October 23, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 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 Cherry Committee; Public Health Advisory Council; Autism Council; Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services; Human Trafficking Commission; Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission; Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council; Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect; Advisory Council on Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing; Michigan Soybean Committee; State Boundary Commission; and Workforce Development Board.
Michigan Cherry Committee
Juliette McAvoy, of Central Lake, is the vice president of sales and marketing at King Orchards. McAvoy was previously an assistant account manager for Nielsen Perishables Group and a vegetable salesperson and account manager for Strube Celery and Vegetable Company. McAvoy holds a Bachelor of Science in agri-business management and horticulture with a specialization in food industry management from Michigan State University. Juliette McAvoy is reappointed to represent District 1 Tart Cherry Growers for a term commencing October 23, 2025, and expiring February 1, 2027.
Emily Miezio, of Suttons Bay, is the receiving station manager for Cherry Bay Orchards. Miezio holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Hope College and a Master of Science in nursing from Michigan State University. Emily Miezio is reappointed to represent District 1 tart cherry growers for a term commencing October 23, 2025, and expiring February 1, 2027.
Mark Schilling, of Saint Joseph, is the owner of Schilling Family Farms, LLC and Mick Klug Farm. Mark Schilling is reappointed to represent District 3 tart cherry growers for a term commencing October 23, 2024, and expiring February 1, 2027.
The Michigan Cherry Committee was developed for the purpose of improving the economic position of the Michigan red tart and sweet cherry growers by creating greater marketing opportunities for their fruit. The Committee conducts advertising and promotion programs, assembles, and disseminates market information, and supports research into new marketing methods.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Public Health Advisory Council
Dr. Gregory Zimmerman, of Big Rapids, is associate dean of The Dow College of Health Professions at Central Michigan University. Zimmerman previously served as department head for the clinical laboratory, respiratory care, and health administration programs at Ferris State University. Zimmerman holds a Bachelor of Science in sports medicine and public health education, a Master of Science in health sciences administration from Central Michigan University, and a Doctor of Education in higher education leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Gregory Zimmerman will be reappointed to represent schools of public health from an institution of higher education in Michigan for a term commencing November 2, 2025, and expiring November 1, 2029.
Kristen Schweighoefer, of Ann Arbor, is the environmental health director for the Washtenaw County Health Department. Schweighoefer is a registered sanitarian and holds a Bachelor of Science in biology and a Master of Science in hospital and molecular epidemiology from the University of Michigan. Kristen Schweighoefer will be reappointed to represent food safety experts for a term commencing November 2, 2025, and expiring November 1, 2029.
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.
Autism Council
Raymie Postema, of Marshall, is the director of the Office of Recipient Rights at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Postema holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Western Michigan University. Raymie Postema is reappointed to represent Recipient Rights for the public system for a term commencing October 23, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2029.
The Autism Council is charged with overseeing Michigan's Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) State Plan. The Council will implement, monitor, and update the Michigan ASD State Plan, which will provide for comprehensive lifespan supports to individuals with ASD and their families through access to information and resources, coordination of services, and implementation of evidence-based practices.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services
Marisa Spain, of Westland, is an employment advocate at Disability Rights Michigan. Spain was previously a policy research assistant for the City of Detroit and a testing accommodations specialist at the University of Michigan. Spain holds a Bachelor of Science in integrative biology from Michigan State University and a Master of Science in biology from the University of North Florida. Marissa Spain will be appointed as an individual representing current or former applicants for, or recipients of, vocational rehabilitation services for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2026. Spain succeeds Kellie Blackwell, who has resigned.
Laurie Penfold, of East Lansing, is the applicant department customer service representative for Peckham, Inc. Laurie Penfold will be reappointed to the Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services as an individual representing business, industry, or labor for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2028.
Kathryn Flagstadt, of Marquette, is retired and most recently was a site manager at Michigan Rehabilitation Services. Flagstadt worked for the State of Michigan for 28 years before retiring. Flagstadt holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration and management from Northern Michigan University and a Master of Social Work from Michigan State University. Kathryn Flagstadt will be reappointed to represent qualified vocational rehabilitation counselors with knowledge of, and experience with, vocational rehabilitation programs for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2028.
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).
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Human Trafficking Commission
Jayla Irons, of Lansing, is a policy advisor in the Executive Office Governor Gretchen Whitmer, specializing in criminal justice and public safety. Irons holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Michigan State University. Jayla Irons is appointed as a designated representative from within Office of the Governor for a term commencing October 23, 2025, and expiring January 17, 2027. Irons succeeds Alicia Moon, whose term has expired.
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 Unarmed Combat Commission
Dr. Ruben Martinez, of East Lansing, is a professor of sociology emeritus and the past director of the Julian Samora Research Institute at Michigan State University. Martinez holds a Bachelor of Science in behavioral science from the University of Southern Colorado, a Master of Arts in sociology from Arizona State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in sociology from the University of California at Riverside. Dr. Ruben Martinez is reappointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing October 23, 2025, and expiring June 15, 2029.
The Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission is the successor to the Michigan Boxing Commission and is responsible for the regulation of professional boxing and mixed martial arts. The Commission and the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs are vested with management, control, and jurisdiction over all professional boxing, professional or amateur mixed martial arts, and unarmed combat contests or events conducted in this state.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect
Annie Harrison, of DeWitt, is a detective and deputy sheriff at the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office. Harrison holds a Bachelor of Arts in social relations, criminal justice, and Jewish Studies from Michigan State University. Annie Harrison will be reappointed to represent law enforcement for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2028. Harrison will also be redesignated as chair of the task force.
Stacey Goodson, of Wyoming, is the owner and lead trainer of Amoyan Training and Consulting, LLC. Goodson holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from Grand Valley State University and a Master of Science in human services from Capella University. Goodson is a mentor to foster parents through Bethany Christian Services. Stacey Goodson will be reappointed as an individual representing parents’ groups for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2028.
Dr. Alane Laws-Barker, of East Lansing, is vice chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Michigan Health - Sparow and the lead OB/GYN at the Ingham County Health Department’s Women’s Health Services division. Laws-Barker holds a Doctor of Medicine from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University. Dr. Alane Laws-Barker will be reappointed as a health professional for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2028.
Ivana Maplanka, of Lake Orion, is the regional director for Business Service Center 2 within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Maplanka holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Southern Adventist University and a Master of Arts in counseling with a specialization in child and adolescent counseling. Ivana Maplanka will be reappointed to represent child protective service agencies for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2028.
Charles Ellias, of Clawson, is an artist. Ellias is also a founding member of Defenders of the Children. Charles Ellias is appointed to represent adult former victims of child abuse and neglect for a term commencing October 23, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2025. Ellias succeeds Kimberly Clemmons, who has resigned.
Created by Executive Order 2017-4, the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect is established within the Department of Human Services and is designed as a multidisciplinary task force for the purposes of the federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. The Task Force consists of 18 members appointed by the Governor for three-year terms who are professionals with knowledge and experience relating to the criminal justice system and issues of child physical abuse, child neglect, child sexual abuse and exploitation, and child maltreatment related fatalities.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Advisory Council on Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing
Erica Chapin, of Kentwood, is the community and partnerships manager at Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services. Chapin holds a Bachelor of Science in public and nonprofit administration from Grand Valley State University. Erica Chapin is appointed as an individual knowledgeable in the field of deafness for a term commencing October 23, 2025, and expiring January 18, 2026. Chapin succeeds Liliana Ospina-Herbstreith, who has resigned.
The Advisory Council on Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing serves to advise the Department of Civil Rights on matters pertaining to deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing persons.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Soybean Committee
Ryan Drozd, of Gobles, is an equipment operator at Drozd Farms. Drozd holds a Bachelor of Science in farm management from Purdue University. Ryan Drozd is reappointed to represent District 7 growers for a term commencing October 23, 2025, and expiring September 23, 2028.
Jeff Fromm, of Owosso, is the owner of Fromm Farms Trucking. Jeff Fromm is appointed to represent District 6 growers for a term commencing October 23, 2025, and expiring September 23, 2028. Fromm succeeds Mark Senk, whose term has expired.
The Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee develops procedures relating to the soybean marketing program and recommends amendments to the marketing program. The Committee prepares the estimated budget required for the proper operation of the marketing program, develops methods for collecting and auditing the assessments, and collects and assembles information and data necessary for proper administration of the marketing program.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
State Boundary Commission
Richard Datema, of Petoskey, is a retired land surveyor for KEBS, Inc. Datema holds a Bachelor of Science in agricultural economics from Michigan State University. Richard Datema is reappointed for a term commencing October 23, 2025, and expiring November 14, 2027.
The State Boundary Commission is responsible for administering the State Boundary Commission Act and portions of the Home Rule City Act and the Home Rule Village Act. The Commission serves as a quasi-judicial body adjudicating many types of municipal boundary adjustments and recommends to the Director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs the approval or denial of petitions for incorporations of new Home Rule Cities, new Home Rule Villages, and municipal consolidations. The Commission also recommends approval or denial of certain types of petitions involving land currently under township jurisdiction that is proposed to be annexed into a Home Rule City.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Workforce Development Board
Representative Joey Andrews, of St. Joseph, is currently serving his second term representing the 38th House District. Representative Andrews is a former organizer and policy analyst for the AFL-CIO and was also a managing partner of Parasol Solar. Rep. Andrews holds a Bachelor of Arts in history and music from Carson Newman University and a Juris Doctor from the Wayne State University School of Law. Representative Joey Andrews is appointed as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives, appointed by the Governor from a list of three candidates submitted by the house minority leader, for a term commencing October 23, 2025, and expiring January 1, 2027. Andrews succeeds Representative David Martin, whose term has expired.
The Michigan Workforce Development Board is responsible for the development and continuous improvement of the workforce development system in Michigan. The Board will act as an advisory body and will assist the Governor with the development, implementation, and modification of Michigan's four-year state plan pursuant to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and advance the Governor's 60 by 30 goal of helping 60% of our workforce achieve a post-secondary degree or certification by 2030.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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