Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

June 4, 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: Michigan Board of Respiratory Care; Michigan Board of Audiology; Michigan Board of Acupuncture; Human Trafficking Commission; Michigan Barrier Free Design Board; Human Trafficking Health Advisory Board; Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers: Michigan Board of Psychology; Michigan Board of Real Estate Appraisers; Michigan Cherry Committee; Military Appeals Tribunal; Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health, and Sports; Michigan Public School Employees Retirement Systems Board; Michigan Workforce Development Board; Michigan Community Service Commission; Michigan Interagency Council on Homelessness; Agricultural Preservation Fund Board; and  Great Lakes Protection Fund Board of Directors. 

Michigan Board of Respiratory Care 

Richard Niemer, of Harrison Township, is a clinical product specialist at Medtronic. Niemer holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from William Tyndale College. Richard Niemer will be appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing June 4, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2030. Niemer succeeds John Byrd, whose term has expired. 

Duane Croel, of Boon, is a clinical coordinator of respiratory care at Munson Medical Center. Croel holds a Bachelor of Science in respiratory therapy from Ferris State University and Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University. Duane Croel is appointed as a respiratory therapist for a term commencing June 4, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029. Croel succeeds Jonathan Vono, whose term has expired. 

The Michigan Board of Respiratory Care oversees the licensure requirements and standards for respiratory therapists. The Board has a duty to promote and protect the public's health, safety, and welfare. The Board implements this responsibility by ascertaining minimal entry level competency of health practitioners and by taking 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 Audiology 

Rebecca Riggs, of Berkley, is a learning consultant at Rochester Community Schools and an advocate for individuals facing hearing loss. Riggs holds a Bachelor of Arts in education, Spanish, and English from Calvin College and a Master of Arts in language education from Wayne State University. Rebecca Riggs is appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing June 4, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2028. Riggs succeeds Daniel Seraphinoff, whose term has expired. 

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 Acupuncture 

Vikki Nestico, of Grand Rapids, is an acupuncturist and the owner of Grand Wellness, LCC. Nestico holds a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University and a Master of Science in traditional Chinese medicine from the Pacific College of Health and Science. Vikki Nestico will be appointed as an acupuncturist for a term commencing July 1, 2026, and an expiring June 30, 2030. Nestico will succeed Abigail Ellsworth, whose term will expire. 

The Michigan Board of Acupuncture works with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of approximately 89 acupuncturists.  The Board has the obligation to take disciplinary action against registrants who have adversely affected the public's health, safety, and welfare.     

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

Human Trafficking Commission 

Chief Everette Robbins, of New Boston, is the director of public safety and chief of police for the Huron Township Department of Public Safety and is an executive board member of the Southeast Crimes Against Children Human Trafficking Task Force for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Chief Robbins holds a Bachelor of Arts in public safety from Siena Heights University and holds a graduate certificate in leadership from the University of Virginia. Chief Everette Robbins is appointed to represent the interests of law enforcement from a list submitted by the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police for a term commencing June 4, 2026, and expiring June 3, 2028. Robbins succeeds Chadwick Baugh, 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 Barrier Free Design Board 

Celeste Lord-Timlin, of Flint, is a program manager of community service for the city of Flint and serves in the accessibility home upgrade program. Lord holds a Bachelor of Science in journalism and electronic media from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in leadership and organizational dynamics from the University of Michigan – Flint. Celeste Lord-Timlin is appointed to represent physically limited individuals for a term commencing June 4, 2026, and expiring October 31, 2029. Lord succeeds Paul Ecklund, who has resigned. 

The Barrier Free Design Board has the responsibility to receive, review, and process requests for exceptions to the barrier free design specifications, and requires appropriate equivalent alternatives when exceptions are granted. The Board receives, processes, and makes recommendations for barrier free design rules.    

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

Human Trafficking Health Advisory Board 

Jessica Glynn, of Kalamazoo, is the vice president of victim services at YWCA Kalamazoo. Glynn previously served as an adjunct professor at Michigan State University. Glynn holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics, sociology, and human ecology from College of the Atlantic and a Juris Doctor from the CUNY School of Law. Jessica Glynn will be reappointed as an individual with experience and expertise in the field of intervention in or prevention of human trafficking or treatments of human trafficking survivors for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2030. 

The Human Trafficking Health Advisory Board was established to collect and analyze information concerning medical and mental health services available to survivors of human trafficking, identify state, federal and local agencies that are involved with issues relating to human trafficking, and coordinate the dissemination of information concerning medical and mental health services available to survivors of human trafficking in this state. The Board may establish a program to improve public awareness of medical and mental health services available to survivors of human trafficking in this state.   

