Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    

December 5, 2019    

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions  

LANSING, Mich. –  Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced the following appointments to the Commission on Services to the Aging, Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michigan Board of Behavior Analysts, Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board “Children’s Trust Fund,” Crime Victim Services Commission, Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System Board, Michigan Board of Speech Language Pathology, Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission, Michigan Community Service Commission, Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council, Governor's Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect, Michigan Citizen-Community Emergency Response Coordinating Council, State Historic Preservation Review Board, Board of Interpreters for the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing, Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services, and the School Safety Commission. 

Commission on Services to the Aging 

Sandra Milton-Ramsey, a Democrat of Detroit, is an executive assistant and senior outreach and community liaison for Wayne County. Mrs. Milton-Ramsey is appointed for a term commencing December 5, 2019 and expiring July 28, 2021. She succeeds Jean Hall who has resigned from the Commission.  

The Michigan Commission on Services to the Aging advises the Governor and Legislature on coordination and administration of state programs, changes in federal and state programs, and the nature and magnitude of aging priorities. The Commission also reviews and approves grants made by the Office of Services to the Aging and participates in development of the state plan and budget as required by the federal Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended.   

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development 

Timothy Boring, Ph.D., a Democrat of Stockbridge, is the vice president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association and the owner and operator of Boring Farms. He holds a Ph.D. in Crop and Soil Sciences from Michigan State University. Dr. Boring is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. He succeeds Trever Meachum whose term expires December 31, 2019.  

The Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development has the responsibility to recommend, and in some cases determine, policy on food, agricultural, and rural development issues. The Commission is a bipartisan body of five citizens appointed by the Governor.

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.  

Michigan Board of Behavior Analysts 

Jessa R. Love, Ph.D., of Brighton, is a licensed behavior analyst and the clinical supervisor for Building Bridges Therapy Center in Plymouth. She holds a Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis from Western Michigan University. Dr. Love is reappointed to represent licensed behavior analysts engaged in providing clinical services for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. 

Christie L. Nutkins, Ph.D., of Grand Rapids, is an autism coach with Kent Intermediate School District’s Center Based Programs and is a consultant for the Behavior Analysts of West Michigan. She holds a Ph.D. in School Psychology from Central Michigan University. Dr. Nutkins is reappointed to represent an individual who is affiliated with a university in this state and provides instructions or conducts research in applied behavior analysis for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. 

Luchara R. Wallace, Ph.D., of Portage, is an associate professor for the Department of Special Education and Literacy Studies and director of the Lewis Walker Institute for Race and Ethnic Relations at Western Michigan University. She holds a Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Kansas. Dr. Wallace is 

reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. 

The Michigan Board of Behavior Analysts was created to assist the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs with the regulating and licensing of behavior analysts who utilize applied behavior analysis interventions that are based on scientific research and the direct observation and measurement of behavior and the environment.  

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board “Children’s Trust Fund” 

Tammy L. Bernier, of Saginaw, is the owner and CEO of the Duperon Corporation and a member of the Child Abuse and Neglect (CAN) Council Great Lakes Bay Region Board of Directors. Ms. Bernier is appointed to represent the business community for a term commencing December 20, 2019 and expiring December 19, 2022. She succeeds Randy Richardville whose term expires December 19, 2019.  

Amy B. Bigman, of East Lansing, is the Rabbi at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in East Lansing and the founder and past coordinator of the Interfaith Clergy Association of Greater Lansing (formerly the East Lansing Area Clergy Association). Rabbi Bigman is appointed to represent the religious community for a term commencing December 20, 2019 and expiring December 19, 2022. She succeeds Reginald Bluestein whose term expires December 19, 2019.  

Jason A. Gold, of Dexter, is the president of GEM Advocacy Group and a member of United Way of Washtenaw and the Washtenaw County School Justice Partnership. Mr. Gold is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing December 20, 2019 and expiring December 19, 2022. He succeeds Roxanna Duntley-Matos whose term expires December 19, 2019. 

