Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 2, 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: Electrical Administrative Board; Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery; Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy; Board of Interpreters for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing; Michigan State Housing Development Authority Board of Directors; Michigan Gaming Control Board; Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates; Michigan Veterans’ Facility Authority Board of Directors; Michigan Cherry Committee; Michigan Historical Commission; Oakland University Board of Trustees; Ferris State University Board of Trustees; Certificate of Need Commission; Committee on the Purchase of Goods and Services from Community Rehabilitation Organizations; Michigan Citizen-Community Emergency Response Coordinating Council; Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs; Propane Commission; Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services; Board of Barber Examiners; Michigan Board of Chiropractic; Michigan Board of Licensed Midwifery; Michigan Board of Social Work; Michigan Board of Medicine; Board of Professional Engineers; and Great Lakes Commission. 

Electrical Administrative Board 

John Pyke, of Gaylord, is the vice president of service at Windemuller. Pyke attended Kirtland Community College and served in the United States Navy, and is a licensed master electrician and electrical contractor. Pyke is a member of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity. John Pyke will be reappointed to represent master electricians serving as a supervisor for a term commencing August 1, 2026, and expiring July 31, 2030. 

The Electrical Administrative Board makes recommendations for electrical code rules, grants annual licenses and certificates to qualified applicants, and makes all orders, rules, and regulations necessary for the enforcement and carrying out of the provisions of the act.    

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

Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery 

Dr. Andrew Mastay, of Grosse Pointe, is a senior staff physician at Henry Ford Medical Group. Previously, Dr. Mastay served as a physician at Shored Podiatry Associates. Dr. Mastay holds a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from the University of Michigan and a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. Dr. Andrew Mastay will be reappointed to represent podiatrists for a term commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2030. 

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 and 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. 

Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy

Natasha Wippel, of Okemos, is the owner of and a clinician at Partnered Paths. Wippel was previously a clinician at Connect Couples. Wippel holds a Bachelor of Arts in social studies education from the University of North Caroline at Pembroke and a Master of Arts in marriage and family therapy from Pfeiffer University. Natasha Wippel will be appointed to represent marriage and family therapists for a term commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2030. Wippel will succeed Nadia Bazzy, whose term will expire. 

The Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy was created to license and regulate the practice of marriage and family therapy in Michigan, which is the provision of guidance, testing, discussions, therapy, instruction, or advice that is intended to avoid, eliminate, relieve, manage, or resolve marital or family conflict or discord, to create, improve, or restore marital or family harmony, or to prepare couples for marriage. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the Board to promote and protect the public's health, safety, and welfare.   

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

Board of Interpreters for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing 

Randa Hermez, of Troy, is a professor of American Sign Language at Oakland Community College. Hermez holds a Bachelor of Arts in American Sign Language from Gallaudet University. Randa Hermez is appointed to represent individuals who are deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing, for a term commencing April 2, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2030. Hermez succeeds Linda Sykora, who has resigned. 

The Board of Interpreters for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing was created to help streamline the sign language interpreter certification process and will advise the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs on all matters related to the certification of interpreters and the administration of the Deaf Persons’ Interpreters Act.

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

Michigan State Housing Development Authority Board of Directors 

Sarah Horton, of Lansing, is a research assistant at Michigan State University. Horton formerly served as an emergency department unit coordinator for McLaren Health. Horton holds an associate of applied science in kinesiology from Lansing Community College and is earning a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology at Michigan State University. Sarah Horton is appointed as the resident member for a term commencing April 2, 2026, and expiring March 10, 2030. Horton succeeds Evangelina Hernandez, who has resigned. 

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority, established in 1966, was created to provide financial and technical assistance through public and private partnerships to create and preserve safe and decent affordable housing, engage in community economic development activities, develop vibrant cities, towns and villages, and address homeless issues.  

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

Michigan Gaming Control Board 

Mark Evenson, of South Lyon, is the chief financial officer of Diversified Members Credit Union. Evenson was previously the chief financial officer at Cornerstone Community Financial and served on the board of directors of the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce and as vice chair of the of the Novi Educational Foundation Board. Evenson holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in management from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Science in corporate finance from Walsh College. Mark Evenson will be reappointed for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2030. 

The Michigan Gaming Control Board shall ensure the conduct of fair and honest gaming to protect the interests of the citizens of the state of Michigan. The Board provides Detroit commercial casinos gaming operations licensing and regulation, licenses and regulates online gaming and sports betting operators, platform providers and suppliers, regulates pari-mutuel horse racing and casino-style charitable gaming, and audits tribal gaming compact agreement compliance.    

