May 12, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 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 Michigan Apple Committee, Fire Fighters Training Council, Detroit Wayne County Health Authority Board of Directors, Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification, State Historical Records Advisory Board, and the Chair of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission.
Michigan Apple Committee
Caleb Coulter, of New Era, is the owner of New Era’s American Apple and Asparagus and the West Michigan sales representative for Reisters Grower Services. He holds an associate’s degree in business management and accounting from Baker College. Mr. Coulter is reappointed to represent District 3 growers for a term commencing May 12, 2022 and expiring April 1, 2025.
Kimberly A. Kropf, of Lowell, is the operations manager for Hart Farm Apple Orchard. Mrs. Kropf is reappointed to represent District 2 growers for a term commencing May 12, 2022 and expiring April 1, 2025.
The Michigan Apple Committee is dedicated to improving the profitability of Michigan's fresh and processed apple industries. The Committee coordinates market development, educational activities, and research that benefits the 1000 family apple growers in Michigan through improved profitability, ensuring the continued success of this sector of Michigan agriculture.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Fire Fighters Training Council
Kevin D. Beeson, of St. Louis, is the township supervisor for Pine River Township. He serves as the chair of the Mid-Michigan Community Fire Control Board and as a member of the Alma District Rural-Urban Fire Board and the Michigan Townships Board of Directors. Mr. Beeson is appointed to represent the Michigan Townships Association for a term commencing May 12, 2022 and expiring January 31, 2026. He succeeds Greg Janik whose term expired January 31, 2022.
Brian K. Blomstrom, of Sheridan, is the staff sergeant of public safety for Greenville Department of Public Safety. He is also a contract instructor for the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, program manager and instructor for MSP’s HazMat Training Center, adjunct instructor for Montcalm Community College, and deputy emergency manager for Montcalm County Emergency Services. Mr. Blomstrom holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Lake Superior State University and Master of Public Administration from Grand Valley State University. He is reappointed to represent the Michigan Fire Service Instructors Association for a term commencing May 12, 2022 and expiring January 31, 2026.
Kurt Corradi, of Sebewaing, is the fire chief for the Bay City Department of Public Safety. He holds an associate’s degree in fire science from Delta College. Chief Corradi is appointed to represent the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs for a term commencing May 12, 2022 and expiring January 31, 2026. He succeeds Alan Styles whose term expired January 31, 2022.
John David Feichtner, of Holly, is the fire chief for Springfield Township Fire Department in Davisburg, the CEO of First Response LLC in Farmington Hills, and an adjunct instructor in the political science department for University of Detroit Mercy. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Master of Arts in American Government, Constitutional Law, and International Relations from the University of Detroit Mercy. Chief Feichtner is appointed to represent the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs for a term commencing May 12, 2022 and expiring January 31, 2026. He succeeds Chad Tackett whose term expired January 31, 2022.
Steven D. Richardson, of Paw Paw, is the program manager for Fire and Emergency Services for the Michigan Army National Guard. He earned his Associate of Applied Science in Fire Sciences from Kellogg Community College and Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Safety Studies from Siena Heights University. Mr. Richardson is appointed to represent the Michigan State Firemen's Association for a term commencing May 12, 2022 and expiring January 31, 2026. He succeeds Terrence Blackmer whose term expired January 31, 2022.
Joseph W. Schehr, of Armada, is a sergeant with the City of Warren Fire Department and an adjunct faculty member and paramedic lab assistant at Macomb Community College. He is also the president of the Warren Professional Fire Fighters Local 1383. He earned his associate’s degrees in law enforcement, emergency medical services, and fire sciences from Macomb Community College. Mr. Schehr is appointed to represent the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union for a term commencing May 12, 2022 and expiring January 31, 2026. He succeeds Aileen Pettinger whose term expired January 31, 2022.
Robert L. Stokes Jr., of Detroit, is the 2nd deputy commissioner for the City of Detroit Fire Department. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Fire Science Administration and Masters of Arts in Organizational Leadership/Emergency Management Leadership from Waldorf University. Commissioner Stokes is appointed to represent an active fire service member nominated by the State Fire Marshal for a term commencing May 12, 2022 and expiring January 31, 2026. He succeeds Jacob Steichen whose term expired January 31, 2022. The Governor has designated Commissioner Stokes to serve as Chair of the Council.
Kyle Svoboda, of Belmont, is the district chief for the Plainfield Fire Department. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science and Administration from Waldorf University. Mr. Svoboda is appointed to represent the Michigan Fire Inspectors Society for a term commencing May 12, 2022 and expiring January 31, 2026. He succeeds Lynnae White whose term expired January 31, 2022.
The Michigan Fire Fighters Training Council serves the training and certification needs of fire departments and fire fighters across the state. The Council prepares and publishes training standards while establishing courses of study, certifying instructors, and establishing regional training centers.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Detroit Wayne County Health Authority Board of Directors
Krystle Woods Hollier, Ph.D., of Detroit, is the current site director for LifeStance Health, Inc. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Yale University, and Master of Arts and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Michigan State University. Dr. Woods Hollier is reappointed to represent a resident of the region recommended by the leadership of the Legislature. She will serve for a term commencing May 12, 2022 and expiring on August 5, 2024.
The Detroit Wayne County Health Authority was established in 2003, with the recommendation of the Wayne County Stabilization Work Group, in response to clear indications of a health care safety net crisis in Detroit and Wayne County. The Health Authority was created by an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Detroit, the County of Wayne, and the Michigan Department of Community health under the Urban Cooperation Act of 1967. The agreement enables the Health Authority to serve the needs of the uninsured and underinsured in Detroit and Wayne County.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification
Jane K. McCurry, of Canton, is the executive director of Clean Fuels Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Operations and Technology Management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Mrs. McCurry is appointed to represent business, policy, research or technological leaders in future mobility, for a term commencing May 12, 2022 and expiring October 21, 2022. She succeeds Cory Connelly who has resigned.
Matthew Rudnick, of Birmingham, is the director of climate, environment, and energy policy for General Motors. He holds a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Michigan. Mr. Rudnick is appointed to represent business, policy, research or technological leaders in future mobility, for a term commencing May 12, 2022 and expiring October 21, 2024. He succeeds Robert Babik who has resigned.
The Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification serves in an advisory capacity to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, the Governor, and the Legislature, providing annual recommendations on changes in state policy. In doing so, the Council works to ensure Michigan continues to be an epicenter of future transportation solutions around mobility and electrification.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
State Historical Records Advisory Board
Andrea Benefiel, of Grand Rapids, is the university archivist and digital collections librarian for Grand Valley State University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Ball State University and a Master of Science, Library, and Information Science from Simmons University. Ms. Benefiel is appointed for a term commencing May 12, 2022 and expiring December 31, 2024. She succeeds Cynthia Ghering who has resigned.
The State Historical Records Advisory Board serves as a central advisory body for historical records planning and for National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC)-funded projects in the state. The Board acts as a coordinating body to facilitate cooperation and communication among historical records repositories and information agencies within the state, and as a state-level review body for grant proposals that meet NHPRC grant program guidelines.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Natural Resources Commission Chair
Thomas A. Baird, of Elk Rapids, is a retired attorney and the owner of Thomas Baird Consultants, LLC. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan and Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Grand Valley University. Mr. Baird has been a member of the Natural Resources Commission since March 2021. The Governor has designated Mr. Baird to serve as Chair of the Commission for a term commencing May 13, 2022 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has exclusive authority to regulate the taking of game and sportfish and is authorized to designate game species and authorize the establishment of the first open season for animals through the issuance of orders.
Chair designations are not subject the advice and consent of the Senate.
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