Kelle Jo Ilitch, of Bloomfield Hills, is an active board member for Ilitch Charities, a member of the Detroit Children’s Fund Board of Directors, and actively involved in various charities bettering local communities in Detroit. Ms. Ilitch is appointed to represent parents for a term commencing December 20, 2019 and expiring December 19, 2022. She succeeds Sean Bertolino whose term expires December 19, 2019.  

Jill M. Simms, of Skandia, is an assistant prosecuting attorney for the Marquette County Prosecutor’s office and an instructor at the Northern Michigan University Regional Police Academy. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University. Ms. Simms is appointed to represent the legal community for a term commencing December 20, 2019 and expiring December 19, 2022. She succeeds Michael Talbot whose term expires December 19, 2019. 

Nicole Wells Stallworth, of Farmington Hills, is the assistant vice president for Government and Community Relations at Oakland University and the former director of Community Engagement and Enrichment Programs for The Children's Center of Wayne County. Ms. Wells Stallworth is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing December 20, 2019 and expiring December 19, 2022. She succeeds Krista Beach whose term expires December 19, 2019. The Governor has designated Ms. Wells Stallworth to serve as Chairperson of the Board. 

The Children's Trust Fund (CTF) was established by the Michigan Legislature in 1982 and serves as a voice for Michigan's children and families and promotes their health, safety, and welfare by funding effective local programs and services that prevent child abuse and neglect. 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.  

Crime Victim Services Commission 

Robin L. Hornbuckle, a Democrat of Detroit, is a police officer with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department and the elected 1st vice president of Wayne County Deputy Sheriffs Association. Ms. Hornbuckle is appointed to represent peace officers for a term commencing December 5, 2019 and expiring September 27, 2022. She succeeds Annie Harrison whose term expired September 27, 2019.  

Brian L. Mackie, a Democrat of Ann Arbor, is the prosecuting attorney for Washtenaw County. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University. Mr. Mackie was appointed to the Commission in 2015. The Governor has designated Mr. Mackie to serve as Chairperson of the Commission for a term commencing December 5, 2019 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.  

The Crime Victim Services Commission provides reimbursement expenses on innocent crime victims who suffer a physical injury. The Commission is the state agency charged with overseeing a wide range of funding and services for victims of crime. Its goal is to promote services and supports that protect and enhance the health, safety, dignity, and rights of victims of crime across the state of Michigan.  

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.  

Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System Board 

Fred P. Baker, of Midland, is recently retired after working as a manager of field services at the Michigan Education Special Services Association (MESSA). Mr. Baker is appointed to represent the general public with expertise in actuarial science or health insurance, for a term commencing December 5, 2019 and expiring March 30, 2022. He succeeds Alan Sonnanstine who has resigned from the Board.  

The Michigan Public School Employees' Retirement System Board is responsible for general oversight of retirement, survivor, and disability benefits to employees in public school districts, intermediate school districts, community colleges and certain universities. 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.  

Michigan Board of Speech Language Pathology 

Abaries Farhad, of Lansing, is a bilingual speech pathologist with the University of Michigan Cochlear Implant Program in Ann Arbor. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics, Communicative Sciences and Disorders from Michigan State University and Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from the University of North Carolina. Ms. Farhad is appointed to represent speech language pathologists for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Bradford Wartz whose term expires December 31, 2019. 

Sara Klatt, of Beverly Hills, is a speech pathologist for Beaumont Health in Royal Oak and Lake Orion Nursing and Rehabilitation. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communicative Sciences and Disorders and Master of Arts in Speech Language Pathology from Michigan State University. Miss Klatt is appointed to represent speech language pathologists for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Katie Wright whose term expires December 31, 2019. 

Patricia B. Roberts, of Sterling Heights, is a retired teacher for Detroit Public Schools Community District and a former administrator for Focus Hope. Ms. Roberts is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Lorri Rishar Jandron whose term expires December 31, 2019.  

