Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 21, 2025

Contact: press@michigan.gov

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the following boards and commissions: Michigan Public Service Commission; State Land Bank Authority Board of Directors; Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission; Workers' Disability Compensation Appeals Commission; Underwater Salvage and Preserve Committee; Michigan Veterans' Facility Authority Board of Directors; Human Trafficking Commission; Michigan Board of Counseling; Michigan Board of Dentistry; Michigan Board of Pharmacy; Michigan Board of Nursing; Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity; Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice; Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services; Michigan Board of Audiology; and Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery.

Michigan Public Service Commission 

Shaquila Myers, of Lansing, most recently served as a senior advisor to Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Prior to that, Myers led former Speaker Joe Tate’s office as chief of staff during the historic time period when Democrats held the House and Senate for the first time in 40 years. As chief of staff, Myers helped pass record investments in economic development to bring good-paying jobs to Michigan, led efforts to pay off public school debt, and ushered through a historic clean energy package that will lower utility costs for Michiganders.

Myers served in Governor Whitmer’s executive office twice, first as chief of staff to Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist and later as a senior advisor to the governor. Myers played a pivotal role in the passage of the bipartisan economic development package that helped Michigan land several projects that create thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investment. Myers has also spearheaded criminal justice reform efforts, the Jail and Pre-Trial Taskforce, and the Thriving Cities Tour, among other projects.

Previously, Myers was the legislative director for Senate Democratic Leader Jim Ananich and a policy analyst for the Michigan Senate. Myers holds a Master of Public Administration and an undergraduate degree from Oakland University. 

Shaquila Myers is appointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing July 21, 2025, and expiring July 2, 2031. Myers succeeds Alessandra Carreon, whose term has expired.   

Carreon is set to start a new role as Chief Climate Officer with the Department of Great Lakes, Energy, and Environment in August.   

The mission of the Michigan Public Service Commission is to ensure safe, reliable, and accessible energy and telecommunications services at reasonable rates for Michigan residents.

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

“Shaquila is a community-based, policy-focused leader who has spent her career fighting for working people,” said Governor Whitmer. “As chief of staff to the Speaker of the Michigan House during a historically productive legislative session, she helped shepherd the passage of bold clean energy legislation that established our 100% clean energy standard, created jobs, improved reliability, and lowered household utility costs for families. As a senior member of the executive office, she oversaw the passage of transformational legislation to bring advanced manufacturing back home and grow our clean energy economy. She knows what it takes to get things done in the legislative and executive branches, and I know she will serve the people of Michigan well in her new role on the MPSC.”

“Shaquila Myers is a proven, pragmatic, progressive leader who will get things done and deliver for working Michigan families,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “As my first chief of staff, Shaquila worked tirelessly and effectively to help me expand high-speed internet access, reform criminal justice systems, and close COVID-19 racial health equity gaps. She was able to listen and build relationships with anyone from the legislature to the private sector, which helped her deliver results. Most importantly, she never forgot that we work for Michiganders. I know Shaquila will make a positive impact as a member of the Michigan Public Service Commission and Stand Tall for our communities.”

“I’m thrilled to celebrate Shaquila’s appointment to the MPSC,” said Senator Sarah Anthony. “She has become known and respected for keeping integrity and thoughtfulness at the heart of her work, and I know she will bring those same values to this position. Our state thrives when we have diverse representation in the halls of power, and I look forward to seeing Shaquila light the path forward for the people of our state for years to come.”

"Shaquila Myers is a great pick to serve on the Michigan Public Service Commission,” said Senator Sean McCann. “She was crucial to passing our historic clean energy legislation, which will lower energy bills and reduce power outages and disruptions for Michigan families.”

"As a Michigander, we believe you can have affordable, reliable energy while also protecting everything that we've come to know and love as pure Michigan,” said Representative Amos O’Neal. That's why we worked to pass some of the most important legislation in our state's history that will drive down energy prices while also making sure the lights stay on during severe storms. Shaquila played an important role in getting this done, and now she will carry that work forward on the Michigan Public Service Commission. She will continue to put Michiganders first every step of the way."

“I’m honored to welcome Shaquila Myers to the Michigan Public Service Commission,” said Commissioner Dan Scripps, chair of the Michigan Public Service Commission. “As commissioners, we play an important role in ensuring Michigan has reasonable rates, reliable energy, and quality telecommunications services. Having had the opportunity to work with Shaquila over many years, I’ve seen firsthand her ability to navigate the ins and outs of complex issues. Shaquila is a true policy expert who will be a tremendous asset to the MPSC as we continue to keep our state running.”

