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Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
November 10, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 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 Michigan Early Stage Venture Investment Corporation Board of Directors, Environmental Rules Review Committee, Michigan State Tax Commission, Environmental Permit Review Commission, Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority Board of Directors, Library of Michigan Board of Trustees, and the Michigan Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee.
Michigan Early Stage Venture Investment Corporation Board of Directors
Dawn Batts, Ph.D., of Bloomfield, is a capital strategist for TechTown Detroit. She holds a Ph.D. in Business and Cultural Anthropology from Wayne State University, Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan, and Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Michigan State University. Dr. Batts is appointed to represent a member of the general public with the requisite knowledge and experience in finance and business investment. She will serve for a term commencing November 10, 2021 and expiring June 13, 2024. Dr. Batts succeeds Jeb Burns whose term expired June 13, 2021.
Tim Easterwood, of Birmingham, is the founder and CEO of BizFleets, LLC. He holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Detroit Mercy and Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Michigan University. Mr. Easterwood is appointed to represent an individual recommended by the Senate Majority Leader for a term commencing November 10, 2021 and expiring June 13, 2024. He succeeds Robert Manilla whose term expired June 13, 2021.
Jeffrey Rinvelt, of Ann Arbor, is the principal with Renaissance Venture Capital Fund. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Western Michigan University. Mr. Rinvelt is appointed to represent a statewide organization exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) of the internal revenue code, the members of which represent more than 50% of the venture capital companies in this state. He will serve for a term commencing November 10, 2021 and expiring June 13, 2022. Mr. Rinvelt succeeds Thomas Clifford Kinnear whose term expired June 13, 2019.
The Michigan Early Stage Venture Investment Corporation Board of Directors works to promote a healthy economic climate by fostering job creation, retention, and expansion through the promotion of investment in venture capital businesses specializing in early stage and seed investments. The Venture Michigan Fund invests only in venture capital companies that have a significant presence in Michigan and focuses on companies that will invest in Michigan-based, start-up companies that are engaged in research, technology, and new product development.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Environmental Rules Review Committee
Charles A. Lippstreu, a Democrat of Grand Rapids, is the president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Mr. Lippstreu is reappointed to represent a statewide agricultural organization for a term commencing November 10, 2021 and expiring October 4, 2025.
Melissa Stults, Ph.D., a Democrat of Ann Arbor, is the sustainability and innovations manager for the City of Ann Arbor. She holds a Ph.D. in Urban Resilience from the University of Michigan, Master of Arts in Climate and Society from Columbia University, and Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology and Environmental Sciences from the University of New England. Dr. Stults is reappointed to represent local governments for a term commencing November 10, 2021 and expiring October 4, 2025.
Andrea Tolzdorf, an Independent of Harbor Springs, is the director of the Emmet County Department of Public Works. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and Sustainability from Northern Michigan University. Mrs. Tolzdorf is appointed to represent the solid waste management industry for a term commencing November 10, 2021 and expiring October 4, 2025. She succeeds Shayna Barry whose term expired October 25, 2021.
Sandra J. Wynn-Stelt, a Democrat of Belmont, is a psychologist and owner of Wilson and Wynn Interventions. Ms. Wynn-Stelt is also the co-chair of the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network and a member of the Wolverine Citizens Action Group, National PFAS Contamination Coalition, and MPART Citizens Advisory Workgroup. She holds a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University and Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Grand Valley State University. Ms. Wynn-Stelt is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing November 10, 2021 and expiring October 4, 2025. She succeeds Grant Trigger whose term expired October 4, 2021.
The Environmental Rules Review Committee (ERRC) was created as an independent body to oversee all rulemaking of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan State Tax Commission
Mark A. Davidoff, an Independent of West Bloomfield, is the president and CEO of The Fisher Group. He previously worked as the Michigan managing partner at Deloitte, LLP and as the executive director and COO of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. Mr. Davidoff is a certified public accountant, and he holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Wayne State University and a master's degree in management from Northwestern University. Mr. Davidoff is appointed to represent a member with at least 5 years' experience in government or the private sector, dealing with matters relating to state or local taxes. He will serve for a term commencing November 22, 2021 and expiring December 27, 2024. Mr. Davidoff succeeds Leonard Kutschman whose term expired December 27, 2020.
The State Tax Commission has general supervision of the administration of the Property Tax Laws in Michigan and shall render such assistance and give such advice to assessors, as they deem necessary. The Commission is responsible for the education and certification of assessing officers. The Commission is also responsible for assessing certain state-assessed properties such as telephone companies and railroads.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Environmental Permit Review Commission
Tony R. Anthony, of Novi, is the principal and co-founder of AKT Peerless Environmental Services. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Wayne State University. Mr. Anthony is reappointed for a term commencing November 10, 2021 and expiring August 28, 2025.