The Michigan Board of Speech Language Pathology works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of speech pathologists in this state. The Public Health Code defines the practice of speech-language pathology as the application of principles, methods, and procedures related to the development of disorders of human communication. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the board to promote and protect the public's health, safety, and welfare. 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission 

Danielle N. Brown, of Flint, is the partnership director for the Flint and Genesee Literacy Network (FGLN). She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Michigan-Flint and a Master of Arts in Family Studies from Michigan State University. Ms. Brown is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing December 16, 2019 and expiring December 15, 2023. She succeeds Tina Reynolds whose term expires December 15, 2019. 

Mona Hanna-Attisha, M.D., of West Bloomfield, is the C.S. Mott Endowed Professor of Public Health and an associate professor at the Department of Pediatrics and Human Development at Michigan State University. Dr. Hanna-Attisha is also the founder and director of the Pediatric Public Health Initiative and director of the Pediatric Public Health Fellowship. She earned her Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health from Michigan State University. Dr. Hanna-Attisha is reappointed to represent physicians for a term commencing December 16, 2019 and expiring December 15, 2023. 

Alan G. Vanderberg, of Grand Rapids, is the county administrator for Ottawa County, a position he has held since 2003. He holds a Master of Public Administration from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Michigan. Mr. Vanderberg is reappointed to represent local government for a term commencing December 16, 2019 and expiring December 15, 2023. 

The Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission focuses on implementing the recommendations of the former Child Lead Poisoning Elimination Board and monitoring the state’s efforts to eliminate lead exposure in children. The Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the Governor and department director to coordinate and collaborate with all levels of government and stakeholders regarding programs and policies related to the elimination of child lead exposure. 

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.  

Michigan Community Service Commission 

Kathleen Cain-Babbitt, a Democrat of Plainwell, is the chief union representative at AFSCME Local 1668 and the labor division chairperson at Greater Kalamazoo United Way. Ms. Cain-Babbitt is reappointed to represent local labor organizations for a term commencing December 5, 2019 and expiring October 1, 2022. 

Douglas W. Ferrick, a Democrat of Northville Township, is the chief development officer for the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Marketing from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Nonprofit Organizations from Case Western Reserve University. Mr. Ferrick is reappointed to represent business for a term commencing December 5, 2019 and expiring October 1, 2022. 

Earle B. Higgins, Sr., a Democrat of Farmington Hills, is a retired senior managing director and founder of Pro-Tech Group, LLC. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Behavior and Language Arts from Eastern Michigan University. Mr. Higgins is appointed to represent individuals with expertise in the education, training, and developmental needs of youth, particularly disadvantaged youth, for a term commencing December 5, 2019 and expiring October 1, 2022. He succeeds Lorna Utley whose term expired October 1, 2019.  

Linda Little, a Democrat of Detroit, is the president and CEO of the Neighborhood Service Organization in Detroit. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Detroit Mercy and a Master of Business Administration from Wayne State University. Mr. Little is appointed to represent experts in the delivery of human, educational, environmental, or public safety services to communities and persons, for a term commencing December 5, 2019 and expiring October 1, 2022. She succeeds Peter Lemmer whose term expired October 1, 2019.   

Daniel T. McKernan, a Democrat of Grosse Pointe Woods, is the communications director for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 324. He holds a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri. Mr. McKernan is appointed to represent local labor organizations for a term commencing December 5, 2019 and expiring October 1, 2022. He succeeds Katharine Janes whose term expired October 1, 2019.   

David A. Parent, a Democrat of Ann Arbor, is a principal with Deloitte Consulting LLP, where he helps organizations assess and improve their approaches to talent management and HR operations to meet business objectives. He holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Michigan. Mr. Parent is reappointed to represent business for a term commencing December 5, 2019 and expiring October 1, 2022. 

