Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

December 11, 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 Michigan Citizen-Community Emergency Response Coordinating Council, Human Trafficking Health Advisory Board, Michigan Humanities Council, Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice, Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Monument Fund Commission, State of Michigan Retirement Board, Michigan Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, State Police Retirement Board, Michigan PreK-12 Literacy Commission, and the Public Health Advisory Council. 

Michigan Citizen-Community Emergency Response Coordinating Council  

S. Tutt Gorman, of Portland, is the city manager for the City of Portland. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and a Juris Doctor degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Mr. Gorman is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2024. 

Hassan Hammoud, of Dearborn, is the executive director of Michigan 2-1-1. He holds a Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work from Wayne State University. Mr. Hammoud is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2024. 

Abigail B. Watkins, of Reed City, is the director of emergency services for the County of Newaygo and a medical first responder for Hersey Township Fire Department. She holds a professional emergency management certification from the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division and a critical incident stress management certification from The International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. Mrs. Watkins is appointed to represent individuals with technical expertise related to emergency response for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2024. She succeeds Phillip Schertzing whose term expires December 31, 2020. 

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.  

Human Trafficking Health Advisory Board 

Rodica E. Richmond, of Linden, is a direct care worker for Genesis In-Home Care. She earned her medical assistant certification from Ross Medical Center. Ms. Richmond is appointed to represent human trafficking survivors for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2024. She succeeds Ruth Rondon whose term expires December 31, 2020. 

The Human Trafficking Health Advisory Board was established to collect and analyze information concerning medical and mental health services available to survivors of human trafficking, identify state, federal and local agencies that are involved with issues relating to human trafficking, and coordinate the dissemination of information concerning medical and mental health services available to survivors of human trafficking in this state. The Board may establish a program to improve public awareness of medical and mental health services available to survivors of human trafficking in this state.  

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

Michigan Humanities Council 

April Clobes, of Bath, is the president and CEO of Michigan State University Federal Credit Union. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and a Master of Arts in Advertising from Michigan State University as well as a Master of Business Administration from Western Michigan University. Ms. Clobes is reappointed for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2023. 

James D. Napolitano, of Dryden, is the North American experience creation account director for Dassault Systèmes 3DEXCITE. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Michigan State University. Mr. Napolitano is reappointed for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2023. 

The Michigan Humanities Council, as one of 56 state (and territories) humanities councils in the country, was founded in 1974 as a result of federal legislation. Funded in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities, Michigan Humanities also actively seeks grants, sponsorships, and individual donations to further support cultural programming for Michigan communities. The Council’s mission is to connect people and communities by fostering and supporting quality cultural programs. 

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

Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice 

Jose M. Burgos, of Ecorse, is a reentry specialist with the State Appellate Defenders Office. Mr. Burgos is appointed to represent members who have been or are currently under the jurisdiction of the juvenile justice system for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2023. He succeeds Antonio Leija whose term expires December 31, 2020. 

Terence G. Green, of Flint, is the chief of police for the City of Flint. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Minnesota State University-Moorhead. Chief Green is appointed to represent law enforcement and juvenile justice agencies for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2023. He succeeds Corey Haines whose term expires December 31, 2020. 

Caprice A. Jackson, of Southfield, is a policy analyst with the Detroit City Council. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Relations and Policy from Michigan State University James Madison College. Miss Jackson is appointed to represent members who have been or are currently under the jurisdiction of the juvenile justice system, and under the age of 28 at the time of initial appointment, for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Marquaun Kane whose term expires December 31, 2020. 

Brooke Kimbrough, of Southfield, is an online program coordinator for the Bay Area Urban Debate Leagues. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies from the University of Iowa. Ms. Kimbrough is appointed to represent members under the age of 28 at the time of initial appointment for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Nyeli Castanon-Velasquez whose term expires December 31, 2020. 

Brian Philson, of Onondaga, is the president and CEO of Highfields, Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Ars in Social Work from Spring Arbor University and a Master of Social Work from Michigan State University. Mr. Philson is appointed to represent public agencies concerned with delinquency prevention or treatment for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2023. He succeeds Sara McCauley whose term expires December 31, 2020. 