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

Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates 

Marilyn Daubenmeyer, of Pickney, is a partner and attorney at Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. Daubenmeyer holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Eastern Michigan University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Marilyn Daubenmeyer will be appointed for a term commencing April 6, 2026, and expiring January 26, 2027. Daubenmeyer succeeds Michael Heck, who has resigned. 

The Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates has been established as an autonomous entity within the Workers' Disability Compensation Agency per Executive Order No. 2019-13. Only workers’ compensation magistrates can hear cases for which an application for hearing has been filed with the Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency. The Board of Magistrates currently consists of 14 members appointed by the Governor. All members of the board shall be members in good standing of the State Ba r of Michigan and have been an attorney licensed to practice in the courts of this state for 5 years or more.   

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

Michigan Veterans’ Facility Authority Board of Directors 

Barry Walter, of Dewitt, is the state adjutant and quartermaster for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Michigan. Previously, Walter served on Michigan’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commission. Walter holds an associate degree in liberal arts from Henry Ford Community College. Barry Walter will be reappointed as a veteran who has professional knowledge, skill, or experience in long-term care, health care licensure or finance, or medicine for a term commencing April 16, 2026, and expiring April 15, 2030. 

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 nine 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. 

Michigan Cherry Committee 

Brian Wernstrom, of Mears, is the founder, manager, and owner of BW Orchards, LLC and a field representative at Peterson Farms, Inc. Wernstrom was previously an agricultural input supplier at Wilbur-Ellis. Wernstrom holds a Bachelor of Science in agribusiness management from Michigan State University. Brian Wernstrom is appointed to represent district 2 sweet cherry growers for a term commencing April 2, 2026, and expiring February 1, 2028. Wernstrom succeeds David Hackert, whose term has expired. 

Caleb Herrygers, of Hart, is the operations manager for Herrygers Farms. Herrygers holds a Bachelor of Science in agribusiness management with a specialty in food and industry management from Michigan State University. Caleb Herrygers is reappointed to represent District 2 tart cherry growers for a term commencing April 2, 2026, and expiring February 1, 2028. 

Leisa Eckerle, of Suttons Bay, is the owner of Benjamin Twiggs. Eckerle was previously the manager of Eckerle Receiving and Eckerle Farms and continues to support the operations of her family’s fifth-generation cherry farm. Eckerle holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Grand Valley State University. Leisa Eckerle is appointed to represent tart cherry growers for a term commencing April 2, 2026, and expiring February 1, 2029. Eckerle succeeds David Smeltzer, whose term has expired. 

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. 

Michigan Historical Commission 

Dr. Delia Fernández-Jones, of Lansing, is the associate dean for inclusive access and faculty affairs in the College of Arts and Letters, an associate professor of history, and a core faculty member of Chicano/Latino Studies at Michigan State University. Dr. Fernández-Jones holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Grand Valley State University and both a Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in history from The Ohio State University. Dr. Delia Fernández-Jones will be reappointed for a term commencing May 22, 2026, and expiring May 21, 2030. 

The Michigan Historical Commission was established in 1913 and advises the director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources on the museum, archival and other programs of the Michigan Historical Center. It approves Michigan Historical Markers and each year; the Michigan Historical Commission presents the Governor John B. Swainson Award to state and local government employees who do not work in the field of history but have made exceptional contributions to preserving and interpreting the stories of Michigan's past.   

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

Oakland University Board of Trustees 

Alisha Cieslak, of Grand Rapids, brings nearly two decades of legal and business leadership to the Oakland University Board of Trustees. Most recently, Cieslak served as the Chief Legal and Risk Officer for Michigan's largest privately held company, where she provided strategic counsel on complex corporate governance and risk management. Cieslak also previously served on the executive committee of the Board of the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Special Olympics Michigan. Cieslak holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and corporate communications from The University of Michigan – Dearborn and a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University. Cieslak also holds a Graduate Certificate in Board Governance from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. Alisha Cieslak will be appointed for a term commencing August 12, 2026, and expiring August 11, 2034. Cieslak succeeds former Lt. Governor Brian Calley, whose term will expire. 

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

Ferris State University Board of Trustees

Poppy Sias-Hernandez, of Muskegon, is the director of the Office of Global Michigan. Sias-Hernandez was also the inaugural chief equity and inclusion officer in the Executive Office of the Governor. Sias-Hernandez holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and ethnic studies and a Master of Arts in organizational change leadership from Western Michigan University. Poppy Sias-Hernandez will be appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2034. Sias-Hernandez will succeed Kurt Hofman, whose term will expire. 

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

Certificate of Need Commission 

Sarah Spannbauer, of Royal Oak, is a senior analyst in health and wellbeing benefits at General Motors. Spannbauer holds a Bachelor of Science in dietetics from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and a Master of Business Administration from the Wisconsin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Sarah Spannbauer is appointed as an individual representing a company that is self-insured for health insurance and as a Democrat for a term commencing April 2, 2026, and expiring January 1, 2028. Spannbauer succeeds Gregory Salwin, who has resigned.    