State Land Bank Authority Board of Directors

Linh Song, of Ann Arbor, is the co-founder and board chair of the Song Foundation. Song currently serves as co-chair for Michigan Reproductive Rights for All and is a board member for Great Lakes Housing Services; Abundant Housing Michigan; the Ann Arbor Art Center; the Skillman Foundation; Michigan Municipal League; and Jewish Family Services. Song has previously served as an Ann Arbor city council member; the executive director for Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation; an adjunct lecturer for the University of Michigan School of Social Work; the program director for Nonprofit Enterprise at Work; and the executive director at Ethica. Song holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Master of Social work in social policy and evaluation from the University of Michigan.

Linh Song will be appointed to represent residents of this state for a term commencing August 1, 2025, and expiring July 31, 2029. Song succeeds Krysta Pate, whose term is expiring.

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.

Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission

Julie Petrik, of Huntington Woods, is the chairperson of the Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission. Prior to her appointment in 2019, Petrik was an attorney with Lyngklip and Associates Consumer Law Center. Petrik holds a Bachelor of Arts in government from the College of St. Benedict and a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School. Julie Petrik will be reappointed for a term commencing August 1, 2025, and expiring July 31, 2029. Petrick will also be redesignated as chair of the commission.

Sheryl McGrath, of Okemos, is an administrative law judge for the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules in the Unemployment Insurance Division. McGrath previously worked as a district commissioner for the Michigan Court of Appeals and as an attorney at Barnes & Thornburg LLP. McGrath holds a Bachelor of Arts in social studies from Purdue University and a Juris Doctor from Indiana University. Sheryl McGrath will be appointed for a term commencing August 1, 2025, and expiring July 31, 2029. McGrath succeeds Lester Owczarski, who has passed.

The Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission serves Michigan's employees, employers, and insurers by addressing and impartially resolving appeals of decisions and orders involving workers' compensation and unemployment insurance benefits. The Commission created in Executive Order No. 2019-13 has full authority to handle, process, and decide appeals filed under Michigan Employment Security Act Section 33(2).

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

Workers Disability Compensation Appeals Commission

Duncan McMillan, of East Grand Rapids, is a current commissioner on the Workers’ Disability Compensation Appeals Commission. McMillan also served on the board’s predecessor body, the Michigan Compensation Appellate Commission. Prior to those roles, McMillan, worked at Law Offices of Kluczynski, Girtz and Vogelzang for over 30 years, where he represented clients in workers’ disability and civil rights cases. McMillan holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. Duncan McMillan will be reappointed to represent attorney with five or more years of experience in the field of workers’ compensation law for a term commencing August 1, 2025, and expiring July 31, 2029.

The Workers' Disability Compensation Appeals Commission created in Executive Order No. 2019-13 handles, processes, and decides appeals from orders of the director and the workers' compensation magistrates as provided for under the Worker's Disability Compensation Act of 1969. The Commission may promulgate rules on administrative appellate procedure for purposes under the act.

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

Underwater Salvage and Preserve Committee

Ronald Bloomfield, of Kawkawlin, is the interim director for Central Michigan University's Museum of Cultural and Natural History and museum studies program. Bloomfield holds a Master of Arts in humanities and a Bachelor of Science in history and English from Central Michigan University. Bloomfield will be reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 18, 2025, and expiring August 17, 2028.

Jeremiah Edson, of Traverse City, is the health, safety, and compliance manager for LGC Proficiency Testing. Edson holds a Bachelor of Science in marine science and biology from the University of Miami. Jeremiah Edson will be reappointed for a term commencing August 18, 2025, and expiring August 17, 2028.

Daniel Friedhoff, of St. Ignace, is the owner and operator for St. Ignace Scuba, LLC. Friedhoff also serves as secretary of the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve Association. Daniel Friedhoff will be reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 18, 2025, and expiring August 17, 2028.

Dr. Daniel Harrison, of Farmington Hills, is an adjunct professor of anthropology at Wayne State University and a maritime archaeologist. Harrison holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Master of Library and Information Science from The University of Michigan, a Master of Arts in history from Oakland University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in anthropology from Wayne State University. Dr. Daniel Harrison will be appointed to represent individuals with experience in recreational scuba diving for a term commencing August 18, 2025, and expiring August 17, 2028.  Harrison will succeed Brian Smith, whose term is expiring.