Nathan S. Phillips, a Democrat of Lowell, is the assistant business manager of West Michigan Plumbers, Fitters and Service Trades Local Union 174 and a volunteer with the United Way and the Feeding America Food Truck. Mr. Phillips is appointed to represent individuals with expertise in the education, training, and developmental needs of youth, particularly disadvantaged youth, for a term commencing December 5, 2019 and expiring October 1, 2020. He succeeds Beverly Grant who has resigned from the Commission.   

Carlos Sanchez, a Democrat of Grand Rapids, is the director of the Latino Business and Economic Development Center at Ferris State University. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Business from Davenport University. Mr. Sanchez is appointed to represent experts in the delivery of human, educational, environmental, or public safety services to communities and persons, for a term commencing December 5, 2019 and expiring October 1, 2022. He succeeds Kathy Wilbur whose term expired October 1, 2019.   

Sam Singh, a Democrat of East Lansing, is the CEO of Public Policy Associates and a board member with the Greater Lansing Refugee Development Center and Global Detroit. He previously served as a State Representative for the 69th House District and is the former president and CEO of the Michigan Nonprofit Association. Mr. Singh is appointed to represent the volunteer sector as outlined in the Edward Kennedy Serve America Act, section 1606(2)(B), for a term commencing December 5, 2019 and expiring October 1, 2022. He succeeds Diana Veronica Rodriguez-Algra whose term expired October 1, 2019.   

The Michigan Community Service Commission strives to build a culture of service by providing vision and resources to strengthen communities through volunteerism. The Commission develops a three-year comprehensive national and community service plan for the state that shall be updated annually, oversees and submits the state's applications to the Corporation for National and Community Service and other public and private funding sources, establishes policies and procedures for the use of federal funds, and develops initiatives to promote community service in coordination with existing programs.  

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council 

Daniel A. Paul, of Escanaba, is the president of Self-Advocates of Michigan and the president of the Delta County Regional Inclusive Community Committee. Mr. Paul is appointed to represent an individual with a developmental disability elected to the board of Self-Advocates of Michigan to represent self-advocates, for a term commencing December 5, 2019 and expiring September 30, 2020. He succeeds Todd Koopmans who has resigned from the Council.  

The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council acts as an advocate for people with developmental disabilities to increase access to appropriate treatment, services, and habilitation. The Council’s objectives include supporting and encouraging people to take control of their lives through community-wide, results-oriented action; channeling federal funds, in the form of grants, where they can do the most good; and maintaining and financially supporting a very effective system of local networking groups across the state known as "regional inclusive community coalitions," or RICCs.   

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.    

Governor's Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect 

Daniel P. Babin, of Grandville, is the retired senior vice president of operations for Bimbo Bakeries USA where he worked for over 30 years. In his retirement, Mr. Babin is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and the board chair of Michigan CASA. Mr. Babin is appointed to fill a vacancy representing child advocates, including both attorneys for children and court appointed special advocates, for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022. 

Alexander S. Brace, of Lansing, is the executive director and a crisis counselor for Small Talk Children's Advocacy Center. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Michigan State University. Mr. Brace is appointed to represent mental health professionals for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022. He succeeds Cynthia Smith whose term expires December 31, 2019. 

Kimberly A. Clemons, of Detroit, is a community organizer and project lead for the Urban Advocacy Corps at the Wayne State University Center for Urban Studies and a licensed traveling cosmetologist. Ms. Clemons is appointed to represent adult former victims of child abuse or neglect for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022. She succeeds Daniel Babin whose term expires December 31, 2019. 

Annie M. Harrison, of DeWitt, is a detective with the Ingham County Sheriff's Office specializing in child abuse and sexual assault. She currently serves as investigator for Ingham County’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Project and board president for Small Talk Children's Advocacy Center. Ms. Harrison is appointed to represent the law enforcement community for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022. She succeeds Veda Thompkins whose term expires December 31, 2019. The Governor has designated Ms. Harrison to serve as Chairperson of the Task Force.  

