October 25, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 25, 2019
Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced the following appointments to the Michigan Bean Commission, Michigan Carrot Commission, Farm Produce Insurance Authority Board of Directors, and the Michigan Veterans’ Trust Fund Board of Trustees.
Michigan Bean Commission
Kevin Noffsinger, of Pinconning, is the owner and operator of his family’s 550-acre cash crop farm where they have produced edible beans since the 1960s. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering Technology from Michigan State University. Mr. Noffsinger is reappointed to represent District 1 growers, for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022.
Jessica R. Rader, of Lakeview, is a technical sales representative with Wilbur-Ellis Company and she helps run her family’s dry bean farm in Montcalm County. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Michigan State University. Mrs. Rader is appointed to succeed Brian Stratton, whose term expires December 31, 2019, to represent District 7 growers, for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022.
Ross E. Voelker, of Pigeon, is the owner and operator of his family’s dry bean farm, Greenfield Farms, Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Michigan State University. Mr. Voelker is reappointed to represent District 6 growers, for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022.
The Michigan Bean Commission is headquartered in Frankenmuth, the heart of the growing area. The primary objectives of the Commission are research and promotion. There are more than 2300 growers registered with the Michigan Bean Commission who are dedicated to bringing consumers the highest quality dry beans and are recognized worldwide as industry leaders.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Carrot Commission
Ryan P. Malburg, of Hart, is a managing member of Malburg Acres, LLC., where he grows carrots, asparagus, and other products. Mr. Malburg is reappointed to represent fresh growers, for a term commencing November 1, 2019 and expiring October 31, 2022.
Jared Oomen, of Hart, is the manager of Oomen Farms, where his family grows carrots, asparagus, and other products. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural industries from Michigan State University. Mr. Oomen is reappointed to represent process growers, for a term commencing November 1, 2019 and expiring October 31, 2022.
The Michigan Carrot Commission promotes the production and consumption of carrots grown in Michigan and assists in the agricultural research and development of carrot farming.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Farm Produce Insurance Authority Board of Directors
Nichole L. Wilcox, of Portland, is the vice president of commercial lending for GreenStone Farm Credit Services. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Grand Valley State University. Mrs. Wilcox is appointed to succeed Steven Kluemper, who has resigned, to represent the largest Michigan organization representing the interests of agricultural lenders in Michigan, for a term expiring June 20, 2022.
The Michigan Farm Produce Insurance Authority Board of Directors consists of members from the farming, grain, and banking industries. The Board has the responsibility of establishing, administering, and promoting the Farm Produce Insurance Fund.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Veterans’ Trust Fund Board of Trustees
Jill R. Mathews, of Norton Shores, is the executive director of Women Injured iN Combat (WINC) and a retired sergeant major and senior program manager with the United States Army. Ms. Mathews is appointed to succeed Rachel Genier, who has resigned, to represent independent veterans for a term February 25, 2021.
Thomas M. Smith, of Grosse Pointe, is the president of taktik(z), Inc. and a veteran of the United States Navy. Mr. Smith is appointed to succeed Charles Kosal, who has resigned, to represent independent veterans for a term expiring February 25, 2020.
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.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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