MaryAnn Sarosi, of Ann Arbor, is the principal of Sarosi Group. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School. Ms. Sarosi is reappointed to represent volunteers who work with delinquent youth or youth at risk of delinquency for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2023. 

Richard L. Smart, III, of Southfield, is the deputy court administrator of the juvenile division of the 3rd Circuit Court of Wayne County. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University Law School. Mr. Smart is appointed to represent public agencies concerned with delinquency prevention or treatment for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2023. He succeeds Terri Gilbert whose term expires December 31, 2020. 

The Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice is an advisory body within the Department of Human Services that promotes the effective implementation of juvenile justice policy and greater administrative efficiency for juvenile justice programs. The Committee was created in accordance with the federal requirements under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 for receiving grant funds to support juvenile justice initiatives.    

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

Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Monument Fund Commission 

Lydia Amaya, of Muskegon, is a co-founder of Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), a current member of the Michigan Chapter, and an active fundraiser for the Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Monument. She is also a retired fitness instructor and business owner. Ms. Amaya is appointed to represent a member nominated by the Michigan State Troopers Association who is a survivor of an officer of the Michigan State Police killed while on duty. She succeeds Mary Johnson who has resigned and will serve for a term commencing December 11, 2020 and expiring June 30, 2024. 

Lawrence W. Garner, of New Baltimore, is a captain with the Warren Police Department. He is a graduate of the Macomb Police Academy and holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Grand Valley State University. Mr. Garner is appointed to represent a member nominated by the executive director of the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police who is a survivor of an officer killed while on duty who served with a municipal police department of a municipality with a population of 500,000 or less. He succeeds Linda Emmert whose term expired June 30, 2020. He will serve for a term commencing December 11, 2020 and expiring June 30, 2024. 

Kathleen Sherwood, of Farwell, is a forensic interviewer for the Northern Michigan Alliance for Children. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Saginaw Valley State University. Ms. Sherwood is reappointed to represent a member nominated by the executive director of the Sheriff's Association of Michigan who is a survivor of an officer of a county sheriff's department killed while on duty. She will serve for a term commencing December 11, 2020 and expiring June 30, 2024. 

The Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Monument Fund Commission, created by Public Act 177 of 2004, was established to oversee the financing, design, and construction of Michigan's Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.  

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

State of Michigan Retirement Board 

David A. Berridge, of Dimondale, is a retired transportation planning specialist for the Michigan Department of Transportation. He holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University. Mr. Berridge is appointed to represent a member or retirant of the State Employees' Retirement System for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2024. He succeeds Matthew Fedorchuk whose term expires December 31, 2020. 

The State of Michigan Retirement Board was created by Executive Order No. 2015-13, and consolidated the State Employees' Retirement System Board, the Judges' Retirement System Board, and the Military Retirement Provisions. Housed in the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget, in the Office of Retirement Services, the Retirement Board will provide oversight of the three systems that service nearly 88,000 active and retired employees.  

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

Michigan Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee 

Barika M. Butler-Quarles, M.D., of Grosse Pointe Park, is the medical director for the Behavioral Center of Michigan and Samaritan Behavioral Center. Dr. Butler-Quarles also serves as a consultation liaison psychiatrist from Beaumont Health System. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from Wayne State University School of Medicine. Dr. Butler-Quarles is appointed to represent physicians for a term commencing December 11, 2020 and expiring October 1, 2022. She succeeds Debera Eggleston whose term expired October 1, 2020. 

Jayne E. Courts, M.D., of Caledonia, is the executive medical director of internal medicine and geriatrics for Mercy Health Physician Partners. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Michigan Medical School. Dr. Courts is reappointed to represent physicians for a term commencing December 11, 2020 and expiring October 1, 2022. 

Nora Fakhoury, Pharm.D., of Troy, is a clinical pharmacist with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from the Ohio Northern University Raabe College of Pharmacy. Dr. Fakhoury is appointed to represent pharmacists for a term commencing December 11, 2020 and expiring October 1, 2022. She succeeds Brian Peltz whose term expired October 1, 2020.   