Jackie Igafo-Teo, of Jackson, is a data manager and website accessibility coordinator for the Michigan Alliance for Families. She is the founder of Bridges4kids, a nonprofit organization providing an internet-based system of information and referral for parents and professionals seeking help for children from birth through transition to adult life. Ms. Igafo-Teo is appointed to fill a vacancy representing individuals experienced in working with children with disabilities for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022. 

Alane M. Laws-Barker, M.D., of East Lansing, is the Sparrow Women’s Health Lead OB/GYN for the Ingham County Health Department Women’s Services. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Dr. Laws-Barker is appointed to represent health professionals for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022. She succeeds Bethany Mohr whose term expires December 31, 2019. 

Egypt Otis, of Flint, is the regional community organizer for Planned Parenthood of Flint and a former victim advocate at First Step. She has training in Human Trafficking Response and Mental Health First Aid. Ms. Otis is appointed to fill a vacancy representing parents and representatives of parents' groups for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022. 

Lynette Wright, of Farmington Hills, is the deputy director of Wayne County Children Services at Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. She is a licensed social worker and earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Eastern Michigan University and Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan. Ms. Wright is appointed to represent child protective service agencies for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022. She succeeds Lori Budnik whose term expires December 31, 2019.  

The Governor's Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect was established within the Department of Health and Human Services and designed as a multidisciplinary task force for the purposes of the federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. The Task Force consists of members who are professionals with knowledge and experience relating to the criminal justice system and issues of child physical abuse, child neglect, child sexual abuse and exploitation, and child maltreatment related fatalities. 

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.  

Michigan Citizen-Community Emergency Response Coordinating Council 

Megan K. Anderson, of Petoskey, is the director of the Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Ms. Anderson is appointed to represent individuals with technical expertise related to emergency response, for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Marc Breckenridge whose term expires December 31, 2019.  

Krystal A. Fields, of Detroit, is the clean and safe director for Jefferson East, Inc., a non-profit devoted to growing Detroit’s East Jefferson corridor. Ms. Fields is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. 

Daryl Green, of Holt, is the chief of police for the City of Lansing Police Department. Police Chief Green is appointed to represent individuals with technical expertise related to emergency response for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. He succeeds Michael Yankowski whose term expires December 31, 2019. 

The Michigan Citizen-Community Emergency Response Coordinating Council (MCCERCC) assists in developing, maintaining, implementing and in supporting and promoting emergency response principles, strategies and practices within governmental agencies and private sector organizations in Michigan.  

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.  

State Historic Preservation Review Board 

Devan M. Anderson, of Detroit, is a licensed architect and the senior project architect at Quinn Evans Architects in Detroit. Mr. Anderson is appointed to represent historical architecture for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. He succeeds Brian Rebain whose term expires December 31, 2019. 

Daniel E. Bollman, of East Lansing, is a licensed architect and the principal at East Arbor Architecture, LLC. Mr. Bollman is appointed to represent historical architecture for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. He succeeds Grace Smith whose term expires December 31, 2019.  

Janet L. Kreger, of Ann Arbor, is retired from Michigan State University where she was the major gifts director. She was one of the founding members of the Michigan Historic Preservation Network and previously served as the regional director of historic preservation for the state of Michigan. Ms. Kreger was appointed to the Board in 2018. The Governor has designated Ms. Kreger to serve as Chairperson of the Board for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2021. 

The Michigan State Historic Preservation Review Board reviews and approves each national register nomination prior to submission to the Keeper of the National Register, has appellate jurisdiction under the Local Historic Districts Act, as amended, and provides general advice, guidance, and professional recommendations to the State Historic Preservation Office on matters related to historic preservation. The Board is composed of professionals in the fields of architecture, American history, architectural history, cultural geography, prehistoric and historic archaeology, historic preservation and related disciplines. 

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.  

Board of Interpreters for the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing 

April Davidson, of Grand Ledge, is the practicum supervisor and an adjunct instructor for the Interpreter Training Program at Lansing Community College and a freelance sign language interpreter. Ms. Davidson is appointed to represent an institution or other organization responsible for education of interpreters or interpreter standards, for a term commencing December 5, 2019 and expiring December 31, 2020. She succeeds Miriam Horwitz who has resigned from the Board.  

