Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

August 28, 2020 

Contact: press@michigan.gov   

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions  

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced the following appointments to the State Building Authority Board of Trustees, Michigan Board of Dentistry, Elevator Safety Board, State Fire Safety Board, State Plumbing Board, Michigan State Waterways Commission, State Teacher Tenure Commission, Unmanned Aircraft Systems Task Force, and the Chair of the Natural Resources Commission. 

State Building Authority Board of Trustees 

Michael E. Barnwell, of Ira, is the president of Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights. He holds a Journeyman Certificate in Construction Management from the Millwright Institute of Technology. Mr. Barnwell is appointed for a term commencing August 28, 2020 and expiring August 21, 2024. He succeeds Dale Zahn whose term expired August 21, 2020.  

The State Building Authority was created to acquire, construct, furnish, equip, renovate, buildings and equipment for the use of the state, including public universities and community colleges. The Authority is authorized to issue and sell bonds and notes for acquisition and construction of facilities and state equipment.   

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

Michigan Board of Dentistry 

Cheryl Bentley, of Grand Rapids, is a substitute dental hygienist and a member of the Grand Shores Dental Hygienists’ Association and Michigan Dental Hygienists’ Association. She holds an associate’s degree and a certificate in dental hygiene from Grand Rapids Community College. Ms. Bentley is reappointed to represent dental hygienists for a term commencing August 28, 2020 and expiring June 30, 2024. 

Janet Kinney, of Ypsilanti, is a clinical associate professor and director of dental hygiene at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. She holds Master of Science degrees in Dental Hygiene and Clinical Research Design and Statistical Analysis from the University of Michigan. Ms. Kinney is appointed to represent dental hygienists for a term commencing August 28, 2020 and expiring June 30, 2024. She succeeds Paula Weidig whose term expired June 30, 2020.   

Cynthia McCants, of Lansing, is retired from Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan where she served as the fund development manager. She holds an associate’s degree from Lansing Community College. Mrs. McCants is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 28, 2020 and expiring June 30, 2024. She succeeds Rita Hale whose term expired June 30, 2020.  

Vaijanthi M. Oza, DDS, of West Bloomfield, is a dentist and owner of Royal Dental, PC in Pontiac. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. Dr. Oza is reappointed to represent dentists for a term commencing August 28, 2020 and expiring June 30, 2024. 

Edward G. Sarkisian, DDS, of Northville, is a dentist and president of Edward G Sarkisian, DDS, PC. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. Dr. Sarkisian is appointed to represent dentists for a term commencing August 28, 2020 and expiring June 30, 2024. He succeeds Peter Chiaravalli whose term expired June 30, 2020.   

Mamnoon Siddiqui, DDS, of Northville, is an orthodontist with Siddiqui Orthodontics, PC. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery and Master of Science and Certificate in Orthodontics from the University Michigan. Dr. Siddiqui is appointed to represent dentists with a health profession specialty certification for a term commencing August 28, 2020 and expiring June 30, 2024. He succeeds Timothy Schmakel whose term expired June 30, 2020.  

The Michigan Board of Dentistry was formed to regulate the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene, authorize dental assistants, and certify specialists in the fields of orthodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and oral pathology.    

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

Elevator Safety Board 

John W. Whitten, of Grand Rapids, is an architect and founding principal of Spark 43 Architects. He holds a Master of Architecture from Montana State University. Mr. Whitten is appointed to represent architects and consulting engineers for a term commencing August 28, 2020 and expiring July 22, 2024. He succeeds John Vitale whose term expired July 22, 2020.  

The Elevator Safety Board promulgates rules and prepares examinations in relation to 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.  

State Fire Safety Board 

Julie Bulson, DNP, of Grand Rapids, is the director of emergency preparedness at Spectrum Health. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Grand Valley State University. Dr. Bulson is reappointed to represent hospital administration for a term commencing August 28, 2020 and expiring July 15, 2024. 

Randall Halstead, of Lowell, is the operations manager for Homeworks Tri-County Propane. He is a licensed mechanical contractor and a member of the Michigan Petroleum Gas Association. Mr. Halstead is appointed to represent the liquefied petroleum gas industry or the flammable compressed gases industry for a term commencing August 28, 2020 and expiring July 15, 2024. He succeeds Mark Jensen whose term expired July 15, 2020.   

Tavis J. Millerov, of Williamston, is the fire inspector for Meridian Township Fire Department. He holds a Bachelor of Fire Sciences from Lake Superior State University. Mr. Millerov is appointed to represent organized fire departments in the Lower Peninsula for a term commencing August 28, 2020 and expiring July 15, 2024. He succeeds Ron Sabin whose term expired July 15, 2020. 

Jeramie Morris, of Saginaw, is the global fire protection manager for The Dow Chemical Company and the assistant chief of the Saginaw Township Fire Department. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Communication from Saginaw Valley State University. Mr. Morris is reappointed to represent the chemical manufacturing industry for a term commencing August 28, 2020 and expiring July 15, 2024. 

Brian J. Talvensaari, of Marquette, is the captain of the Marquette City Fire Department. He holds an associate’s degree in fire science from Lake Superior State University. Captain Talvensaari is appointed to represent organized fire departments in the Upper Peninsula for a term commencing August 28, 2020 and expiring July 15, 2024. He succeeds Jeffery Green whose term expired July 15, 2020.   

The State Fire Safety Board assists in the development of fire safety rules covering the construction, operation, and maintenance of schools, health care facilities, penal facilities, and state-owned and leased facilities. The Board assists in the operation and maintenance of public assembly and other buildings, oversight of delegation of fire inspection responsibilities, and serves as an administrative hearing body on decisions made by the Bureau of Fire Services.    