The Certificate of Need (CON) Commission has the responsibility to develop, approve, disapprove, or revise CON Review Standards that are used by the CON Program Section to issue decisions on CON applications. The Commission evaluates the Review Standards for modification on a three-year rotating schedule as identified in the Commission Workplan. The Commission also has the authority to make recommendations to revise the list of covered clinical services subject to CON review.  

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

Committee on the Purchase of Goods and Services from Community Rehabilitation Organizations 

Valerie Hiltz, of Eaton Rapids, is the central procurement services, MiDEAL, and outreach program manager for the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget and has been with the department for over ten years. Hiltz serves as president of the Michigan Public Procurement Officers Association as well as on the Eaton Rapids Planning Commission and the Brownfield Development Authority. Hiltz holds a Bachelor of Arts in advertising from Grand Valley State University. Valerie Hiltz is reappointed to represent the purchasing division of the department for a term commencing April 2, 2026, and expiring March 31, 2028. 

Todd Culver, of East Lansing, is the president and chief executive officer of Incompass Michigan. Culver has previously worked as a project director and assistant director of Incompass Michigan (formerly MARO). Culver holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in literature from the University of Michigan. Culver also holds a public leadership credential from the Harvard Kennedy School of Public Policy. Todd Culver is reappointed to represent statewide nonprofits concerned with community rehabilitation organizations for a term commencing April 2, 2026, and expiring March 31, 2028. 

David Ellis, of Okemos, is the president of Lansing Sanitary Supply, Inc. Ellis holds a bachelor's degree in business, finance, and marketing from Colorado State University, a certificate of industrial distribution management from the University of Industrial Distribution, and a Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University. David Ellis is reappointed to represent members at large for a term commencing on April 2, 2026, and expiring March 31, 2028. 

Nathan Kammer, of Lapeer, is a state administrative manager at the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity - Michigan Rehabilitation Services. Kammer previously worked as a specialist in the department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and as a departmental analyst at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Kammer holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from Saginaw Valley State University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Michigan -Flint. Nathan Kammer is reappointed to represent Michigan Rehabilitation Services for a term commencing April 2, 2026, and expiring March 31, 2028.   

Danielle Gillman, of Bloomfield Hills, is the founder of Birdhouse Health, an app for caregivers, which she sold in 2017. Gillman holds a Bachelor of Science in music from the University of Southern California. Danielle Gillman is appointed as a member at-large for a term commencing April 2, 2026, and expiring March 31, 2028. Gillman succeeds Don Nicholson, whose term has expired. 

The Committee on the Purchase of Goods and Services from Community Rehabilitation Organizations, also called the Set-Aside Committee, was designed to oversee the purchase of goods and services from community rehabilitation organizations by identifying, reviewing, and recommending approval or disapproval to the state administrative board requests from community rehabilitation organizations to provide goods and services for purchase by the Department of Technology, Management and Budget.  

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

Michigan Citizen-Community Emergency Response Coordinating Council 

Matt Rybar, of Brighton, is a member of the technology team at the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, Rybar is the founder and president of the Michigan Drone Association. Rybar holds a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Hope College. Matt Rybar is appointed to represent individuals with technical expertise related to emergency response for a term commencing April 2, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2028. Rybar succeeds Hassan Hammoud, whose term has expired. 

The Michigan Citizen-Community Emergency Response Coordinating Council (MCCERCC) assists in developing, maintaining, implementing and supporting and promoting emergency response principles, strategies, and practices within governmental agencies and private sector organizations in Michigan.    

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

Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs 

Hind Omar, of Ypsilanti, is a political advisor and an officer at-large of the Michigan Democratic Party. Omar was previously a diversity, equity, and inclusion coach for the University of Michigan Alumni M-Pact DEI Certificate Program. Omar holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Michigan. Hind Omar is appointed for a term commencing April 2, 2026, and expiring April 19, 2027. Omar succeeds Petra Alsoofy, who has resigned. 

The Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs advises the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Governor on issues relating to the Arab and Chaldean communities in Michigan and promotes awareness of their culture and history. They also work to empower, promote, and advance the Middle Eastern American community in Michigan.    

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

Propane Commission 

Eric Sutherland, of Eagle, is the president of Gas Production Company, Inc and a licensed professional engineer. Sutherland holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering and a Master of Science in civil engineering from Lawrence Technological University. Eric Sutherland is appointed as an individual engaged in the retail propane industry in this state as an employee or owner of a retail propane marketer for not less than 2 years immediately before appointment for a term commencing April 2, 2026, and expiring July 1, 2026. Sutherland succeeds Aaron Huizenga, who has resigned. 