Amanda Dietlin, of Rochester Hills, is the Michigan director of policy outreach and communications for United Precinct Delegates in Detroit. Ms. Dietlin is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Andrea Hentschel whose term expires December 31, 2019.  

Sarah B. Houston, of Burton, is a staff interpreter for Communication Access Center, a non-profit interpreting agency in Flint. Ms. Houston is reappointed to represent certified deaf persons’ interpreters and an owner of or employee for an interpreter referral agency, for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. 

Leslie Pertz, of Ann Arbor, is a freelance sign language interpreter and a clinical social worker for Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor and a founding member of The Interpreter Collective of Michigan. Ms. Pertz is appointed to represent certified deaf persons’ interpreters for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Carmen Johnson whose term expires December 31, 2019. 

The Board of Interpreters for the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing was created to help streamline the sign language interpreter certification process and will advise the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs on all matters related to the certification of interpreters and the administration of the Deaf Persons’ Interpreters Act. 

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.  

Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services 

Lisa Cook-Gordon, of Melvin, is the co-director of Michigan Family Voices. Ms. Cook-Gordon is appointed to represent disability advocacy groups for a term commencing December 5, 2019 and expiring December 31, 2021. She succeeds Michael Poyma whose term expired December 31, 2018.  

Todd Culver, of East Lansing, is the chief executive officer of Incompass Michigan, a statewide network of comprehensive human service providers. Mr. Culver is appointed to represent disability advocacy groups for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022. He succeeds Carrie Dudek whose term expires December 31, 2019. 

Elham Jahshan, of East Lansing, is the director of Employment Advocacy Services at Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service, Inc. Ms. Jahshan is appointed to represent the client assistance program described under Section 112 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 for a term commencing December 5, 2019 and expiring December 31, 2021. She succeeds Brian Sabourin whose term expired December 31, 2018.  

Kimberly Y. Kennedy, Th.D., of Byron Center, is the founder of 100 Shades of disABILITIES L3C, an advocacy group located in Grand Rapids, and a veteran of the United States Navy. Dr. Kennedy is appointed to represent disability advocacy groups for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022. She succeeds Trina Edmonson whose term expires December 31, 2019. 

Travar Pettway, of Canton, is an advocate at Michigan Protection and Advocacy Services in Lansing. Mr. Pettway is appointed to represent disability advocacy groups for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022. He succeeds Jennipher Wiebold whose term expires December 31, 2019. 

Jacqueline K. Tahtinen, of Pelkie, is a job development specialist for Offender Success at the Great Lakes Recovery Center. Ms. Tahtinen is reappointed to represent vocational rehabilitation counselors with knowledge of, and experience with, vocational rehabilitation programs, for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022. 

The Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services reviews, analyzes, and advises Michigan's rehabilitation programs and services, and advises the department director and Governor. The Council works in partnership with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs' Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (LEO-BSBP).  

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.  

School Safety Commission 

Kenneth C. Plaga, of Okemos, is the chief of police for Meridian Charter Township. Police Chief Plaga is appointed to represent local law enforcement for a term commencing January 15, 2020 and expiring January 14, 2024. He succeeds Paul Lauria whose term expires January 14, 2020.  

Justine C. Galbraith, of Troy, is an eighth grade Spanish teacher for the Troy School District and a volunteer with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense. Ms. Galbraith is appointed to represent teachers for a term commencing January 15, 2020 and expiring January 14, 2024. She succeeds Nicholas Dent whose term expires January 14, 2020. 

The School Safety Commission reviews and makes recommendations to the office of school safety using model practices for determining school safety measures. The school safety measures must address the development and evaluation of school safety model practices, a review of the statewide school safety information policy and the emergency operations plans, the role of school safety liaisons, the emerging trends in school safety technology, the baseline safety requirements for schools, and the baseline hardening measures for new and existing schools. 

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.