February 18, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 18, 2022
Contact: press@michigan.gov
Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board "Children's Trust Fund", Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan, Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine, Electronic Recording Commission, State Historic Preservation Review Board, Horse Racing Advisory Commission, Public Health Advisory Council, and the Co-Chair of the Black Leadership Advisory Council.
Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board "Children's Trust Fund"
Stanley D. Hannah, Jr., Ph.D., of Novi, is a partner with Plante Moran PLLC. He holds a Master of Education in Psychology and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Virginia, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Michigan State University. Dr. Hannah is reappointed to represent business for a term commencing February 18, 2022 and expiring December 19, 2024.
Paula J. Herbart, of Lansing, is the current president of the Michigan Education Association. She holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Michigan. Ms. Herbart is appointed to represent organized labor for a term commencing February 18, 2022 and expiring December 19, 2024. She succeeds Willie Dubas whose term expired December 19, 2021.
Travis M. Spencer, of Allen Park, is the director of supplier diversity and inclusion for Ford Motor Company. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management from the University of Detroit Mercy. Mr. Spencer is appointed to represent business for a term commencing February 18, 2022 and expiring December 19, 2024. He succeeds Lauren Rakolta whose term expired December 19, 2021.
The Children's Trust Fund (CTF) was established by the Michigan Legislature in 1982 and serves as a voice for Michigan's children and families and promotes their health, safety, and welfare by funding effective local programs and services that prevent child abuse and neglect.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan
Jesse M. Bernal, Ph.D., of Grand Rapids, is the vice president for inclusion and equity and chief of staff to the president of Grand Valley State University. He received his Ph.D. and Master of Arts in Education from the University of California Santa Barbara and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Westmont College. Dr. Bernal is reappointed for a term commencing February 18, 2022 and expiring December 10, 2024.
Juanita Bocanegra, of Holland, is a 58th District Court Judge in Ottawa County and a former assistant prosecutor. She holds a Juris Doctor degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Grand Valley State University. Judge Bocanegra is reappointed for a term commencing February 18, 2022 and expiring December 10, 2024.
Anthony W. Garcia-Rubio, of Cadillac, is currently retired after serving as general manager of Heraduras Mexican Restaurant and as a bus driver for Cadillac Area Public Schools. A veteran of the United States Air Force, he is a member of the Cadillac Area Honor Guard and a certified Disabled American Veteran Service Officer.?Mr. Garcia-Rubio is reappointed to for a term commencing February 18, 2022 and expiring December 10, 2024.
Sonya M. Hernandez, of Muskegon, most recently served as an educator with the Muskegon Heights Public School Academy System and ALAS coordinator and adjunct instructor at Grand Rapids Community College. She holds a bachelor's degree in Spanish and Sociology, a master's degree in Educational Leadership, and an educational specialist degree, all from Grand Valley State University. Ms. Hernandez is reappointed to for a term commencing February 18, 2022 and expiring December 10, 2024.
Monteze O. Morales, of Kalamazoo, currently serves as a Kalamazoo County commissioner and as the program manager for Kalamazoo Promise Services at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. She holds degrees in secondary education and socio-cultural studies from Western Michigan University. Commissioner Morales is appointed for a term commencing February 18, 2022 and expiring December 10, 2022. She succeeds Jessica Cruz who has resigned.
Aurora Sauceda, of Flint, is the public health navigator program manager for Michigan United and a community coordinator for Latinos United for Flint. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from the University of Michigan-Flint. Mrs. Sauceda is appointed to fill a vacancy for a term commencing February 18, 2022 and expiring December 10, 2023.
Angelita Valdez, of Muskegon, is the CEO of Servicios de Esperanza, LLC and a board member for Latinos Working for the Future. She received her Bachelor of Social Work with a Chicano/Latino Studies Specialization and a Master of Social Work from Michigan State University. Ms. Valdez is appointed for a term commencing February 18, 2022 and expiring December 10, 2024. She succeeds Jeremiah Hernandez whose term expired December 10, 2021.
The Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan was created to develop a unified policy and plan of action to serve the needs of Michigan's Hispanic and Latino people. The law directs the Commission to advise the Governor, the Legislature, and the office concerning the coordination and administration of state programs serving the Hispanic and Latino population.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine
Timothy Hunt, DVM, of Marquette, is a licensed veterinarian and owner of Bayshore Veterinary Hospital and the owner of Dr. Tim's Pet Food Company. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University. Dr. Hunt is appointed to represent veterinarians for a term commencing February 18, 2022 and expiring December 31, 2022. He succeeds Amy Hicswa who resigned.
Lauren E. Walker, DVM, of Southfield, is the owner and medical director of Colonial Veterinary Clinic in Plymouth. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Purdue University. Dr. Walker is appointed to represent veterinarians for a term commencing February 18, 2022 and expiring December 31, 2025. She succeeds Dwight McNally whose term expired December 31, 2021.
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.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Electronic Recording Commission
Sara Dolan, of DeWitt, is the chief financial officer of Michigan State University Federal Credit Union. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Western Michigan University and Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Michigan State University. Ms. Dolan is reappointed to represent individuals engaged in the business of banking for a term commencing February 18, 2022 and expiring January 1, 2024.
Brian P. Henry, of Bloomfield Hills, is the chief counsel for eTitle Agency. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit Mercy and Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Michigan. Mr. Henry is reappointed to represent individuals engaged in the land title profession for a term commencing February 18, 2022 and expiring January 1, 2024.
Derrick Quinney, of Lansing, currently serves as the Ingham County Register of Deeds. He previously worked as the health and safety director for Michigan AFL-CIO and as a member of the Lansing City Council. Mr. Quinney is reappointed to represent county register of deeds for a term commencing February 18, 2022 and expiring January 1, 2024.