The Propane Commission was created by Public Act 332 of 2020 to educate residents, business owners, and other users of propane on the safe use of propane, and to promote the use of high efficiency appliances and equipment through rebate and incentive programs for Michigan residents.   

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

Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services 

Justin Caine, of Holt, is the co-owner of Good Fruit Video and founder and president of the BOOM Awards, awards dedicated to honoring the abilities of disabled people. Caine holds an associate degree in media technology from Lansing Community College. Justin Caine is appointed to represent disability advocacy groups for a term commencing April 2, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2028. Caine succeeds Todd Culver, 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).    

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

Board of Barber Examiners 

Rodrick Samuels, of Wyandotte, is the co-founder and director of education at Hair Lab Detroit Barber School. Rodrick Samuels is appointed as a barber for a term commencing April 2, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2029. Samuels succeeds Phillip Smith, whose term has expired. 

Marcus Iverson, of Dearborn, is a barber at Faros Barbershop. Marcus Iverson will be appointed as a barber for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2030. Iverson will succeed Aries Rodgers, whose term will expire. 

The Michigan Board of Barber Examiners was created to regulate the services of barbers, barber students, barber colleges, barber instructors, student instructors, and barbershops in Michigan. The statute defines a barber as a person who shaves or trims the beard of a person; cuts, trims, shampoos, relaxes, curls, permanently waves, dresses, tints, bleaches, colors, arranges, or styles the hair of a person; massages the face and head of a person; or renders personal services of a similar nature customarily done by a barber.  

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

Michigan Board of Chiropractic 

Dr. Richard Levine, of West Bloomfield, is a chiropractor at Levine Chiropractic clinic. Levine holds a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology from the University of Michigan and a Doctor of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic. Dr. Richard Levine will be reappointed as a chiropractor for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2030. 

The Michigan Board of Chiropractic was originally formed with the enactment of Public Act 145 of 1933. On September 30, 1978, this authority was transferred to the Public Health Code, Public Act 368 of 1978, as amended. The "practice of chiropractic" means that discipline within the healing arts that deals with the human nervous system and the musculoskeletal system and their interrelationship with other body systems. The Board also has the obligation to take disciplinary action against licensees who have adversely affected the public's health, safety, and welfare. The board works with the department to oversee the practice of approximately 2,863 chiropractors.  

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

Michigan Board of Licensed Midwifery 

Kimberley Sims, of Muskegon Heights, is a doula coordinator at How You Birth Doula Initiative. Sims holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Grand Valley State University. Kimberley Sims is reappointed as a member of the public for a term commencing April 2, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029. 

The Michigan Board of Licensed Midwifery is housed within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. The Board works with the Department to establish and implement the licensure program for the practice of midwifery in the state.   

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

Michigan Board of Social Work 

Jenny Bishop, of Battle Creek, is a co-owner of and therapist at Elevated Therapeutic Services. Bishop holds a Bachelor of Arts in social work from Michigan State University and a Master of Social Work from the University of North Dakota. Jenny Bishop will be appointed as an individual primarily engaged in the practice of social work for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2030. Bishop will succeed Julian Diaz, whose term will expire. 

The Michigan Board of Social Worker registers social workers in Michigan. Social Work is the professional application of social work values, principles, and techniques to counseling or to helping an individual, family, group, or community to enhance or restore the capacity for social functioning and/or provide, obtain, or improve tangible social and health services.  

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

Michigan Board of Medicine 

Aurelia Gooden, of Riverview, is a senior manager of manufacturing at Lucid Motors. Gooden holds a Master of Science in manufacturing systems from Jacksonville State University. Aurelia Gooden is reappointed as a member of the public for a term commencing April 2, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029. 

The Michigan Board of Medicine works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of medical doctors in the state. 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 medical doctors and requiring continuing medical education during licensure.    

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

Board of Professional Engineers

Steve Gravlin, of Fenton, is the vice president of Michael Baker International. Gravlin holds a Bachelor of Science in engineering from the University of Michigan. Steve Gravlin is appointed as a professional engineer for a term commencing April 2, 2026, and expiring March 31, 2030. Gravlin succeeds Jane Abadir, whose term has expired. 

The Michigan Board of Professional Engineers was created to license and regulate the practice of professional engineering in Michigan. The Board works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of licensed professional engineers.   

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

Great Lakes Commission 

Tom Zimnicki, of Lansing, is the environment and climate policy advisor in the Executive Office of the Governor. Zimnicki holds a Bachelor of Arts in biology from Adrian College and a Master of Public Affairs and Master of Science in environmental science from Indiana University. Tom Zimnicki is appointed as the Governor’s designee for a term expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. 

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

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