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

Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers 

Dr. Jill Moschelli, of Okemos, is a team physician and the primary care sports medicine fellowship program director at Michigan State University. Dr. Moschelli holds a Bachelor of Science in biology and zoology from the University of Wisconsin, a Master of Business Administration from Davenport University, and a Doctor of Medicine from St. Matthews University. Dr. Jill Moschelli is appointed as a physician licensed under part 170 or 175 of the Public Health Code for a term commencing June 4, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2028. Dr. Moschelli succeeds Dr. Diana Silas, whose term has expired. 

The Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of approximately 1,028 athletic trainers. The practice of athletic training, as defined in the Public Health Code, means the treatment of an individual for risk management and injury prevention, the clinical evaluation and assessment of an individual for an injury or illness, the immediate care and treatment of an individual for an injury or illness, and the rehabilitation and reconditioning of an individual's injury or illness.  

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

Michigan Board of Psychology 

Walter Harper, of Rose City, is a retired vocational instructor. Harper holds an associate of applied science in construction technology from Delta College and a Bachelor of Science in trade and technical education from Ferris State University. Walter Harper will be appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2030. Harper succeeds Latricia Powell, whose term will expire. 

The Michigan Board of Psychology was created to work with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to promulgate rules and grant licenses to professionals in the field of psychology. The Board has a duty to promote and protect the public's health, safety, and welfare. The Board implements this responsibility by ascertaining minimal entry level competency of health practitioners and by taking 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 Real Estate Appraisers 

Tiara Lang, of Detroit, is a research coordinator at Henry Ford Hospital. Lang holds a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry and molecular biology from Michigan State University. Tiara Lang is appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing June 4, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2029. Lang succeeds Phyllis Howard, whose term has expired.   

The Michigan Board of Real Estate Appraisers works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of approximately 6,011 limited real estate appraisers, state licensed appraisers, certified general appraisers, and certified residential appraisers.    

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

Michigan Cherry Committee 

Gary Thornton, of Suttons Bay, is the owner of Grandview Orchards, which he has operated for the past 27 years. Thornton holds a Bachelor of Science in horticultural science from Cornell University and a Master of Business Administration from Western Michigan University. Gary Thornton is appointed to represent District 1 sweet cherry growers for a term commencing June 4, 2026, and expiring February 1, 2029. Thornton succeeds Paul Hubbell, 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.   

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

Military Appeals Tribunal  

Joe Potchen, of Okemos, is a former deputy attorney general at the Michigan Department of Attorney General and an assistant professor of ethics at Michigan State University. Potchen holds a Bachelor of Arts in international relations and political theory from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor from Loyola University. Joe Potchen is appointed as an individual licensed to practice law in this state for a term commencing June 4, 2026, and expiring April 16, 2028. Potchen succeeds Eric Jonker, whose term has expired.  

The Military Appeals Tribunal has appellate jurisdiction, upon petition of an accused, to hear and review the record in all decisions of a court-martial after the review provided in the Michigan code of military justice.    

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

Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health, and Sports 

Nichole Fisher, of Lansing, is the executive director of mParks. Fisher was previously an association director at Ngage Management, the director of clubhouse, membership, and marketing at the Country Club of Lansing, and the director of professional development and special events at the Michigan Society of Association Executives. Fisher holds a Bachelor of Arts in parks and recreation from Central Michigan University. Nicole Fisher is reappointed for a term commencing June 4, 2026, and expiring April 30, 2028. 

The Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports was established in 1992 to improve the health of, and increase physical activity among, Michigan residents.    

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

Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System Board 

Andrew Brodie, of Monroe, is the superintendent of Flat Rock Community Schools. Brodie is a past president and board member of the Michigan Association of Superintendents and a board member of the American Administrators and Superintendents Association and the Metropolitan Detroit Bureau of School Studies. Brodie previously served on the K12 Alliance of Michigan Board of Directors. Brodie holds both a Bachelor of Business Education and Master of Education in educational leadership from Eastern Michigan University and an Educational Specialist degree with a focus in educational leadership and administration from Arkansas State University. Andrew Brodie will be appointed as a superintendent for a term commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring March 30, 2029. Brodie will succeed Mark Greathead, who will have resigned following his upcoming retirement. 

The Michigan Public School Employees' Retirement System Board is responsible for general oversight of retirement, survivor, and disability benefits to employees in public school districts, intermediate school districts, community colleges and certain universities.    

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

Michigan Workforce Development Board 

Lee Graham, of Holly, is the executive director of the Operating Engineers 324 Labor Management Education Committee. Additionally, Graham serves as chairman of the Michigan Apprenticeship Steering Committee, Inc. and serves on the advisory board for the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Ferris State University Board of Trustees, and the Michigan Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Advisory Council. Lee Graham is reappointed as an apprenticeship coordinator of a joint labor-management apprenticeship program for a term commencing June 4, 2026, and expiring May 29, 2030. 

