October 22, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 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: State Officers’ Compensation Commission; Michigan Humanities Council; Detroit Financial Review Commission; Wayne County Airport Authority Board of Directors; Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery; Public Health Advisory Council; Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services; Michigan Dairy Market Program Committee; Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists; Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers; State Board of Professional Surveyors; State Construction Code Commission; Michigan Board of Architects; Michigan Opioids Task Force; and Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission.
State Officers’ Compensation Commission
Alex Garza, of Woodhaven, currently serves as the chief business development officer for the City of Westland and as a Wayne County Commissioner. Garza is a former state representative and served two terms in the Michigan State House from 2019 to 2023. Garza also served on the Taylor City Council from 2013 to 2019 both as a councilmember and as president. Garza is a member of the Taylor Goodfellows, Taylor Rotary, and Taylor Kiwanis club. Garza holds an associate degree from Baker College and a Bachelor of Arts in political science and government from the University of Michigan – Dearborn. Alex Garza is appointed for a term commencing October 22, 2026, and expiring January 1, 2030. Garza succeeds Amy Burton, whose term has expired.
The State Officers’ Compensation Commission was created by Article IV, Section 12 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Public Act 357 of 1968. The Commission determines the salaries and expense allowances of the members of the Legislature, the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Attorney General, the Secretary of State, and the Justices of the Supreme Court.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Humanities Council
Kaylie Hanson, of Commerce Township, currently serves as chief communications officer for the Executive Office of the Governor. Hanson previously served as a senior advisor in the U.S. Senate and as the communications director of Reproductive Freedom for All, among other roles. Hanson’s writing on resilience and grief has been featured in MSNOW, HuffPost, Thrive Global, and more. She writes regularly about resilience on Substack. Her expertise in politics and government has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, USA Today, Glamour, Yahoo and more. Hanson holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and psychology from the University of Michigan. She looks forward to supporting Michigan’s robust humanities community through her appointment. Kaylie Hanson is appointed for a term commencing October 22, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2027. Hanson succeeds Glenn Stevens, whose term has expired.
The Michigan Humanities Council, as one of 56 humanities councils across US states and territories, 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.
Detroit Financial Review Commission
John Walsh, of Novi, is the president and chief executive officer of the Michigan Manufacturers Association. Walsh holds a Bachelor of Arts in international relations and public policy analysis from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University. John Walsh will be reappointed for a term commencing November 10, 2026, and expiring November 9, 2030.
The Detroit Financial Review Commission (FRC) is responsible for oversight of the City of Detroit and the Detroit Public Schools Community District. It ensures both are meeting statutory requirements, reviews and approves their budgets, and establishes programs and requirements for prudent fiscal management, among other roles and responsibilities.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Wayne County Airport Authority Board of Directors
Paul Ajegba, of Ann Arbor, is a senior vice president at Infrastructure Engineering Incorporated. Ajegba served as the director of the Michigan Department of Transportation and, prior to that role, held various technical and executive positions over a 32-year career with MDOT. Ajegba is the national vice president of the AASHTO Council on Public Transportation, a past member of the Biden-Harris Infrastructure Task Force Committee, chair of the University of Michigan Civil and Environmental Engineering Friends Association, a board member for ITS America, and a past chair of the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority. Ajegba holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Prairie View A&M University and a Master of Science in construction engineering from the University of Michigan. Paul Ajegba is appointed for a term commencing October 22, 2026, and expiring October 1, 2032. Ajegba succeeds Dennis Archer, Jr., whose term has expired.
The Wayne County Airport Authority is responsible for the management and operation of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Willow Run Airport - including the power to plan, promote, extend, maintain, acquire, purchase, construct, improve, repair, enlarge, and operate both airports. The Authority has established guidelines for competitive bidding of contracts, including provisions to ensure maximum participation of disadvantaged businesses, minority businesses, and other targeted business enterprises.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
Alexander Rusek, of Lansing, is an attorney at Foster, Swift, Collins and Smith, P.C. and an adjunct professor at the Michigan State University College of Law. Rusek holds a a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Oakland University and a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University. Alexander Rusek is appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing October 22, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2030. Rusek succeeds Tino Smith, whose term has expired.
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.
Public Health Advisory Council
Dr. Charles Bloom, of Clarkston, is the chief medical officer for Health Alliance Plan by Henry Ford Health. Dr. Bloom was previously an emergency physician at US Acute Care Solutions. Dr. Bloom holds a Bachelor of Science in biology and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Michigan State University. Dr. Charles Bloom will be appointed to represent non-profit health or environmental organizations for a term commencing November 2, 2026, and expiring November 1, 2030. Dr. Bloom will succeed Rory Lafferty, whose term will expire.
The Public Health Advisory Council was created within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services at the recommendation of the Public Health Advisory Commission. The Council will develop an action plan for implementing the recommendations of the Commission and is tasked with providing advice about emerging issues in public health, monitoring the effectiveness of Michigan's public health response system, and reviewing multiagency efforts to support collaboration and a unified approach on public health responses.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services
Carol Bergquist, of Escanaba, is the director of vocational rehabilitation services for the Hannahville Indian Community. Bergquist holds a Bachelor of Science in education from the University of Wisconsin and a Master of Arts in rehabilitation counseling, Doctor of Philosophy in rehabilitation counseling, and a certification in special education administration from Michigan State University. Carol Bergquist will be reappointed as the director of a project carried out under Section 121 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, providing vocational rehabilitation services grants to the governing bodies of a Native American tribe or to a consortium of tribal governing bodies, for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2029.