Heather Dawson, Ph.D., of Holly, is an associate professor of biology at the University of Michigan-Flint and an adjunct associate professor for the Michigan State University Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. She holds a Ph.D. in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Ecology from Michigan State University, Master of Science in Ecosystems Biology from Eastern Michigan University, and Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Michigan. Dr. Dawson is appointed for a term commencing November 10, 2021 and expiring August 28, 2025. She succeeds Theodore Bornhorst whose term expired August 28, 2021.
Lei Meng, Ph.D., of Kalamazoo, is an associate professor at Western Michigan University. He holds a Ph.D. in Geography from Texas A&M University, Master of Science in Hydrology from the University of Illinois, Master of Science in Soil Physics from the China Agricultural University, and Bachelor of Science in Geo-hydrology and Engineering Geology from Nanjing University. Dr. Meng is appointed for a term commencing November 10, 2021 and expiring August 28, 2025. He succeeds Dirk Mammen whose term expired August 28, 2021.
Carol J. Miller, Ph.D., of Ann Arbor, is a professor of civil and environmental engineering Wayne State University and the director of WSU Healthy Urban Waters. She holds a Ph.D., Master of Science, and Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Michigan. Dr. Miller is appointed for a term commencing November 10, 2021 and expiring August 28, 2025. She succeeds Jeffery King whose term expired August 28, 2021.
Evan N. Pratt, of Ann Arbor, is the water resource commissioner for Washtenaw County. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Mr. Pratt is reappointed for a term commencing November 10, 2021 and expiring August 28, 2025.
The Environmental Permit Review Commission (EPRC) was created to advise the Director of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) on disputes related to permits and permit applications. The EPRC may advise the EGLE Director on any permit or operating license issued by EGLE under the Natural Resources Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA) or the rules promulgated under NREPA.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority Board of Directors
M. Scott Bowen, of Grand Rapids, is the senior vice president of business development for NeoPollard Interactive, LLC. He previously served as a lottery commissioner, director of the Office of the State Employer, and as a judge with the 62A District Court. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit School of Law. Mr. Bowen is appointed to represent a resident of the qualified county for a term commencing November 10, 2021 and expiring February 29, 2024. He succeeds Charles Secchia whose term expired February 29, 2020.
The Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority (CAA) is the seven-member board that administers Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place, and DeVos Performance Hall. The mission of the CAA is to encourage economic development within the West Michigan region, create jobs, and provide facilities for the entertainment, enjoyment, and/or benefit of the citizens in an economical manner by developing and operating convention, entertainment, and sports facilities within Kent County.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Library of Michigan Board of Trustees
Terrence J. McDonald, Ph.D., of Ann Arbor, is the director of the Bentley Historical Library at the University of Michigan and a professor with the Department of History. He holds a Ph.D. in History from Stanford University and Bachelor of Arts in History from Marquette University. Dr. McDonald is appointed to represent a librarian from a special library for a term commencing November 10, 2021 and expiring October 1, 2024. He succeeds Elaine Didier whose term expired October 1, 2021.
The Library of Michigan Board of Trustees makes recommendations to the Michigan Department of Education regarding the Library's services, budget, and proposed governing rules. The Board of Trustees also makes recommendations regarding the employment of other administrative and general assistants and employees of the Library as are necessary for the care and management of the Library, including the Law Library Branch of the Library.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee
Andrew D. Adair, D.O., of Ferndale, is a physician with Henry Ford Health System and a clinical assistant professor of family practice at Michigan State University. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathy from Des Moines University and Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Bellarmine College. Dr. Adair is reappointed to represent physicians for a term commencing November 10, 2021 and expiring October 1, 2023.
Rony Foumia, of Commerce Township, is the area director of pharmacy for Ascension Healthcare. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Wayne State University. Mr. Foumia is reappointed to represent pharmacists for a term commencing November 10, 2021 and expiring October 1, 2023.
Eric D. Roath, PharmD, of Lansing, is a clinical care coordinator for SpartanNash and an affiliate preceptor at Ferris State University. He earned is Doctor of Pharmacy from Ferris State University and Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M University. Dr. Roath is reappointed to represent pharmacists for a term commencing November 10, 2021 and expiring October 1, 2023.
Bradley J. Uren, M.D., of Pinckney, is an associate professor of emergency medicine and an attending physician for the University of Michigan Health System. He earned is Doctor of Medicine from the University of Michigan and Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan Technological University. Dr. Uren is reappointed to represent physicians for a term commencing November 10, 2021 and expiring October 1, 2023. The Governor has designated Dr. Uren to continue serving 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.
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