July 09, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 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: Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission; Governor's Educator Advisory Council; Michigan Onion Committee; Board of Interpreters for the Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing; Human Trafficking Commission; Commission for Logistics and Supply Chain Collaboration; Michigan Humanities Council; Michigan Interagency Council on Homelessness; Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health, & Sports; Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission; Michigan Board of Nursing Home Administrators; Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists; and Gun Violence Prevention Task Force.
Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission
Megan Hoberg, of Grand Rapids, is a staff attorney at Legal Aid of Western Michigan. Hoberg is a member of the State Bar of Michigan Professional Ethics Committee and a 3Rs faculty member with the Grand Rapids Bar Association. Hoberg holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and philosophy from Oakland University and a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School. Megan Hoberg will be appointed for a term commencing July 20, 2026, and expiring July 31, 2027. Hoberg will succeed Andrea Rossi, who has resigned.
The Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission serves Michigan's employees, employers, and insurers by addressing and impartially resolving appeals of decisions and orders involving unemployment insurance benefits. The Commission created in Executive Order No. 2019-13 has full authority to handle, process, and decide appeals filed under Michigan Employment Security Act Section 33(4).
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Governor's Educator Advisory Council
Erin Stepek, of Wayland, is a German and English teacher at Lakewood High School. Stepek is also a member of the Wayland Union Schools Board of Education and a founding board member of the Michigan Parent Alliance for Safe Schools. “Stepek holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Literacy Studies with a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Emphasis from Grand Valley State University. Erin Stepek is appointed as a teacher for a term commencing July 9, 2026, and expiring May 9, 2030. Stepek succeeds Owen Bondono, whose term has expired.
The Governor’s Educator Advisory Council was created by Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order No. 2019-9. The Council will review and make recommendations regarding legislation relevant to this state’s public education system, identify and analyze issues impacting the effectiveness of Michigan’s public education system, identify best practices in public education and recommend corresponding changes and improvements to Michigan’s public education system, and provide other information or advice relevant to public education.
This appointment is not subject to advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Onion Committee
Jeff Hawkins, of Howard City, is a farm and plant manager at Casey Woodwyk, Inc. Jeff Hawkins will be appointed to represent growers for a term commencing August 17, 2026, and expiring August 16, 2029. Hawkins will succeed Michael Bosch, whose term will expire.
Kyler Vandenberg, of Imlay City, is the owner of and a farmer at Vandenberg Farms. Kyler Vandenberg will be appointed for a term commencing August 17, 2026, and expiring August 16, 2029. Vandenberg will succeed Bruce Klamer, whose term will expire.
The Michigan Onion Committee seeks to promote the production and consumption of onions grown in Michigan as well as to assist in the agricultural research and development of onion farming.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Board of Interpreters for the Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing
Bethany James, of Linden, is the chief executive officer of Regional Interpreting Network and is also a heritage signer. James holds a liberal arts degree from Mott Community College and a BEI3 master certification in interpreting with legal, medical, and mental health endorsements. Bethany James will be appointed to represent certified interpreters for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2030. James will succeed James Cech, whose term will have expired.
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.
Human Trafficking Commission
Leyna Luttrull, of Hastings, is a lived experience human trafficking educator and the director of collaborative initiatives for the Michigan Anti-Trafficking Project. Luttrull also serves on the board of the Michigan Anti-Trafficking Project where her work focuses on legislative efforts, survivor advocacy, online child exploitation education, and direct outreach for survivors of human trafficking and digital exploitation. Luttrull holds a certification from Empire Beauty School and was the recipient of the 2018 Butterfly Award from Grand Rapids Art Prize for a suicide awareness project and resource guide she created. Leyna Luttrull is appointed to represent individuals who have survived human trafficking for a term commencing July 9, 2026, and expiring March 1, 2027. Luttrull succeeds Alice Johnson, who has resigned.
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.
Commission for Logistics and Supply Chain Collaboration
David Radle, of Belmont, is a senior transportation strategy deployment manager at Hach Company. Radle was previously the director of global logistics at X-Rite, Inc. and international logistics manager at Steelcase, Inc. Radle holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in marketing from Grand Valley State University. David Radle is appointed as a member with education in, experience with, or knowledge of supply chain management and logistics nominated by the senate majority leader for a term commencing July 9, 2026, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor, not later than July 9, 2030. Radle succeeds Frederick Schlemmer.
