Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Board and Commissions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

March 5, 2021 

Contact: press@michigan.gov  

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Board and Commissions 

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Michigan Cherry Committee, Michigan Corn Marketing Committee, Michigan Board of Cosmetology, Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards, Michigan Board of Massage Therapy, Michigan State Transportation Commission, Michigan Tree Fruit Commission, Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan Freedom Trail Commission, and the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Board of Trustees. 

Michigan Cherry Committee 

Juliette McAvoy, of Central Lake, is the vice president of sales and marketing for King Orchards, Inc. She holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Agri-Business Management and Horticulture from Michigan State University. Ms. McAvoy is appointed to represent District 1 tart cherry growers for a term commencing March 5, 2021 and expiring February 1, 2024. She succeeds Greg Shooks whose term expired February 1, 2021.  

Emily A. Miezio, of Suttons Bay, is the receiving station manager for Cherry Bay Orchards. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Hope College and a Master of Science in Nursing from Michigan State University. Ms. Miezio is appointed to represent District 1 tart cherry growers for a term commencing March 5, 2021 and expiring February 1, 2024. She succeeds Benjamin LaCross whose term expired February 1, 2021. 

Mark A. Schilling, of Saint Joseph, is the owner of Schilling Family Farms, LLC and Mick Klug Farm. He was first appointed to the Cherry Committee in 2015 and currently serves as the treasurer. Mr. Schilling is reappointed to represent District 3 tart cherry growers for a term commencing March 5, 2021 and expiring February 1, 2024. 

The Michigan Cherry Committee was developed for the purpose of improving the economic position of the Michigan red tart and sweet cherry growers by creating greater marketing opportunities for their fruit. The Committee conducts advertising and promotion programs, assembles, and disseminates market information, and supports research into new marketing methods.   

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

Michigan Corn Marketing Committee 

Brett Brink, of Hamilton, is the operations manager at Golden Grain Farms. He was first appointed to the Committee in 2018. Mr. Brink is reappointed to represent District 4 growers for a term commencing March 6, 2021 and expiring March 5, 2024. 

Philip D. Gordon, of Saline, is the owner of Gordon Valley Farms. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Dairy Science. Mr. Gordon is appointed to represent District 3 growers for a term commencing March 6, 2021 and expiring March 5, 2024. He succeeds Blaine Baker whose term expires March 5, 2021. 

Daniel J. Keenan, of Merrill, is the owner of Keenan Farms. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management from Michigan State University. Mr. Keenan is appointed to represent District 8 growers for a term commencing March 6, 2021 and expiring March 5, 2024. He is succeeding John Burk whose term expires March 5, 2021. 

Scott Miller, of Elsie, is the owner of Miller Family Farms. He was first appointed to the Committee in 2018. Mr. Miller is reappointed to represent District 6 growers for a term commencing March 6, 2021 and expiring March 5, 2024. 

The Michigan Corn Marketing Program Committee enhances the economic position of Michigan corn growers by providing for the growth and expansion of the corn industry in Michigan through foreign and domestic market development, promotion, and research that will stimulate the demand for corn.   

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

Michigan Board of Cosmetology 

Teri L. Baranski, of Kinde, is a cosmetology instructor at the Huron Area Technical Center. She holds cosmetology and cosmetology instructor licenses and is a member of the State Skills Cosmetology Advisory Board. Miss Baranski is appointed to represent licensed cosmetologists for a term commencing March 5, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2024. She is succeeding Kathryn Wilkinson whose term expired December 31, 2020. 

The Michigan Board of Cosmetology was created to license and regulate the practice of cosmetology in Michigan. The statute defines cosmetology as one of the following services or a combination of the following services: hair care services, skin care services, manicuring services, and electrology. The members of the cosmetology industry who are licensed by the department include public and private schools of cosmetology, beauty shops, cosmetologists, manicurists, cosmetology instructors, electrologists, estheticians, and natural hair culturists.    

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

Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards 

Ronald Moore, of Walled Lake, is the director of public safety for the City of Wixom. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University and a Master of Arts in Industrial Relations from Wayne State University. Chief Moore is appointed to represent individuals nominated by the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police for a term commencing March 5, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2022. He succeeds Karianne Thomas who has resigned. 

Anthony M. Wickersham, of Bruce Township, is the sheriff for Macomb County. He holds a bachelor's degree in Technical and Interdisciplinary Studies from Wayne State University. Sheriff Wickersham is appointed to represent individuals nominated by the Michigan Sheriffs' Association for a term commencing March 5, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2023. He succeeds Timothy Donnellon who has resigned. 

The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) executes its statutory responsibility to promote public safety in Michigan by setting standards for selection, employment, licensing, license revocation, and funding in law enforcement and criminal justice, in both the public and private sectors.      

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

Michigan Board of Massage Therapy 

Amanda C. Corley, of Southfield, is the purchasing procurement buyer at DSSI, LLC. Ms. Corley is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing March 5, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2024. She is succeeding Teri Hunter whose term has expired December 31, 2020.  

The Michigan Board of Massage Therapy ascertains minimal entry level competency of health practitioners and verifies continuing education during licensure. The Public Health Code defines the practice of massage therapy as the application of a system of structured touch, pressure, movement, and holding to the soft tissue of the human body in which the primary intent is to enhance or restore the health and well-being of the client. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the board to promote and protect the public's health, safety, and welfare.   

