointed to succeed Patrick Munley, whose term expired June 30, 2019, to represent members who are engaged primarily in teaching, training, or research in counseling, for a term expiring June 30, 2023.
Charmeka Whitehead-Newton, of Caledonia, is a psychologist and owner of Legacy Mental Health, PLLC, and an adjunct professor at Western Michigan University’s Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology Department. She earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University. Dr. Whitehead-Newton is appointed to succeed Diane Parfitt, whose term expired June 30, 2019, to represent members who are engaged primarily in providing counseling techniques, behavior modification techniques, or preventive techniques to clients, for a term expiring June 30, 2023.
The Michigan Board of Counseling was enacted as part of the Public Health Code to license counselors who render to individuals, groups, families, organizations, or the general public a service involving the application of clinical counseling principles, methods, or procedures in an educational, business, health, private practice, or human services setting. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board including promoting and protecting the public's health, safety, and welfare.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Elevator Safety Board
Ricardo L. Knott, of Grosse Pointe Woods, is an elevator inspector for the City of Detroit Building and Safety Engineering Department. Mr. Knott is filling a vacancy representing a municipality in the state having a population of at least 500,000, for a term expiring July 22, 2020.
The Elevator Safety Board promulgates rules, prepares examinations, and issues elevator contractor licenses. The Board also conducts hearings to determine whether an elevator contractor license or certificate of competency or commission should be suspended or revoked.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Health Endowment Fund Board
Tina Reynolds, of East Lansing, is the health policy director for the Michigan Environmental Council. Ms. Reynolds is appointed to succeed Cindy Estrada, who resigned in 2018, to represent an individual recommended by the Senate Minority Leader for a term expiring October 1, 2019.
The Michigan Health Endowment Fund Board was created as a result of the Nonprofit Health Care Corporation Reform Act, which authorizes certain changes on how Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan operates in this state. The Fund's purpose is to benefit health and wellness through funding of programs for minor children and seniors through the state with a significant focus on infant mortality, wellness and fitness programs, access to healthy food, technology enhancements, health-related transportation needs and foodborne illness prevention.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Optometry
Hrisais “Kris” Skorna, of Perry, is an administrative assistant and grants secretary for the Michigan Laborers' Training and Apprenticeship Institute. Mrs. Skorna is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring June 30, 2023.
Lisa R. Webb Sharpe, of Okemos, is the executive vice president for finance, administration, advancement, and student affairs at Lansing Community College. Dr. Sharpe is appointed to succeed Sarah Kile, whose term expired June 30, 2019, to represent the general public for a term expiring June 30, 2023.
The Michigan Board of Optometry was enacted as part of the Public Health Code to license optometrists in this state. The Board promotes and protects the public's health, safety, and welfare by ascertaining minimal entry level competency of health practitioners and verifying continuing education during licensure. The Board also has the obligation to take disciplinary action against licensees who have adversely affected the public's health, safety, and welfare.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Health Information Technology Commission
Paul LaCasse, of West Bloomfield, is the executive vice president of Beaumont Health. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathy from Michigan State University. Dr. LaCasse is appointed to succeed Orest Sowirka, whose term expires August 3, 2019, to represent doctors of osteopathic medicine and surgery for a term commencing August 4, 2019 and expiring August 3, 2023.
Renee Smiddy, of Howell, is the director of research and performance measurement for the Michigan Health and Hospital Association. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in General Business Management from Michigan State University and a Master of Science in Business Analytics from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Ms. Smiddy is appointed to succeed Randall Ritter, whose term expires August 3, 2019, to represent the general public for a term commencing August 4, 2019 and expiring August 3, 2023.
Michael H. Zaroukian, of Okemos, is the vice president, chief medical information officer, and chief transformation officer for Sparrow Health System and a professor emeritus at the Michigan State University Department of Medicine. He earned his Doctor of Medicine and Ph.D. in Microbiology from Michigan State University. Dr. Zaroukian is appointed to succeed Michael Chrissos, whose term expires August 3, 2019, to represent doctors of medicine for a term commencing August 4, 2019 and expiring August 3, 2023.
The Health Information Technology Commission was created to facilitate and promote the design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of interoperable health care information infrastructure in this state.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Iron Industry Museum Advisory Board
Joseph Derocha, of Champion, is a Marquette County Commissioner, and the owner of 41 Auto Sales and MPJ Rentals. Mr. Derocha is appointed to fill a vacancy representing the Marquette County Commission for a term expiring October 4, 2022.
Michael A. Gregory, of Ishpeming, is a plant repairperson with Tilden Mining Company. Mr. Gregory is appointed to succeed Victoria Leonhardt, whose term expired October 4, 2018, to represent the general public for a term expiring October 4, 2022.
Allan E. Koski, of Negaunee, is a retired staff engineer for Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. Mr. Koski is appointed to fill a vacancy representing the mineral industry for a term expiring October 4, 2019.
Victoria Leonhardt, of Marquette, is an associate and the U.P Census hub coordinator for Grow and Lead: Community and Youth Development and creative director for Wattsson and Wattsson Jewelers. Ms. Leonhardt is appointed to fill a vacancy representing the City of Marquette for a term expiring October 4, 2022.
Gregory S. Montgomery, of Negaunee, is a retired loader and bulldozer operator for Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc. Mr. Montgomery is appointed to succeed Larry Lankton, whose term expired October 4, 2018, to represent the general public for a term expiring October 4, 2022.
James R. Paquette, of Negaunee, is a retired staff employee development and training representative from Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. Mr. Paquette is appointed to fill a vacancy representing the City of Negaunee for a term expiring October 4, 2020.
The Michigan Iron Industry Museum Advisory Board advises the Michigan Department of Natural Resources on policies, plans and programs concerning the Michigan Iron Industry Museum. The Board supports education programs and public use of the facility.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Public Safety Communications Interoperability Board
John R. Allen, of Allen Park, is the chief of police for the City of Melvindale Police Department. Chief Allen in appointed to succeed Ronald Bush, whose term expired April 30, 2019, to represent local emergency first responders for a term expiring April 30, 2023.
Edwin Miller, of Sterling Heights, is the assistant fire chief of the City of Sterling Heights Fire Department. Chief Miller is appointed to succeed Gregory Janik, whose term expired April 30, 2019, to represent local emergency first responders for a term expiring April 30, 2023.
Matthew Sahr, of Macomb, is a firefighter paramedic with the City of Eastpointe Fire Department. Mr. Sahr is appointed to succeed Michelle LaJoye-Young, whose term expired April 30, 2019, to represent local emergency first responders for a term expiring April 30, 2023.
The Michigan Public Safety Communications Interoperability Board oversees the Michigan's Public Safety Communications System (MPSCS), an 800/700 MHz radio system and telecommunications network that also provides public safety specific applications integrated into the network. The Board is responsible for advising the Governor on all interoperability aspects of current and future technology in the state to ensure the public safety community is well prepared today and in the future with the emergency communications ecosystem.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Veterans’ Trust Fund Board of Trustees
Rachel Genier, of Battle Creek, is the human resources director for the Michigan National Guard. Mrs. Genier is appointed to succeed Melissa LaBruzzy, who resigned June 8, 2019, to represent independent veterans for a term expiring February 25, 2021.
The Michigan Veterans’ Trust Fund was created in 1946 from $50 million in postwar reserve funds to provide grants for the emergency needs of veterans. The Michigan Veterans’ Trust Fund Board of Trustees governs grant policies and adjudication, county committee appointments, and expenditure from trust earnings.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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