The Commission for Logistics and Supply Chain Collaboration was created under Public Act 76 of 2013. The seven-member commission is housed within the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and advises state agencies on freight transportation and supply chain management issues. The commission also collaborates with local, state, and regional governments and the Canadian government concerning economic development, trade and commerce, transportation, and industrial affairs related to supply chain management.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Humanities Council
Madiha Tariq, of Ferndale, is a deputy county executive for Oakland County. Tariq was previously the public health director at the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services. Tariq holds a Bachelor of Arts in international politics and economics from Middlebury College and a Master of Public Health with a concentration in global health from George Washington University. Madiha Tariq is appointed for a term commencing July 9, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2027. Tariq succeeds Najah Bazzy, whose term has expired.
The Michigan Humanities Council, as one of 56 state (and territories) humanities councils in the country, was founded in 1974 as a result of federal legislation. Funded in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities, Michigan Humanities also actively seeks grants, sponsorships, and individual donations to further support cultural programming for Michigan communities. The Council’s mission is to connect people and communities by fostering and supporting quality cultural programs.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Interagency Council on Homelessness
Mariam Deland, of Lansing, is a senior reentry specialist at the Michigan Department of Corrections. Deland holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and criminal justice from Adrian College and a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan. Mariam Deland is reappointed as the designee of the Director of the Michigan Department of Corrections for a term commencing July 9, 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.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health, & Sports
Bethany Thayer, of Huntington Woods, is the director of the center for health promotion and disease prevention at Henry Ford Health. Thayer was previously the national media spokesperson at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Thayer holds a Bachelor of Science in dietetics from Michigan State University and a Master of Science in exercise science from Oakland University. Bethany Thayer is reappointed for a term commencing July 9, 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.
Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission
Anupa Shantaram, of Grand Blanc, is a school improvement coordinator at Flint Community Schools and the DEI Commissioner for Genessee County. Shantaram holds a Bachelor of Science in Education with a concentration in social science and a Master of Arts in early childhood education from the University of Michigan. Anupa Shantaram is appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing July 9, 2026, and expiring December 14, 2029. Shantaram succeeds April Cook-Hawkins, whose term has expired.
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 Board of Nursing Home Administrators
Kathy Russell, of Portland, is the executive director of Chelsea Retirement Community. Russell was previously the Director of Health Services at Trilogy Health Services. Russell holds an associate of applied science from Lorain County Community College and Bachelor of Science in nursing from Walden University and is a registered nurse. Kathy Russell is reappointed as a nursing home administrator for a term commencing July 9, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2030.
The Michigan Board of Nursing Home Administrators was created to license nursing home administrators who plan, organize, direct, and control the total operation of nursing homes on behalf of the governing board or owner of a nursing home. The Board promotes and protects the public's health, safety, and welfare by ascertaining minimal entry-level competency of nursing home administrators.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists
Sarah Pangle, of Eagle, is a home health occupational therapist at University of Michigan Health – Sparrow hospital. Pangle holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from Western Michigan University. Sarah Pangle will be reappointed as an occupational therapist for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2030.
The Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to promulgate rules for licensing occupational therapists and ascertaining minimal entry level competency of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. 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 appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
Jason Mellema, of Williamston, serves as superintendent of Ingham Intermediate School District. Mellema holds a Bachelor of Arts in education from Hope College, an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership, and a Master of Arts in sports administration from Central Michigan University. Jason Mellema is appointed as an individual who serves, or has experience serving, as a local school administrator for a term commencing July 9, 2026, and expiring June 22, 2030. Mellema succeeds Daveda Colbert, whose term has expired.
The Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force was originally created by Executive Order 2024-4 and re-established by Executive Order 2026-13. The Task Force is housed within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and is charged with identifying the root causes of gun violence, compiling and reports relevant data, maximizing existing resources, soliciting perspectives from diverse stakeholders, and recommending policy to save lives. The group is comprised of members reflecting a wide range of stakeholders including state department directors, medical experts, law enforcement professionals, tribal representatives, and more.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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