Dominic Rios, of Holt, is a real estate attorney with Clark Hill. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School and Bachelor of Science in Philosophy from the University of Michigan. Mr. Rios is reappointed to represent attorneys licensed to practice law in the state and whose expertise emphasizes real property matters, for a term commencing February 18, 2022 and expiring January 1, 2024.
The Electronic Recording Commission keeps the standards and practices of county registers of deeds in this state in harmony with the standards and practices of offices of county registers of deeds in other jurisdictions. The Commission keeps the technology used by county registers of deeds in this state compatible with technology used by offices of county registers of deeds in other jurisdictions.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
State Historic Preservation Review Board
Sharon R. Ferraro, of Kalamazoo, most recently served as the historic preservation coordinator for the city of Kalamazoo and as an adjunct instructor of History at Western Michigan University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Master of Science in Preservation Planning from Eastern Michigan University. Ms. Ferraro is appointed to represent architectural history for a term commencing February 18, 2022 and expiring December 31, 2025. She succeeds Janet Kreger whose term expired December 31, 2021.
Lakota S. Pochedley, of Portage, is the tribal historic preservation officer for the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of the Pottawatomi Indians (Gun Lake Tribe) and a citizen of the Potawatomi Nation. She holds a Master of Arts in Cultural Studies from the University of Texas and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Ethnicity and Race Studies from Columbia University. Ms. Pochedley is appointed to represent historic preservation for a term commencing February 18, 2022 and expiring December 31, 2025. She succeeds Rhonda Baker whose term expired December 31, 2021.
The Michigan State Historic Preservation Review Board reviews and approves each national register nomination prior to submission to the Keeper of the National Register, has appellate jurisdiction under the Local Historic Districts Act, as amended, and provides general advice, guidance and professional recommendations to the State Historic Preservation Office on matters related to historic preservation.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Horse Racing Advisory Commission
Sylvia Renteria, of Lansing, is the director of finance and budget for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Accounting from Davenport University. Ms. Renteria is appointed to represent the Designee of the Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for a term commencing February 18, 2022 and expiring October 31, 2024. She succeeds Joe Rivet as the director's designee.
The Horse Racing Advisory Commission was created within the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to establish procedures governing the operation and promotion of horse racing in this state and make recommendations to the Legislature that would improve the regulatory structure of horse racing with a goal of maintaining its long-term viability in Michigan.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Public Health Advisory Council
Denise Chrysler, of Lansing, is the director of the Mid-State Region Office of the University of Michigan Network for Public Health Law. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan. Ms. Chrysler is reappointed to represent schools of public health for a term commencing February 18, 2022 and expiring November 1, 2025.
Farah Jalloul, PharmD, of Lansing, is the state pharmacy emergency preparedness coordinator for the Michigan Pharmacists Association and the director of professional development for Pharmacy Services, Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Michigan, and a Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Pharmacy from Ferris State University. Dr. Jalloul is appointed to represent pharmacists for a term commencing February 18, 2022 and expiring November 1, 2025. She succeeds Dianne Malburg whose term expired November 1, 2021.
Ashley Rapp, of Washington, is an epidemiologist with the Henry Ford Health System Department of Public Health Sciences. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Grand Valley State University and Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Michigan. Ms. Rapp is appointed to represent epidemiologists for a term commencing February 18, 2022 and expiring November 1, 2025. She succeeds Brian Hartl whose term expired November 1, 2021.
Tanya J. 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 from Northern Michigan University. Ms. Rule is reappointed to represent experts in environmental health for a term commencing February 18, 2022 and expiring November 1, 2025.
Kristen Schweighoefer, of Ann Arbor, is the environmental health director of Washtenaw County Public Health. She holds a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's degree of public health from the University of Michigan. Ms. Schweighoefer is reappointed to represent food safety experts for a term commencing February 18, 2022 and expiring November 1, 2025.
Herbert C. Smitherman, M.D., of Detroit, is vice dean of diversity and community affairs and associate professor of internal medicine for the Wayne State University School of Medicine and the Karmanos Cancer Institute. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern Engineering, Doctor of Medicine from the University of Cincinnati, and Master of Health Service Administration from the University of Michigan. Dr. Smitherman is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing February 18, 2022 and expiring November 1, 2025. He succeeds Kathleen Forzley whose term expired November 1, 2021.
Marianne Udow-Phillips, of Ann Arbor, is retired from the University of Michigan Center for Health and Research Transformation where she served as the founding executive director. She now owns her own consulting firm, MU Consulting, and serves as a senior advisor to the CHRT. Ms. Udow-Phillips holds a Bachelor of Arts from Hamilton-Kirkland Colleges and a Master of Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan. Ms. Udow-Phillips is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing February 18, 2022 and expiring November 1, 2025. She succeeds Eric Adelman whose term expired November 1, 2021.
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.
Black Leadership Advisory Council Co-Chair
Donna L. Bell, Ph.D., of Southfield, is the global director of technology and features strategy and planning at Ford Motor Company. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Lawrence Technological University, Master of Science degrees in Electronics and Computer Control Systems and Engineering Management and a Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Wayne State University. Dr. Bell was appointed to the Black Leadership Advisory Council by Governor Whitmer in 2020. The Governor has designated Dr. Bell to serve as Co-Chair of the Council.
The Black Leadership Advisory Council was created by Governor Whitmer's Executive Order 2020-163 as an advisory body in the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. The Council acts in an advisory capacity to the governor and develops, reviews, and recommends policies and actions designed to eradicate and prevent discrimination and racial inequity in Michigan.
Chair designations are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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