Stacy O’Brien, of Shelby Township, is the underwater search and rescue commander at the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office. O’Brien holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from Ferris State University. Stacy O’Brien will be appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 18, 2025, and expiring August 17, 2028. O’Brien will succeed Joseph Bower, whose term is expiring.

The Underwater Salvage and Preserve Committee provides technical and other advice with respect to maintaining Michigan's 13 underwater preserves. The Committee makes recommendations regarding the creation and boundaries of Great Lakes underwater preserves, reviews applications for salvage permits, gives recommendations regarding issuance of permits, and provides input regarding the charging of permit fees and the use of revenue generated.

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

Michigan Veterans’ Facility Authority Board of Directors

Carla Wilson-Neil, of Hastings, is the former chief operating officer of Spectrum Health Pennock and a member of American Legion Post 45. Wilson-Neil holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Michigan State University and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in management from Aquinas College. Carla Wilson-Neil is appointed as a representative of the interests of one or more congressionally chartered veterans' organizations for a term commencing July 21, 2025, and expiring April 15, 2029. Wilson-Neil succeeds Leon Bauer, whose term has expired.

The Michigan Veterans’ Facility Authority Board of Directors governs the Michigan Veterans’ Facility Authority and consists of the Director of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and eight members appointed by the Governor who have professional knowledge, skill, or experience in long-term care, health care licensure or finance, or medicine.

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

Human Trafficking Commission

Katie Papke, of Grand Rapids, is the owner of KTP Empowerment and a member of the West Michigan Human Trafficking Coalition. Papke holds both a Bachelor and Master of Social Work from Florida State University. Katie Papke is reappointed as a member submitted by the Senate Majority Leader for a term commencing July 21, 2025, and expiring March 1, 2027.

The Human Trafficking Commission is designed to identify sources for grants that will assist in examining and countering human trafficking, fund research programs to determine the extent and nature of human trafficking in this state, and provide information and training to police officers, prosecutors, court personnel, social services personnel, and other individuals.

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Michigan Board of Counseling

Dr. Sheri Pickover, of Wixom, is the program director for the Central Michigan University Counseling Program. Pickover holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Michigan, a Master of Science in education in psychological services from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Doctor of Philosophy in counseling from Oakland University. Sheri Pickover is appointed as an individual engaged primarily in teaching, training, or research in counseling for a term commencing July 21, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2029. Pickover is appointed to fill a vacant seat.

Jessica Bonneville, of Haslett, is a clinical director and counselor at Spring Forest Counseling. Bonneville holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Michigan Technological University and a Master of Arts in counseling psychology from Western Michigan University. Bonneville is appointed to represent individuals engaged primarily in providing counseling techniques, behavior modification techniques, or preventative techniques to clients for a term commencing July 21, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2029. Jessica Bonneville succeeds Sheri Pickover, whose seat designation has changed.

The Michigan Board of Counseling works to oversee the practice of approximately 9,099 Counselors across the state of Michigan. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the Board to promote and protect the public's health, safety, and welfare. The Board also has the obligation to take disciplinary action against licensees who have adversely affected the public's health, safety, and welfare. 

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

Michigan Board of Dentistry

Dr. Steven Viger, of East Lansing, is the deputy chief officer of examinations at the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Viger holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and Master of Science in applied experimental psychology from Central Michigan University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in measurement and quantitative methods from Michigan State University. Dr. Steven Viger is appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing July 21, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2029. Viger succeeds Raymond DeWitt, whose term has expired.

The Michigan Board of Dentistry was formed to regulate the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene, authorize dental assistants, and certify specialists in the fields of orthodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and oral pathology.

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

Michigan Board of Pharmacy

Pierre Boutros, of Birmingham, is the owner of Mills Pharmacy & Apothecary. Boutros is a registered pharmacist and holds a Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. Pierre Boutros is reappointed to represent pharmacists for a term commencing July 21, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2029.

The Michigan Board of Pharmacy was enacted as part of the Public Health Code to oversee the practice of pharmacy as a health service, the clinical application of which includes the encouragement of safety and efficacy in the prescribing, dispensing, administering, and use of drugs and related articles for the prevention of illness and the maintenance and management of health. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board including promoting and protecting the public's health, safety, and welfare.