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.
Michigan Dairy Market Program Committee
Brian Preston, of Quincy, is a member with Preston Dairy, LLC. Preston holds a Bachelor of Science in agribusiness management from Michigan State University. Brian Preston will be reappointed as a member nominated by the Michigan Milk Producers Association for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2029.
The Michigan Dairy Market Program Committee works in conjunction with the United Dairy Industry of Michigan to promote the sale of dairy products and to educate consumers, health professionals, and educators about the dairy industry and the nutritional benefits of Michigan's dairy products.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists
Dr. Clyde Mayberry, of Allen Park, is the senior pastor of the Allen Park Church of Christ. Mayberry holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Western Michigan University, and both a Master of Arts in marriage and family therapy and Doctor of Ministry from Amridge University. Dr. Clyde Mayberry is appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing October 22, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029. Dr. Mayberry succeeds Barry Lesnick, whose term has expired.
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.
Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers
Justin Surber, of Canton, is a key account manager at Virtuos. Surber holds a Bachelor of Science in behavioral science from Linfield University, a Juris Doctor from Williamette University, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Oregon. Justin Surber is appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing October 22, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2030. Surber succeeds Beth Luttrell, 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.
State Construction Code Commission
Adam Dreher, of Ypsilanti, is the owner of Dreher Law, P.C. and a former Assistant United States Attorney for the for the District of Columbia. Dreher holds a Bachelor of Arts from Eastern Michigan University and a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University. Adam Dreher will be appointed as a member of the public for a term commencing November 1, 2026, and expiring January 31, 2028. Dreher will succeed Shanna Draheim, who will have resigned.
The State Construction Code Commission was created to improve the quality of housing for Michigan residents while assisting the housing industry. The Commission may study the effect of the code, and other related laws, to ascertain their effect on the cost of building construction and maintenance, and the effectiveness of their provisions for insuring the health, safety, and welfare of the people of this state. The Commission may take testimony and hold hearings relating to any aspect or matter relative to the administration or enforcement of this act.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Architects
Amy Conway, of Plymouth, is the superintendent of Gibraltar School District. Conway holds a Bachelor of Science in education from Western Michigan University, a specialist certificate in school administration from Eastern Michigan University, and a Master of Educational Leadership from Wayne State University. Amy Conway is appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing October 22, 2026, and expiring March 31, 2029. Conway succeeds Anthony McGhee, whose term has expired.
Dr. Kimberly Ferrell, of Ypsilanti, is the coordinator of the Women’s Resource Center and a professor of community education at Eastern Michigan University. Dr. Ferrell holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications, a Master of Arts in women and gender studies, and a Doctor of Philosophy in educational studies from Eastern Michigan University. Dr. Kimberly Ferrell is appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing October 22, 2026, and expiring March 31, 2030. Dr. Ferrell succeeds Johnnie Wilson, whose term has expired.
The Michigan Board of Architects was created under Article 20 of Public Act 299 of 1980, as amended, to regulate the practice of architecture, which is defined as "professional services, such as consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning, design, review of materials and completed phases of work in construction, alteration or repair in connection with a public or private structure, building, equipment, works or project, when the professional service requires the application of a principle of architecture or architectural design."
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Opioids Task Force
Caitlin Koucky, of Boyne City, is the executive director of the Community Recovery Alliance in Petoskey. Koucky holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and sociology from Kalamazoo College and a Master of Nonprofit Management with a specialization in professional fundraising from the University of Central Florida. Caitlin Koucky is reappointed as a member representing PIHP Region 2 for a term commencing October 22, 2026, and expiring June 14, 2029.
Helen Klingert, of Shelby Township, is the chief operations officer for Macomb County Community Mental Health. Klingert holds an associate of arts in general studies from Macomb Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Oakland University, and a Master of Science in clinical psychology from Eastern Michigan University. Helen Klingert is reappointed for a term commencing October 22, 2026, and expiring June 14, 2030.
The Michigan Opioids Task Force was created as an advisory body within the Department of Health and Human Services and consists of 12 members of the executive branch of state government. Members of the Task Force are ex officio members and serve at the pleasure of the governor. The director of the Department shall designate the chairperson of the Task Force.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission
Diane McCloskey, of Detroit, is the executive director of CLEARCorps Detroit. McCloskey will be reappointed as a member representing an organization that focuses on lead exposure for a term commencing December 15, 2026, and expiring December 14, 2030.
Dr. Lyke Thompson, of Ann Arbor, is a professor of political science and the director of the Center for Urban Studies at Wayne State University. Dr. Thompson’s research specializations include community and economic development, the effects of lead poisoning on children, disability policy, and the impact of term limits on state legislatures. Dr. Thompson holds a Bachelor of Journalism, a Master of Urban Studies, and a Doctor of Philosophy in urban studies and administration from the University of Texas. Dr. Lyke Thompson will be reappointed as a member representing the research and technology community for a term commencing December 15, 2026, and expiring December 14, 2030.
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.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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