Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

January 28, 2026 

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: Mental Health Diversion Council; Library of Michigan Board of Trustees; Michigan Interagency Coordinating Council on Infants and Toddlers with Developmental Disabilities;  Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services; Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice; Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission; Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council; Advisory Council on Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing; Fire Fighters Training Council; Michigan Board of Massage Therapy; Michigan Board of Physical Therapy; Michigan Board of Pharmacy; and Michigan Board of Behavior Analysts.

Mental Health Diversion Council 

Jennifer Peacock, of Ann Arbor, is the policy director of the Michigan Center for Youth Justice. Previously, Peacock was a senior program associate at The Aspen Institute Center for Native American Youth. Peacock holds a Bachelor of Science in cultural and global studies from Central Michigan University and a Master of Arts in international peace and conflict resolution from American University. Jennifer Peacock will be appointed as an advocate for consumer representatives on juvenile justice issues for a term commencing date January 31, 2026, and expiring date January 30, 2030. Peacock will succeed Gabrielle Dresner, whose term is expiring.  

The Mental Health Diversion Council was created in the Michigan Department of Community Health to advise and assist in the implementation of the Diversion Action Plan and provide recommendations for statutory, contractual or procedural changes to improve diversion.   

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

Library of Michigan Board of Trustees 

Donna Hayward, of Ann Arbor, is an associate dean of libraries at the University of Michigan and previously served as interim university librarian and dean of libraries. Hayward holds a Bachelor of Arts in music from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and a Master of Science in Information in library science and archives and records management from the University of Michigan. Donna Hayward is appointed to represent librarians from a university or college library for a term commencing January 28, 2026, and expiring October 1, 2027. Hayward succeeds Stacy Nowicki, who has resigned. 

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 Interagency Coordinating Council on Infants and Toddlers with Developmental Disabilities 

Jennifer Jovanis, of Bloomfield Township, is the co-founder of The Jovanis Group. Jovanis was previously a senior account executive at Businessolver. Jovanis holds a Bachelor of Science in sales and business marketing from Western Michigan University. Jennifer Jovanis is appointed as an individual representing parents of infants or toddlers with disabilities or children with disabilities less than 13 years old at the time of appointment with knowledge of, or experience with, programs for infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities for a term commencing January 28, 2026, and expiring October 31, 2026. Jovanis succeeds Andrea LaFramboise. 

The Michigan Interagency Coordinating Council (MICC) is authorized and required by Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as amended by Public Law 105-17. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is designated as the lead agency for the state of Michigan. The MICC is charged with advising and assisting MDE in the development and implementation of a statewide, comprehensive, coordinated, multidisciplinary, interagency system that provides early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.   

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

Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services 

Jenny Brown, of Rochester Hills, is the chief executive officer of Dutton Farm, which provides workforce opportunities to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dutton Farm received the 2017 National Down Syndrome Congress’ Employment Award. Brown holds a Bachelor of Science in sociology and political science from Oakland University. Jenny Brown is appointed to represent disability advocacy groups for a term commencing January 28, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2028. Brown succeeds Trina Edmunson, whose term has expired. 

Maria Peak, of Olivet, is an independent contractor with and the former director of ASPPIRE of Mid-Michigan. Peak previously worked as a special education teacher and as the project coordinator at the Michigan Transition Outcomes Project. Peak holds an associate degree in general education from Lansing Community College and a Bachelor of Science in special education and teaching from Eastern Michigan University, and has completed post graduate studies in early childhood education and teaching from Western Michigan University. Maria Peak is appointed to represent disability advocacy groups for a term commencing January 28, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2028. Peak succeeds Lisa Cook-Gordon, whose term has expired. 

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. 

Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice 

Jennifer Loudermilk, of Flint, is owner and clinician at JL Mental Health Services and a court social worker at the Shiawassee County Circuit Court, Family Division. Loudermilk holds an associate degree in social work from Mott Community College, a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Michigan, and a Master of Social Work from Michigan State University. Jennifer Loudermilk is appointed as a licensed individual with experience in preventing and addressing mental health and substance abuse needs in delinquent youth and youth at risk of delinquency for a term commencing January 28, 2026, and expiring August 2, 2028. Loudermilk succeeds Sandra Lindsey, whose term has expired. 