Melanie Manary, M.D., of Petoskey, is an internal medicine physician with McLaren Northern Internal Medicine and medical director for Northern Physicians Organization. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from Wayne State University. Dr. Manary is reappointed to represent physicians for a term commencing December 11, 2020 and expiring October 1, 2022. 

Katie L. Axford, Pharm.D., of Rockford, is a clinical pharmacist with Mercy Health Saint Mary’s and a relief pharmacist with HomeTown Pharmacy in Newaygo. She serves as the co-curriculum coordinator and an associate professor at the Ferris State University College of Pharmacy, where she also earned her Doctor of Pharmacy. Dr. Axford is appointed to represent pharmacists for a term commencing December 11, 2020 and expiring October 1, 2022. She succeeds Andrew Mac whose term expired October 1, 2020.  

Eric D. Roath, Pharm.D., of Lansing, is the clinical care coordinator for SpartanNash and an affiliate preceptor at Ferris State University. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy from Ferris State University College of Pharmacy. Dr. Roath is appointed to represent pharmacists for a term commencing December 11, 2020 and expiring October 1, 2021. He succeeds Samira Saad who has resigned.  

Bradley J. Uren, M.D., of Pinckney, is an attending physician and a clinical assistant professor in emergency medicine at the University of Michigan. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Michigan Medical School. Dr. Uren was first appointed to the Committee in 2016 and reappointed by Governor Whitmer in 2019. The Governor has designated Dr. Uren to serve as Chair of the Committee. 

The Michigan Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee advises the Department of Health and Human Services on issues affecting prescription drug coverage for its various health care programs. The Committee shall recommend to the Department guidelines for prescription drugs covered in its various health care programs.  

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

State Police Retirement Board 

Diane DeWitt Bockhausen, of Howell, is a retired assistant division commander for Michigan State Police and a former lieutenant, sergeant, and trooper. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Michigan State University, Juris Doctor degree from Detroit College of Law, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. Ms. Bockhausen is reappointed to represent retirees for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2023. 

The Michigan State Police Retirement Board provides oversight of the Michigan State Police Retirement System.  

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

Michigan PreK-12 Literacy Commission 

Zainab Beydoun, of Dearborn Heights, is the coordinator of compensatory education for the Crestwood School District. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Arts in English as a Second Language from Spring Arbor University. Ms. Beydoun is appointed to represent a member submitted by the House Minority Leader for a term commencing December 11, 2020 and expiring October 31, 2022. She succeeds Punita Dani Thurman whose term expired October 31, 2020. 

Jennifer J. Cory, of Livonia, is the K-6 elementary curriculum coordinator for Livonia Public Schools. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Arts in Reading from Oakland University. Mrs. Cory is appointed to represent a member submitted by the Senate Minority Leader for a term commencing December 11, 2020 and expiring October 31, 2022. She succeeds Ja'Nel Jamerson whose term expired October 31, 2020. 

Punita Dani Thurman, of Novi, is the vice president of program and strategy for the Skillman Foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan and a Master of Business Administration from Duke University. Ms. Thurman is appointed for a term commencing December 11, 2020 and expiring October 31, 2024. She succeeds Steve Goodman whose term expired October 31, 2020. 

Nell K. Duke, Ed.D., of Ann Arbor, is a professor of literacy, language, and culture for the University of Michigan Department of Educational Studies. She holds a Master of Education and Doctor of Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from Swarthmore College. Dr. Duke is appointed to represent a member submitted by the Senate Majority Leader for a term commencing December 11, 2020 and expiring October 31, 2022. She succeeds Cynthia Pape whose term expired October 31, 2020. 

Patricia A. Edwards, Ph.D., of Lansing, is a professor in the Michigan State University Department of Teacher Education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Albany State University, Master of Science in Elementary Education from North Carolina A&T University, and a Ph.D. in Reading Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Edwards is appointed to represent a member submitted by the Superintendent of Public Instruction for a term commencing December 11, 2020 and expiring October 31, 2024. She succeeds Lois Bader whose term expired October 31, 2020. 

