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Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
July 22, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2021
Contact: press@michigan.gov
Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Commission on Services to the Aging, Collection Practices Board, Elevator Safety Board, Michigan Gaming Control Board, State Plumbing Board, Michigan Board of Real Estate Appraisers, Residential Builders' and Maintenance and Alteration Contractors' Board, Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority Board of Commissioners, Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, Mental Health Diversion Council, and the State Land Bank Authority Board of Directors.
Commission on Services to the Aging
Euphemia "Sue" P. Franklin, of Center Line, is the executive director of South Eastern Michigan Indians, Inc. Mrs. Franklin is a member of the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and she is the chair of the Michigan Multi Cultural Network Executive Committee. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of North Florida. Mrs. Franklin is appointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing July 29, 2021 and expiring July 28, 2024. She succeeds Dona Wishart whose term expires July 28, 2021.
Joy Murphy, of Kentwood, is currently retired and volunteers with the Michigan AARP where she is a member of the state and Grand Rapids leadership teams. She is also a volunteer with the Spectrum Health Advisory Council. Ms. Murphy is appointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing July 29, 2021 and expiring July 28, 2024. She succeeds Laura Kathleen LaTosch whose term expires July 28, 2021.
Sandra "Tene" M. Ramsey, of Detroit, is an appointee with the Wayne County Inter-Governmental & External Affairs Department. Ms. Ramsey is the former director of the City of Detroit Senior Citizens Department and a former board member for the Detroit Area Agency on Aging. She holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the Center for Humanistic Studies Graduate School and a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies from Wayne State University. Ms. Ramsey is reappointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing July 29, 2021 and expiring July 28, 2024.
Dennis H. Smith, of Marquette, is the president of Dennis H. Smith Consulting and the former president and CEO of the Upper Peninsula Health Plan. He is a member of the Marquette County Board of Health, Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health Advisory Council, and the Michigan Health Information Network Board. Mr. Smith is appointed to represent Independents for a term commencing July 29, 2021 and expiring July 28, 2024. He succeeds Peter Lichtenberg whose term expires July 28, 2021.
Shirley A. Tuggle, of Battle Creek, is a retired registered nurse. Ms. Tuggle is a member of the Battle Creek Homeless Committee, the NAACP, and the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare from Western Michigan University and a Master of Science in Nursing from Grand Valley State University. Ms. Tuggle is appointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing July 29, 2021 and expiring July 28, 2024. She succeeds Linda Strohl whose term expires July 28, 2021.
Robert C. Schlueter, of Leland, is the former executive director of the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan. Mr. Schlueter was appointed to the Commission by Gov. Whitmer in January 2020. He holds a Bachelor of Philosophy in Behavioral Sciences, Religion, and Philosophy from Grand Valley State University. The Governor has designated Mr. Schlueter to serve as the Chair of the Commission.
The 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 OSA and participates in development of the state plan and budget as required by the federal Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Collection Practices Board
Dallas Lenear, of Grand Rapids, is the executive director and founder of Project GREEN and a partner and lead consultant with Genesis Consulting Group. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan and a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Studies from the Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. Reverend Lenear is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing July 22, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. He succeeds Terry Lutz whose term expired June 30, 2021.
Gregory S. Meyer, of Novi, is the collection agency manager for American Profit Recovery, Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from Canisius College. Mr. Meyer is appointed to represent professionals for a term commencing July 22, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. He succeeds Thomas Oldani whose term expired June 30, 2021.
Mickey W. Putman, II, of Cadillac, is the president of Central Professional Services. He is a member of the American Collectors Association and the Michigan Association of Collection Agencies. Mr. Putnam is appointed to represent professionals for a term commencing July 22, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. He succeeds Thomas Matonican whose term expired June 30, 2021.
The Michigan Collection Practices Board was created to license and regulate collection agencies that directly or indirectly engage in soliciting a claim for collection or collect, or attempt to collect, a claim owed or due. The Board works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of approximately 713 collection agencies and 525 collection agency managers.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Elevator Safety Board
Douglas N. Datema, of Grand Rapids, is the senior manager of North American field support for Otis Elevator Company. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering from Western Michigan University. Mr. Datema is reappointed to represent manufacturers of elevators used in this state for a term commencing July 23, 2021 and expiring July 22, 2025.