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.

Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission 

Christine Callahan, of DeWitt, is director of the Office of Innovative Projects at Clinton County RESA. Callahan holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and language and a Master of Arts in higher education with a concentration in public policy from the University of Michigan. Christine Callahan is reappointed as a professional in early childhood education and development for a term commencing January 28, 2026, and expiring December 14, 2029. 

The Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission focuses on implementing the recommendations of the former Child Lead Poisoning Elimination Board and monitoring the state’s efforts to eliminate lead exposure in children. The Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the Governor and department director to coordinate and collaborate with all levels of government and stakeholders regarding programs and policies related to the elimination of child lead exposure.    

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

Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council 

Julie Shaw, of Negaunee, is the executive director of the Superior Alliance for Independent Living (SAIL). Shaw holds a Bachelor of Arts in special education from Northern Michigan University. Julie Shaw is appointed as a member representing a local or non-governmental agency concerned with services for individuals with developmental disabilities in this state with sufficient authority to engage in policy, planning, and implementation for a term commencing January 28, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2027. Shaw succeeds Leah Ortiz, who has resigned. 

The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council (MiDDC) is an advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. MiDDC channels federal funds to support programmatic activities and grants to improve systems and services to help people with I/DD live self-determined and self-directed lives in a diverse and inclusive community. MiDDC also supports a statewide self-advocacy system, led by individuals with I/DD, known as the “Self-Advocates of Michigan,” or SAM. SAM receives staff support and funding from MiDDC to help people with lived experiences in their advocacy journey.   

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

Advisory Council on Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing 

Erica Chapin, of Kentwood, is a 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 reappointed as an individual knowledgeable in the field of deafness for a term commencing January 28, 2026, and expiring January 18, 2029.  

Chelsey Munger, of Clay, is a deaf mentor at Holley Family Village. Munger holds an associate degree in arts and sciences from Mott Community College and a Bachelor of Social Work from Oakland University, where she was recognized as social worker student of the year. Chelsey Munger is appointed as an individual knowledgeable in the field of deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing matters who is also a deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing person for a term commencing January 28, 2026, and expiring January 18, 2029. Munger succeeds Ariel Pscheidl, whose term has expired. 

Theodore “Teddy” Dorsette, III, of Detroit, is a Black Deaf filmmaker, social entrepreneur, and disability advocate. Dorsette is chief executive officer of TeddyBoyFilms, co-owner of Deaf Lens Media, and serves as the executive director of the Access, Equity and Leadership Collective (AELC). Dorsette holds a diploma in cosmetology from the Virginia Farell Beauty School, a diploma in producing and directing from the Motion Picture Institute, and a Bachelor of Arts in screen arts and cultures from the University of Michigan. Theodore Dorsette III is reappointed as an individual knowledgeable in the field of deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing matters who is also a deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing person for a term commencing January 28, 2026, and expiring January 18, 2029. 

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.  

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

Fire Fighters Training Council 

Robert Stokes, of Detroit, is the deputy commissioner for the City of Detroit Fire Department. Stokes holds a Bachelor of Science in fire science administration and a Master of Arts in organizational leadership and emergency management from Waldorf University. Stokes will be reappointed as an active fire service member nominated by the state fire marshal for a term commencing February 1, 2026, and expiring January 31, 2030. The Governor has also redesignated Robert Stokes as Chair of the council. 

Kurt Corradi, of Sebewaing, is the fire chief for the Bay City Fire Department. Corradi holds an associate of applied science in fire science from Delta College and a Bachelor of Science in leadership and service from Northwood University. Kurt Corradi will be reappointed as the nominee of the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs for a term commencing February 1, 2026, and expiring January 31, 2030. 

Joseph Schehr, of Armada, is the training chief with the City of Warren Fire Department. Schehr is also the president of Warren Professional Fire Fighters Local 1383. Schehr holds associate degrees in law enforcement, emergency medical services, and fire sciences from Macomb Community College. Joseph Schehr will be reappointed as the nominee of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union for a term commencing February 1, 2026, and expiring January 31, 2030. 