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

Michigan State Transportation Commission 

Michael D. Hayes, of Midland, is the retired president and CEO of the Midland Center for the Arts. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology from Central Michigan University and a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University. Mr. Hayes is reappointed to represent Independents for a term commencing March 5, 2021 and expiring December 21, 2023. 

Richard W. Turner, of Monroe, is the director of Michigan Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust Fund. Mr. Turner is also a member of the Laborers' National Retiree Council. Mr. Turner is appointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing March 5, 2021 and expiring December 21, 2023. He succeeds Chris Yatooma whose term expired December 21, 2020. 

The Michigan State Transportation Commission establishes policy for the Michigan Department of Transportation in relation to transportation programs and facilities and other works related to transportation development, as provided by law. Responsibilities of the Commission include developing and implementing comprehensive transportation plans for the entire state, including aeronautics and bus and rail transit, providing professional and technical assistance, and overseeing the administration of state and federal funds allocated for these programs.   

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

Michigan Tree Fruit Commission 

Trever G. Meachum, of Hartford, is the production manager and partner at High Acres Fruit Farm. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from Michigan State University. Mr. Meachum is reappointed to represent District 3 growers for a term commencing March 5, 2021 and expiring March 1, 2024. 

James Nugent, of Suttons Bay, is a co-owner of Sunblossom Orchards and a retired horticulturalist for the MSU Extension Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Station. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and Master of Science Degree in Entomology from Michigan State University. Mr. Nugent is reappointed to represent District 1 growers for a term commencing March 5, 2021 and expiring March 1, 2024. 

Charles A. Rasch, of Conklin, is the owner of Windy Ridge Orchards, LLC, a family farm where they grow apples and peaches. Mr. Rasch is reappointed to represent District 2 growers for a term commencing March 5, 2021 and expiring March 1, 2024. 

The Michigan Tree Fruit Commission was created pursuant to the Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act for the purpose of improving the economic position and competitiveness of the Michigan tree fruit industry.  

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

Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine 

Kevin J. Stachowiak, DVM, of SandPoint, is a veterinarian and owner of Caseville Small Animal Clinic and CEO of Veterinary Laser Surgery Consulting Services. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University. Dr. Stachowiak is appointed to represent veterinarians for a term commencing March 5, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2022. He succeeds Jean Hudson who has resigned. 

The Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of veterinary medicine and ascertain minimal entry level competency of health practitioners. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the Board to promote and protect the public's health, safety, and welfare.   

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

Michigan Freedom Trail Commission 

Amanda J. Campbell, of Harrisville, is an adjunct professor at Alpena Community College. She holds Bachelor of Arts in History and English from Albion College and an Ethnohistory Certificate from Western Michigan University. Ms. Campbell is appointed to represent a member knowledgeable in historic preservation, for a term commencing March 5, 2021 and expiring February 1, 2025. She succeeds Roy Finkenbine whose term expired February 1, 2021.  

Roy E. Finkenbine, Ph.D., of Livonia, is a professor of history at the University of Detroit Mercy. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Education from Taylor University, a Master of Arts in History from Northern Arizona University, and a Ph.D. in American Culture Studies from Bowling Green State University. Dr. Finkenbine is appointed to represent members from the academic community knowledgeable in African American history, for a term commencing March 5, 2021 and expiring February 1, 2025. He succeeds Michael Nassaney whose term expired February 1, 2021. 

Jamon Jordan, of Detroit, is a historian and tour leader at the Black Scroll Network History & Tours. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Black Americana Studies and Sociology. Mr. Jordan is appointed to represent a member actively involved in civil rights issues for a term commencing March 5, 2021 and expiring February 1, 2025. He succeeds Donna Odom whose term expired February 1, 2021.  

Priscilla D. Robinson, of Detroit, is a retired math teacher from Detroit Public Schools and a member of the Second Baptist Church of Detroit where she serves on the Detroit Underground Railroad Historical Committee. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Mathematics Education from Wayne State University. Ms. Robinson is appointed to represent members at large for a term commencing March 5, 2021 and expiring February 1, 2025. She succeeds Amanda Campbell whose term expired February 1, 2021.  

The Michigan Freedom Trail Commission was created to preserve, protect, and promote the legacy of the Freedom Trail and Underground Railroad in Michigan. The Commission works in conjunction with state and federal authorities to sponsor commemorations and public forums and assists with applications for inclusion in the national and state register of historic places for places related to the Freedom Trail and the Underground Railroad in Michigan.   

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

Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Board of Trustees 

Edward H. Hirsch, DDS, of Farmington Hills, is the retired executive director of the Detroit District Dental Society and as chief of dentistry for the Detroit Medical Center. He served in the U.S. Army for 26 years and holds a bachelor's degree from Hobart College and a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Dentistry. Dr. Hirsch is appointed to represent independent veterans for a term commencing March 5, 2021 and expiring February 25, 2024. He is succeeding James Tighe whose term has expired February 25, 2021.  

Jill R. Mathews, of Muskegon Heights, is the executive director of Women Injured iN Combat (WINC) and a retired sergeant major and senior program manager with the United States Army. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Columbia Southern University. Ms. Mathews is reappointed to represent independent veterans for a term commencing March 5, 2021 and expiring February 25, 2024. 

Paul McIvor, of Yale, is the post commander for the Yale VFW Post 8594 and a member of the Saint Clair County Veterans Affairs Committee. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army where he served as an engineer. Mr. McIvor is appointed to represent the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States for a term commencing March 5, 2021 and expiring February 25, 2022. He succeeds the late Robert L. Williams. 

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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