David Meador, of Bloomfield Hills, is the executive director of the Detroit Regional CEO Group and retired vice chairman and chief administrative officer of DTE energy. Meador holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in accounting and business from Wayne State University. David Meador is reappointed to represent businesses for a term commencing June 4, 2026, and expiring May 29, 2030. 

Jeff Donofrio, of Detroit, is the president and chief executive officer of Business Leaders for Michigan. Donofrio holds a Bachelor of Arts in public policy and secondary education from Michigan State University and a Master of Business Administration from Georgetown University. Jeff Donofrio is reappointed to represent businesses for a term commencing June 4, 2026, and expiring May 29, 2030. Donofrio will also continue to serve as chair of the board. 

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.     

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

Michigan Community Service Commission 

Dayvian Richardson, of Detroit, is a member of the AMUS Detroit AmeriCorps Urban Safety Program and a student at Oakland University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering. Richardson also works as a server at Birmingham Country Club. Richardson holds a high school diploma from University Prep Science and Math in Detroit. Dayvian Richardson is appointed as an individual between the ages of 16 and 25 who is a participant or supervisor in a program as defined in section 101 of title I, 42 U.S.C. 12511 for a term commencing June 4, 2026, and expiring October 1, 2029. Richardson succeeds Kristopher Hill, whose term has expired. 

Eric Miller, of Detroit, is the director of North American Mopar parts source distribution centers for Stellantis. Miller is also the president of Lawn Academy in Detroit, which supports youth development, mentoring, and community service, and where AmeriCorps VISTA members serve as mentors and program supervisors. Miller holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Christian Brothers University and a Master of Science in human resource management from Lindenwood University. Eric Miller is appointed as a member of the volunteer sector as outlined in the Edward Kennedy Serve America Act, section 1606(2)(B) for a term commencing June 4, 2026, and expiring October 1, 2028. Miller succeeds Ellen Smith Gilchrist, whose term has expired. 

Bridget Clark-Whitney, of Grand Rapids, is the president and founding chief executive officer of Kids’ Food Basket. Whitney is a board member of the Michigan Nonprofit Association. Whitney holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication from Aquinas College and a Master of social justice from Marygrove College. Bridget Whitney will be reappointed as an individual with expertise in the educational, training, and developmental needs of youth, particularly disadvantaged youth, for a term commencing October 2, 2026, and expiring October 1, 2029.   

Will McDowell, of Detroit, is the director of finance for Detroit Labs. McDowell holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan. McDowell is board president of the North Corktown Community Corporation and a volunteer and past board president of Summer in the City. Will McDowell will be appointed to represent business for a term commencing October 2, 2026, and expiring October 1, 2029. McDowell will succeed Nathan Phillips, whose term will expire. 

Zosia Eppensteiner, of Marquette, is the chief executive officer of the Community Foundation of Marquette County. Eppensteiner also serves as a board member of the Council of Michigan Foundations, MSHDA Statewide Housing Partnership, Community Development Association of Michigan, the Community Foundation Committee, and the Statewide Equity Fund Work Group with the Council of Michigan Foundations. Eppensteiner is also a Marquette County Ambassador through the Lake Superior Community Partnership and a board member of the Marquette Food Co-op. Eppensteiner holds a Master of Science in mathematics and Master of Arts in sociology from the University of Gdansk in Poland. Zosia Eppensteiner will be appointed as an expert in the delivery of human, educational, environmental, or public safety services to communities and persons for a term commencing October 2, 2026, and expiring October 1, 2029. Eppensteiner will succeed Darnishia Morris, whose term will expire. 

Renee Williams, of Grand Rapids, is a senior vice president and regional community development manager for Huntington National Bank. Williams is also the board chair of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation and a board member of Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids. Williams holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Wayne State University and a Master of Arts in public leadership from the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government. Renee Williams will be reappointed to represent business for a term commencing October 2, 2026, and expiring October 1, 2029. 

Chairman Austin Lowes, of Sault Ste. Marie, is the elected chairperson of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Chairman Lowes also serves as president of the United Tribes of Michigan. Previously, Chairman Lowes worked as a medical social worker for MyMichigan Medical Center. As a social worker, Chairman Lowes worked with several communities, including the Sault tribe, the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana, and the Bay Mills Indian Community. Chairman Lowes holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Lake Superior State University and a Master of Social Work from Michigan State University. Chairman Austin Lowes will be reappointed as a representative of Native American Tribes for a term commencing October 2, 2026, and expiring October 1, 2029. 