Terrence Blackmer, of Mayville, is the fire chief for the Village of Mayville, division chief for the City of Port Huron, and a fire science coordinator at Delta College. Blackmer holds an associate of applied science in fire science from Delta College, a Bachelor of Science in business and communications from the University of Michigan, and a Master of Science in emergency management from Columbia Southern University. Terrence Blackmer will be appointed as the nominee of the Michigan State Firemen’s Association for a term commencing February 1, 2026, and expiring January 31, 2030. Blackmer succeeds Steven Richardson, whose term has expired. 

Brian Blomstrom, of Sheridan, is the director of public safety for the City of Greenville. Blomstrom is also a contract instructor for the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, an adjunct instructor for Montcalm Community College, and the deputy emergency manager for Montcalm County Emergency Services. Blomstrom holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from Lake Superior State University and Master of Public Administration from Grand Valley State University. Brian Blomstrom will be reappointed as the nominee of the Michigan Fire Services Instructors Association for a term commencing February 1, 2026, and expiring January 31, 2030. 

Michael Koehler, of Rochester Hills, is the deputy fire chief for the City of Troy. Koehler holds an associate of applied science in emergency medical technology and fire science from Oakland Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in business administration from Walsh College, and Master of Public Administration from Columbia Southern University. Koehler will be appointed as the nominee of the Michigan Fire Inspectors Society for a term commencing February 1, 2026, and expiring January 31, 2030. Koehler succeeds Kyle Svoboda, whose term is expiring.   

Adam Carroll, of Fenton, is the fire chief for the Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority. Carroll is also a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and a licensed emergency medical technician, hazardous materials technician, and fire instructor. Carroll holds a Bachelor of Science in fire science from Lake Superior State University. Adam Carroll will be reappointed as the nominee of the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs for a term commencing February 1, 2026, and expiring January 31, 2030. 

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. 

Michigan Board of Massage Therapy 

Elise Wheelock, of Chelsea, is a creative and marketing manager for Constructive Eating. Wheelock was previously a liability adjuster at Hagerty Insurance. Wheelock holds bachelor’s degrees in biopsychology, cognition, and neuroscience and in creative writing and literature from the University of Michigan. Elise Wheelock is reappointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing January 28, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029. 

The Michigan Board of Massage Therapy was created to regulate the application of a system of structured touch, pressure, movement, and holding to the soft tissue of the human body in which the primary intent is to enhance or restore the health and well-being of the client.  

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

Michigan Board of Physical Therapy 

Dr. Yvonne Jackson, of Kalamazoo, is a physical therapist for the Detroit Public Schools Community District. Dr. Jackson was previously an assistant professor of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Western Michigan University. Dr. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy and a Master of Arts in sports administration from Wayne State University, a Doctor of Education in teacher leadership from Walden University, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy with a specialization in pediatric sciences from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. Dr. Yvonne Jackson is appointed as a physical therapist for a term commencing January 28, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029. Jackson succeeds Craig Miller, whose term has expired. 

The Michigan Board of Physical Therapy was originally formed with the enactment of Public Act 164 of 1965. 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. This responsibility is implemented by the Board by ascertaining minimal entry level competency of health practitioners. The Board also 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 Pharmacy 

Mitchell Nelson, of Grand Rapids, is the Michigan state director for Humane World for Animals. Nelson was previously the mid-Michigan regional director for U.S. Senator Gary Peters. Mitchell holds a Bachelor of Arts in literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz and a Juris Doctor from Southwestern Law School. Mitchell Nelson is appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing January 28, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2026. Nelson succeeds Kelli Oldham, who has resigned. 

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 Behavior Analysts 

Angela Khater, of Dearborn, is the clinical director at Individualized Outcomes for Autism (IOA). Khater worked previously as a board-certified behavior analyst at Centria Health Care. Khater holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration marketing from Davenport University and a Master of Arts in behavior analysis from Western Michigan University. Angela Khater is reappointed as an individual representing behavior analysts for a term commencing January 28, 2026, and expiring December 30, 2029. 

The Michigan Board of Behavior Analysts was created to assist the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs with the regulating and licensing of behavior analysts who utilize applied behavior analysis interventions that are based on scientific research and the direct observation and measurement of behavior and the environment.

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

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