Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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September 08, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2020
Contact: press@michigan.gov
Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced appointments to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission and Oakland University Board of Trustees.
Liquor Control Commission
Lee Gonzales, of Fenton, currently serves as the deputy director of legislative and external affairs for the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. He has been with the department since 2012, previously serving as the senior executive of initiatives and a legislative liaison. Mr. Gonzales has a long history of public service, previously serving as a state representative for Michigan’s 49th House District, assistant treasurer for Genesee County, and development director for the Genesee County Board of Commissioners.
Mr. Gonzales holds a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Michigan-Flint. Additionally, he was awarded the Fannie Mae Foundation Fellowship at the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government. Mr. Gonzales is appointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing October 5, 2020 and expiring June 12, 2024. He succeeds Edward Clemente whose term expired June 12, 2020.
Edward Toma, of Bloomfield Hills, currently serves as a state investigator and regulation agent for the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, a position he has held since 2009. In his role, Mr. Toma conducts enforcement, background, and licensing investigations as well as financial audits and undercover operations for the Commission. Prior to his time with the Commission, he worked in the alcohol retail and restaurant industry for several years.
Mr. Toma holds a Bachelor of Integrative Studies in Mechanical Engineering and Biological Science from Oakland University. He is appointed to represent Republicans for a term commencing October 5, 2020 and expiring June 12, 2024. He succeeds Bradford Jacobsen whose term expired June 12, 2020.
The Liquor Control Commission is the sole wholesaler for all spirit products in the state and is responsible for the licensing of the manufacture and sale of all beer, wine, distilled spirits, and mixed spirit drinks in Michigan. The Commission is responsible for the enforcement of the state's liquor laws and the collection of excise and specific taxes on beer, wine, distilled spirits, and mixed spirit drinks.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Oakland University Board of Trustees
Joe Jones, of Grand Rapids, is the president and CEO of the Grand Rapids Urban League and a commissioner for the City of Grand Rapids. Prior to his time with the Urban League, Mr. Jones was the president and CEO of E.E. Milestone & Associates, Inc. and a managing partner with Strategic Communications Group, LLC. He currently serves as co-chair of the Urban Core Collective, board chair for the Spectrum Health Grand Rapids Community Board, and a board member for Mercantile Bank of Michigan and Axios Incorporated.
Mr. Jones holds a Bachelor of Communication Arts from Oakland University and Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership from Cornerstone University. Additionally, he holds a certificate in disruptive leadership from New York University, a certificate from the Stanford University Executive Program in Social Entrepreneurship, and a certificate from the Dartmouth College Tuck School of Business. Mr. Jones is appointed for a term commencing September 8, 2020 and expiring August 11, 2028. He succeeds Marianne Fey Miller whose term expired August 11, 2020.
Trina Scott, of Southfield, is the chief diversity officer for Quicken Loans and the Rock Family of Companies. Prior to joining Quicken Loans in 2017, Mrs. Scott was with Ernst & Young for 10 years as an assistant director managing diversity and inclusion and then corporate responsibility programs. She previously served as a board member for the Detroit Police Athletic League and the Oakland University Alumni Association Board of Directors. She is a member of the Mortgage Bankers Association Diversity and Inclusion Committee and currently serves as a board member for the Midnight Golf Program, Inforum, and Rocket Giving Fund.
Mrs. Scott holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Oakland University where she also competed on the women’s basketball team. In 2017, she offered the keynote address at Oakland University’s Spring Commencement. Mrs. Scott is appointed for a term commencing September 8, 2020 and expiring August 11, 2028. She succeeds Richard DeVore whose term expired August 11, 2020.
The Oakland University Board of Trustees provides general supervision of the university, including control and direction of all expenditures from the institution's funds. The Board also appoints the university president as well as the secretary to the board and treasurer.
These appointments are subject to advice and consent of the Senate.
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