Amanda S. Norton-Price, of Holland, is the county treasurer for Ottawa County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities Pre-law from Michigan State University and a Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University. Mrs. Norton-Price is reappointed to represent a member submitted by the Speaker of the House for a term commencing December 11, 2020 and expiring October 31, 2022. 

The Michigan PreK-12 Literacy Commission is housed within the Michigan Department of Education. The Commission advises and assists in matters relating to the assessment, professional development, education programming, socioeconomic challenges, best practices, collaboration, parental engagement, and teaching of literacy. 

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

Public Health Advisory Council 

Shenlin Chen, of Novi, is the president of the Association of Chinese Americans, Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Chinese Culture University and a master of Science in Publication Management from Drexel University. Ms. Chen is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing December 11, 2020 and expiring November 1, 2024. She succeeds Dennis Whitford whose term expired November 1, 2020.   

Jayne A. DeBoer-Rowse, of Madison Heights, is a public health nurse with the Oakland County Health Division. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Michigan. Mrs. DeBoer-Rowse is appointed to represent registered nurses for a term commencing December 11, 2020 and expiring November 1, 2024. She succeeds Sandra McGovern whose term expired November 1, 2020.  

Cheryl A. Dickson, M.D., of Kalamazoo, is associate dean of health equity and community affairs at the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker School of Medicine. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology from the University of Illinois Chicago, a Master of Public Health from Columbia University, and Doctor of Medicine from New Jersey Medical School. Dr. Dickson is appointed to represent a nationally accredited medical school for a term commencing December 11, 2020 and expiring November 1, 2024. She succeeds Jennifer Johnson whose term expired November 1, 2020.  

Denise Fair, of Detroit, is the chief public health officer for the City of Detroit. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan, Master of Public Health from the University of California at Berkley, and a Master of Business Administration from Wayne State University. Ms. Fair succeeds Joneigh Khaldun representing local public health officials and will serve for a term commencing December 11, 2020 and expiring November 1, 2022. Dr. Joneigh Khaldun now chairs the Council in her position as Chief Medical Executive for the state.  

Justin F. Klamerus, M.D., of Bloomfield Hills, is the president of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Olivet College, Doctor of Medicine from Michigan State University, and Master of Medical Management from Carnegie Mellon University. Dr. Klamerus is appointed to represent a person with experience in hospital administration for a term commencing December 11, 2020 and expiring November 1, 2024. He succeeds Bill Manns whose term expired November 1, 2020. 

Anthony Oliveri, Ph.D., of Okemos, is an assistant professor for the Michigan State University Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Grinnell College, Ph.D. in Toxicology and Environmental Health, Pharmacology from Duke University, and a Master of Public Health from the University of Michigan. Dr. Oliveri is appointed to represent toxicologists for a term commencing December 11, 2020 and expiring November 1, 2024. He succeeds succeeding Cynthia Aaron whose term expired November 1, 2020.  

Tanya Rule, of Atlantic Mine, is the environmental health director for the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Conservation and Biology from Northern Michigan University. Ms. Rule is appointed to represent an expert in environmental health for a term commencing December 11, 2020 and expiring November 1, 2021. She succeeds Chris Kolb who has resigned from the Council and currently serves as State Budget Director.  

Linda Vail, of Bath, is the public health officer for Ingham County Health Department. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of Georgia and a Master of Public Administration in Health Administration from Western Michigan University. Ms. Vail is appointed to represent local public health officials for a term commencing December 11, 2020 and expiring November 1, 2024. She succeeds James Rutherford whose term expired November 1, 2020. 

The Public Health Advisory Council was created within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services at the recommendation of the Public Health Advisory Commission. The Council will develop an action plan for implementing the recommendations of the Commission and is tasked with providing advice about emerging issues in public health, monitoring the effectiveness of Michigan’s public health response system, and reviewing multiagency efforts to support collaboration and a unified approach on public health responses. 

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

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