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

Michigan Board of Nursing

Lori Fitzpatrick, of Highland, is a lead certified nurse midwife for Sparrow Hospital. Fitzpatrick holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Saginaw Valley State University, a Master of Science in parent-child nursing from the University of Michigan, and a Doctor of Philosophy in family studies from Michigan State University. Lori Fitzpatrick is appointed as a nurse midwife for a term commencing July 21, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2029. Fitzpatrick succeeds Lori Glenn, whose term has expired.

The Michigan Board of Nursing was created to establish qualifications for nurse licensure, establish standards for education and approve nurse education programs, develop and implement criteria for assurance of continued competency, and take disciplinary action against licensees when the health, safety, and welfare of the public has been adversely affected.

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

Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity

Kim Smith Oldham, of Hartford, is the executive director of Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency, where she has served in various roles for over twenty-eight years. Kim Smith Oldham is appointed as a member representing community action agencies for a term commencing July 21, 2025, and expiring June 21, 2028. Smith Oldham succeeds Miguel Rodriguez, whose term has expired.

The Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity was created to provide opportunity for low-income persons to actively participate in the development of policies and programs to reduce poverty and serves as a statewide forum to address the needs and concerns of low-income people in the state of Michigan.

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

Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice

Manda Mitteer-Maki, of Fruitport, is the deputy chief public defender at the Office of the Public Defender in Allegan County. Mitteer-Maki holds a Juris Doctor from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School and both a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice with an emphasis in juvenile justice and a Master of Social Work from Grand Valley State University. Manda Mitteer-Maki will be reappointed as an attorney who represents children and youth for a term commencing August 3, 2025, and expiring August 2, 2029.

Dr. Laura Benjamins, of Grosse Pointe Farms, is a professor at the Wayne State University School of Medicine and a board-certified adolescent medicine physician. Benjamins holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Vassar College, a Doctor of Medicine from the Wayne State University School of Medicine, and a Master of Public Health in health promotion and health education from the University of Texas School of Public Health. Dr. Laura Benjamins will be reappointed as a licensed individual with experience in preventing and addressing mental health and substance abuse needs in delinquent youth and youth at the risk of delinquency for a term commencing August 3, 2025, and expiring August 2, 2029.

The mission of the Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice is to advise the Governor on matters related to juvenile justice legislation and administration, mobilize communities to develop and implement comprehensive, data driven prevention services, and create a strategic plan that sets standards, determines priorities, and allocates funds for successful delinquency prevention and rehabilitative programs that promote stronger families, healthier youth, and safer communities.

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

Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services

James Willis, of Madison Heights, is the executive vice president and chief operating officer for Gesher Human Services. Willis holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Michigan State University and a Master of Social Work from Wayne State University. James Willis is appointed to represent business, industry, or labor for a term commencing July 21, 2025, and expiring December 30, 2026. Willis succeeds William Ernzen, who has resigned.

The Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services reviews, analyzes, and advises Michigan's rehabilitation programs and services, and advises the department director and Governor. The Council works in partnership with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs' Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (LEO-BSBP).

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Michigan Board of Audiology

Dr. Erica Bennett, of Franklin, is the associate division head of audiology at Henry Ford Health System. Bennett is also the audiology graduate clinic director at Wayne State University. Bennett earned a Bachelor of Science, Doctor of Audiology, and Doctor of Philosophy in hearing science and communicative disorders from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Erica Bennett is reappointed to represent audiologists for a term commencing July 21, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2029.

The Michigan Board of Audiology was enacted as part of the Public Health Code to license audiologists who apply nonmedical and nonsurgical principles, methods, and procedures related to disorders of hearing. The Board promotes and protects the public's health, safety, and welfare, and has the obligation to take disciplinary action against licensees who have adversely affected the public's health, safety, and welfare.

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

Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery

Dr. Rebecca Sundling, of Grand Rapids, is a podiatric surgeon at Foot and Ankle Specialists of West Michigan. Previously, Sundling was a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association's Board of Trustees. Sundling holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from Kenyon College, a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, and a Master of Public Health from Dartmouth College. Sundling is appointed to represent podiatrists for a term commencing July 21, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2029. Sundling succeeds Jodie Sengstock, whose term has expired.

The Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery was formed to license and regulate the practice of podiatric medicine and surgery, which is defined in the Public Health Code as the evaluation, diagnosis, management, and prevention of conditions of the lower extremities, including local manifestations of systemic disease in the human foot and ankle, by attending to and advising patients through the use of devices, diagnostic tests, drugs and biologicals, surgical procedures, or other means.

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

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