Joshua P. Jacobs, of LeRoy, is a service journeyman at ThyssenKrupp Elevator. He holds an Elevator Constructor Journeyperson certificate in elevator and escalator mechanical and electrical systems from the National Elevator Industry Educational Program. Mr. Jacobs is appointed to represent manufacturers of elevators used in this state for a term commencing July 22, 2021 and expiring July 22, 2023. He succeeds Donald Purdie, Jr. who has resigned.
Nicholas W. Ottney, of Leslie, is the manager for Client Product Development & Design at Farm Bureau Insurance. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Michigan University. Mr. Ottney is reappointed to represent insurance companies authorized to insure elevators in this state for a term commencing July 23, 2021 and expiring July 22, 2025.
Michael B. Sullivan, of Brighton, is a branch general manager at Schindler Elevator Corp. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Business Administration from Bellarmine University, and he also completed an elevator constructor apprenticeship at IUEC Local 85. Mr. Sullivan is appointed to represent the elevator constructors' union for a term commencing July 23, 2021 and expiring July 22, 2025. He succeeds Michael Vandervennet whose term expires July 22, 2021.
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.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Gaming Control Board
Joni M. Thrower Davis, of Detroit, is the owner and operator of four Metro Detroit McDonald's restaurants and the managing partner for Jamjomar, Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor degree from Emory University School of Law. Mrs. Thrower Davis is appointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing July 22, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Patrick McQueen whose term expired December 31, 2019.
Linda Forte, of Detroit, is retired from Comerica, Inc., where she served as the senior vice president of business affairs and chief diversity officer. Ms. Forte currently serves as a board member for Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan. Ms. Forte is appointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing July 22, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2024. She succeeds Carla Walker-Miller whose term expired December 31, 2020. The Governor has designated Ms. Forte to serve as Chair of the Board.
Deidre A. Lambert-Bounds, of Troy, is the president and co-owner of Ignite Social Media, LLC and the COO and co-owner of its sister company, Carusele Media. She serves as an advisor to the Education Trust Midwest, a member of the executive committee for the Sphinx Organization, and a former member of the Michigan Women's Commission. Mrs. Lambert-Bounds is appointed to represent Independents for a term commencing July 22, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2024. She succeeds Barbara Smith whose term expired December 31, 2020.
Andrew Palms, of Chelsea, is the executive director of ITS Infrastructure at the University of Michigan. He has a Bachelor of General Studies in Computer Science, Business, and Engineering from the University of Michigan. Mr. Palms is reappointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing July 22, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2023.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board shall ensure the conduct of fair and honest gaming to protect the interests of the citizens of the state of Michigan. The Board provides Detroit commercial casinos gaming operations licensing and regulation, licenses and regulates online gaming and sports betting operators, platform providers and suppliers, regulates pari-mutuel horse racing and casino-style charitable gaming, and audits tribal gaming compact agreement compliance.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
State Plumbing Board
Timothy D. Danielak, of Beaverton, is a business representative for United Association Local 85. He completed a Journeyman plumber and steamfitter apprenticeship with United Association Local 85 and he holds an Associates of Applied Science in Industrial Training from Washtenaw Community College. Mr. Danielak is reappointed to represent a licensed journey plumber who has 10 years of experience as a journey plumber. He will serve for a term commencing July 31, 2021 and expiring July 30, 2024.
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.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Real Estate Appraisers
Carolyn S. Dale, Ph.D., of Sault Ste Marie, is the director of curriculum, instruction and state & federal programs at the Joseph K. Lumsden Bahweting Anishnabe Public School Academy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Lake Superior State University, a Master of Education and an Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership from Northern Michigan University, and a Ph.D. in Education Leadership from Eastern Michigan University. Dr. Dale is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing July 22, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. She succeeds David Worthams whose term expired June 30, 2021.
Jake W. Lew, of Beverly Hills, is the founder and CEO of JL Advisory Group, LLC. He is a certified residential real estate appraiser and he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Michigan State University. Mr. Lew is appointed to represent certified residential real estate appraisers for a term commencing July 22, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. He succeeds Mark Jenkins whose term expired June 30, 2021.
Catherine Quayle, of Gwinn, is a certified residential appraiser at Appraisal Associates of Marquette. She holds an associate's degree in business from Northern Michigan University. Ms. Quayle is appointed to represent certified residential real estate appraisers for a term commencing July 22, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. She succeeds Ronald Wheeler whose term expired June 30, 2021.