Raquel Izzo McDonald, of Haslett, is the cofounder, former executive director, and a current board member of The Izzo Legacy Family Fund, a nonprofit with the mission of supporting local charities that  feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, meet the needs of the underserved, and reduce barriers to educational opportunities in Mid-Michigan communities. Izzo McDonald additionally serves on the board of Ele’s Place – Capital Region. Izzo McDonald holds a Bachelor of Arts in advertising management from Michigan State University. Raquel Izzo McDonald will be reappointed as an expert in the delivery of human, educational, environmental, or public safety services to communities and persons for a term commencing October 2, 2026, and expiring October 1, 2029. 

Robert Hoffman, of East Lansing, is a host for FOX 47 News and a leadership and culture coach at Thought Partner Services, LLC. Hoffman recently retired as the manager of public relations for the Wharton Center for Performing Arts. Hoffman is also the founder of ePIFanyNow, a local nonprofit focused on highlighting local acts of kindness. Hoffman serves on the board of directors for the McLaren Greater Lansing Foundation and holds an associate degree from Lansing Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary social studies from Michigan State University. Robert Hoffman will be reappointed as an expert in the delivery of human, educational, environmental, or public safety services to communities and persons for a term commencing October 2, 2026, and expiring October 1, 2029. 

The Michigan Community Service Commission strives to build a culture of service by providing vision and resources to strengthen communities through volunteerism. The Commission develops a three-year comprehensive national and community service plan for the state that shall be updated annually, oversees and submits the state's applications to AmeriCorps and other public and private funding sources, establishes policies and procedures for the use of federal funds, and develops initiatives to promote community service in coordination with existing programs.   

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

Michigan Interagency Council on Homelessness 

Craig Brunet, of Lansing, is the director of office of legislative and legal affairs and tribal liaison for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Brunet has held several roles with the Michigan DNR and was previously a legislative analyst at the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget. Brunet holds a Bachelor of Science in political science and a Master of Public Administration from Northern Michigan University. Craig Brunet is reappointed as the designee of the Director of the Department of Natural Resources for a term commencing June 4, 2026, and expiring January 30, 2030. 

Lauren VanKeulen, of Wyoming, is the chief executive officer of AYA Youth Collective. VanKeulen has served on the steering council of Kent County Coalition to End Homelessness (COC) since 2018. VanKeulen holds a bachelor's degree from Calvin University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California. Lauren VanKeulen is reappointed for a term commencing June 4, 2026, and expiring January 30, 2030. 

Michelle Williams, of Grand Rapids, is a special populations manager and McKinney-Vento state coordinator at the Michigan Department of Education. Williams holds a Bachelor of Arts in education from Calvin College and a Master in the Art in teaching from Marygrove College. Michelle Williams is reappointed as the designee of the Director of the Michigan Department of Education for a term commencing June 4, 2026, and expiring January 30, 2030. 

The Michigan Interagency Council on Homelessness was designed to develop, adopt and update a 10-year plan to end homelessness. The 10-year plan includes evidence-based improvements to programs and policies that will ensure services and housing are provided in an efficient, cost-effective, and productive manner. The plan is also coordinated with and tailored to the Federal Strategic Plan, "Opening Doors," to meet the needs of this state's homeless population.     

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

Agricultural Preservation Fund Board 

Greg Thon, of Kingsley, is a senior financial services officer at Greenstone FCS. Thon also owns and operates Easy Wind Farms in Northern Michigan. Thon serves as chairman of the Michigan agribusiness association. Thon holds a Bachelor of Science in agribusiness management from Michigan State University. Gregory Thon will be reappointed to represent agricultural interests for a term commencing June 11, 2026, and expiring June 10, 2030. 

The Agricultural Fund Board was created to manage the distribution of grants to preserve farmland and help conserve Michigan's agricultural heritage.   

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

Great Lakes Protection Fund Board of Directors 

Tim Eder, of Chelsea, is the former freshwater program officer for the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and the former executive director of the Great Lakes Commission. Eder holds a Bachelor of Science in resource development from Michigan State University. Tim Eder is reappointed for a term commencing June 4, 2026, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor, not later than June 4, 2030. 

Laura Rubin, of Ann Arbor, is the director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. Rubin holds a Bachelor of Arts in business and economics from Colorado College and a Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in natural resources from the University of Michigan. Laura Rubin is reappointed for a term commencing June 4, 2026, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor, not later than June 4, 2030. 

The Great Lakes Protection Fund is a private, nonprofit corporation formed in 1989 by the Governors of the Great Lakes States. It is a permanent environmental endowment that supports collaborative actions to improve the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem. The Fund's Board of Directors is comprised of two governor appointed representatives from each member state.    

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

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