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

State Plumbing Board 

Joseph J. Alfonso, of Holland, is a retail banker for Fifth Third Bank. Mr. Alfonso is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 28, 2020 and expiring July 30, 2023. He succeeds Paul Lemley whose term expired July 31, 2020.  

Scott Kalchik, of Northville, is the president of S.E. Kalchik Mechanical, Inc. Mr. Kalchik is reappointed to represent licensed plumbing contractors who hold a master's license and have 10 years of experience as plumbing contractors. He will continue to serve for a term commencing August 28, 2020 and expiring July 30, 2023. 

Mark D. Wiseley, of Whitmore Lake, is the owner of Mastercraft Plumbing, Inc. Mr. Wiseley is reappointed to represent licensed plumbing contractors who hold a master's license and have 10 years of experience as plumbing contractors. He will continue to serve for a term commencing August 28, 2020 and expiring July 30, 2023. 

The State Plumbing Board’s duties include making recommendations for plumbing code rules, licensing plumbers, and making all orders, rules, and regulations necessary for the enforcement of the provisions of the act. 

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

Michigan State Waterways Commission 

Mary A. Rising, of Fenton, is the office manager for Action Water Sports of Fenton. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Michigan Flint. Ms. Rising is reappointed to represent a member from the marine-trades industry who does not own or operate a harbor or marina. She will continue to serve for a term commencing September 19, 2020 and expiring September 18, 2023. 

Mark P. Yonan, of Holly, is a financial advisor and senior vice president at Merrill Lynch. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Michigan. Mr. Yonan is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing September 19, 2020 and expiring September 18, 2023. He succeeds Steve Arwood whose term expires September 18, 2020. 

The Michigan State Waterways Commission is responsible for the acquisition, construction, and maintenance of recreational harbors, channels, docking and launching facilities, and administration of commercial docks in the Straits of Mackinac. 

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

State Teacher Tenure Commission 

Cara Lougheed, of Romeo, is an English, language arts, and history teacher at Stoney Creek High School in Rochester Community Schools and the 2019-2020 Teacher of the Year. She earned her bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Western Michigan University and master’s degree in teaching and learning from Nova Southeastern University. Ms. Lougheed is appointed to represent classroom instructors for a term commencing September 1, 2020 and expiring August 31, 2025. She succeeds William Wooster whose term expires August 31, 2020.  

The State Teacher Tenure Commission acts as a board of review for all cases appealed from the decision of a controlling board. 

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

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Task Force 

Craig P. Amey, of Shelby Township, is a senior project surveyor for AEW, Inc. He holds a Master of Geographic Information Systems from Pennsylvania State University. Mr. Amey is reappointed to represent a member of a statewide surveying association nominated by the president of the association. He will continue to serve for a term commencing August 28, 2020 and expiring July 31, 2024. 

Michael A. Benkert, of Frankenmuth, is an innovative agronomy manager for Nutrien Ag Solutions. He holds a certificate in agricultural industries from Michigan State University. Mr. Benkert is appointed to represent a member of a statewide agricultural association nominated by the president of the association, and he will serve for a term commencing August 28, 2020 and expiring July 31, 2024. He succeeds Brian Matchett whose term expired July 31, 2020.  

Joseph W. Faust, of Westland, is the website and social media manager for Nankin Hobby. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Cognitive Science from the University of Michigan. Mr. Faust is appointed to represent a member of a statewide retail association nominated by the president of the association, and he will serve for a term commencing August 28, 2020 and expiring July 31, 2024. He succeeds Thomas Scott whose term expired July 31, 2020.  

Kevin C. Klein, of Traverse City, is the airport director for the Traverse City Cherry Capital Airport. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology and Operations Management from Western Michigan University. Mr. Klein is reappointed to represent airports in this state and is nominated by the director of the state transportation department. He will continue to serve for a term commencing August 28, 2020 and expiring July 31, 2024. 

Benjamin D. Marchionna, of Ann Arbor, is the vice president of global operations for SkySpecs and a member of the University of Michigan Department of Aerospace Engineering Industry Advisory Board. He holds a Master of Science in Product Development Engineering from the University of Southern California. Mr. Marchionna is appointed to represent a member who is licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration to operate unmanned aircraft that weigh less than 55 pounds, and he will serve for a term commencing August 28, 2020 and expiring July 31, 2024.  He succeeds Greg MacMaster whose term expired July 31, 2020.  

Michael Trout, of Clarklake, is the director of the Michigan Aeronautics Commission and executive administrator of the Michigan Department of Transportation Office of Aeronautics. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Michigan. Mr. Trout is reappointed to represent a member from the state transportation department nominated by the director of the state transportation department. He will continue to serve for a term commencing August 28, 2020 and expiring July 31, 2024. 

Brian Zakrzewski, of Eaton Rapids, is the national bridge inventory program manager for the Michigan Department of Transportation. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Michigan Technological University. Mr. Zakrzewski is appointed to represent a member from the division of the state transportation department that performs bridge inspections and road work nominated by the director of the state transportation department, and he will serve for a term commencing August 28, 2020 and expiring July 31, 2024. He succeeds Richard Kathrens whose term expired July 31, 2020.  

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Task Force was created to develop statewide policy recommendations on the operation, use, and regulation of unmanned aircraft systems in this state.      

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

Natural Resources Commission Chair 

Carol M. Rose, of Hillman, is the co-owner of Jeffress-Dyer Inc., a real estate appraisal firm. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Michigan State University. Ms. Rose was appointed to the Commission in June 2020 and the Governor has designated her to serve as Chair for a term commencing August 28, 2020 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.  

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has exclusive authority to regulate the taking of game and sportfish and is authorized to designate game species and authorize the establishment of the first open season for animals through the issuance of orders.?? 

Chair designations are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

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