The Michigan Board of Real Estate Appraisers works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of approximately 6,011 limited real estate appraisers, state licensed appraisers, certified general appraisers, and certified residential appraisers.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Residential Builders' and Maintenance and Alteration Contractors' Board
Nathan Demers, of Engadine, is the owner of Weatherwize and an energy consultant and production supervisor at Northern Energy Solutions. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Education from Northern Michigan University. Mr. Demers is appointed to represent licensed residential builders for a term commencing July 22, 2021 and expiring March 31, 2022. He succeeds William Tanasse who has resigned.
The Residential Builders' and Maintenance and Alteration Contractors' Board was created to license and regulate persons engaged in the construction of a residential structure or combination residential and commercial structure, or persons who undertake the repair, alteration, addition, subtraction or improvement of a residential structure or combination residential and commercial structure for compensation other than wages for personal labor.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority Board of Commissioners
Tiffany C. Taylor, of Clinton Township, is the chief people and impact officer for Global Silicon Valley (GSV) Ventures and the Arizona State University + GSV Summit. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Afro-American Studies from the University of Michigan, a Master of Science in Education from St. Joseph's University, and a Master of Community Planning from the University of Maryland. Ms. Taylor is appointed for a term commencing July 22, 2021 and expiring May 2, 2025. She succeeds Kurt Heise whose term expired May 2, 2021.
Stephen V. Pontoni, of Brighton, is the executive director for the Michigan Association for Justice and the director of the Mid-American Global Education Council. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Mr. Pontoni is appointed for a term commencing July 22, 2021 and expiring May 2, 2023. He succeeds Timothy McCarthy who has resigned.
The Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority Board of Commissioners is a seven-member board that governs the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority. The Board of Commissioners makes policy decisions for the Authority, including approving expenditures, acquiring land, planning of new parks and facilities, approving fees and charges, awarding contracts through competitive bidding, and other matters necessary to provide regional recreation. The Board appoints the Director and confirms the Deputy Director and Chief Financial Officer for the Metroparks.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Indigent Defense Commission
Debra Kubitskey, of South Lyon, is an assistant county administrator for Jackson County. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Central Michigan University and a Master in Public Administration from Eastern Michigan University. Mrs. Kubitskey is appointed to represent members submitted by the Senate Majority Leader for a term commencing July 22, 2021 and expiring April 1, 2025. She succeeds Michael Puermer whose term expired April 1, 2021.
Thomas McMillin, of Oakland Township, is the owner of Michigan Community Auditors and a partner with March & McMillin, CPAs. He is a member of the State Board of Education and he holds a bachelor's degree in accounting and economics from the University of Michigan. Mr. McMillin is reappointed to represent members submitted by the Speaker of the House of Representatives for a term commencing July 22, 2021 and expiring April 1, 2025.
The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission was created as a result of efforts to improve legal representation for indigent criminal defendants. The Commission develops and oversees the implementation, enforcement, and modification of minimum standards, rules, and procedures to ensure that indigent criminal defense services providing effective assistance of counsel are delivered to all indigent adults in this state consistent with the safeguards of the United States Constitution, the State Constitution of 1963, and with the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Act.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Mental Health Diversion Council
Eric Doeh, of Belleville, is the interim president and CEO of Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. Mr. Doeh is appointed to represent a Medicaid pre-paid inpatient health plan for a term commencing July 22, 2021 and expiring January 30, 2024. He succeeds Willie Brooks who has resigned.
The Mental Health Diversion Council is an advisory body to the Governor within the Department of Health and Human Services charged to advise and assist in the implementation of a diversion action plan and provide recommendations for statutory, contractual or procedural changes to improve diversion.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
State Land Bank Authority Board of Directors
Krysta Pate, of Detroit, is the director of programs for Community Reinvestment Fund, USA and the principal for The Homeownership Initiative Consulting, LLC. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Community Development from Central Michigan University. Ms. Pate is reappointed for a term commencing August 1, 2021 and expiring July 31, 2025.
The State Land Bank Authority Board of Directors was created by Executive Order No. 2019-13. The State Land Bank Authority works to create a positive economic impact on Michigan communities by recycling land to productive use. They work in a coordinated manner to foster the development of property to promote and support land bank operations at the county and local levels.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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