October 29, 2026
October 29, 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 Speech Language Pathology; Michigan Board of Medicine; State Plumbing Board; Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health, and Sports; Health Information Technology Commission; Michigan Opioids Task Force; Statewide Independent Living Council; State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision; Michigan Craft Beverage Council; Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission; Michigan Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee; Autism Council; and Michigan Arts and Culture Council.
Michigan Board of Speech Language Pathology
Ericka Shuptar, of East Lansing, is the owner of Shuptar Speech Therapy. Shuptar holds a Bachelor of Science in communicative disorders and Master of Science in speech language pathology from the University of Wisconsin. Ericka Shuptar will be reappointed as a speech language pathologist for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2030.
Dr. Robert Morrison, of Howell, is the medical director for speech language pathology at the University of Michigan. Dr. Morrison holds Bachelor of Science in biology and philosophy from Gonzaga University and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Oregon. Dr. Robert Morrison is reappointed as a physician for a term commencing October 29, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029.
The Michigan Board of Speech Language Pathology works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of speech pathologists in this state. The Public Health Code defines the practice of speech-language pathology as the application of principles, methods, and procedures related to the development of disorders of human communication. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the board to promote and protect the public's health, safety, and welfare.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Medicine
Tiffany Brown, of Lansing, is the director of agency relations for the Executive Office of the Governor. Brown was previously the director of communications and community engagement at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Michigan. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications from the University of Michigan – Flint and a Master of Arts in communications from Michigan State University. Tiffany Brown will be appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2030. Brown will succeed Nancy Wayne, whose term will expire.
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.
State Plumbing Board
Dr. Biren Shah, of Northville, is the president of Global Radiology Consulting, Inc. Dr. Shah holds a Bachelor of Science in cellular and molecular biology and a Doctor of Medicine. Dr. Biren Shah is appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing October 29, 2026, and expiring July 30, 2029. Dr. Shah succeeds Joseph Alfonso, whose term has expired.
The State Plumbing Board's duties include making recommendations for plumbing code rules, licensing plumbers, and making all orders, rules, and regulations necessary for the enforcement of the provisions of the act.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health, and Sports
Terra Castro, of Detroit, is the founder and owner of Detroit Body Garage, a Detroit-based fitness and wellness business, and president of the Detroit Body Garage Foundation (DBGF), a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to wellness, movement, and community connection for youth, families, and neighbors. Prior to founding the Detroit Body Garage, Castro was a professional triathlete. Terra Castro is appointed for a term commencing October 29, 2026, and expiring April 30, 2028. Castro succeeds Bryan Rief, whose term has expired.
Ira Newble, of Novi, is the majority owner of LeadHead Construction. Previously, Newble was a professional basketball player in the NBA, playing for the San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Seattle Supersonics, and Los Angeles Lakers. Newble holds a Bachelor of Arts in kinesiology from Miami University of Ohio. Ira Newble is reappointed for a term commencing October 29, 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.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Health Information Technology Commission
Sarah Musser, of Bloomfield Hills, is the president of HAP CareSource. Musser holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Shawnee State University and a Master of Accounting from the Ohio State University. Sarah Musser is appointed as a member representing health plans or other third-party payers for a term commencing October 29, 2026, and expiring August 3, 2030. Musser succeeds Maya Cleaver, whose seat designation has changed.
The Michigan Health Information Technology (HIT) Commission's mission is to facilitate and promote the design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of an interoperable health care information infrastructure in Michigan.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Opioids Task Force
Catherine Kelly, of Grand Rapids, is the co-executive director at the Grand Rapids Red Project. Catherine Kelly is appointed as a member representing PIHP region 3 for a term commencing October 29, 2026, and expiring June 14, 2027. Kelly succeeds Stephen Alsum, who has resigned.
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.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Statewide Independent Living Council
Aaron Andres, of Marquette, is the president of the board of directors for the SAIL Disability Network, Upper Peninsula. Andres holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and Master of Arts in political science from Northern Michigan University. Aaron Andres is reappointed as a member representing an organization that provides services for individuals with disabilities for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2029.
Stacy Bobo, of Detroit, is a retired teacher and community activist for individuals with disabilities. Bobo holds an associate degree in mental health from Wayne County Community College. Stacy Bobo will be appointed as an individual with a disability for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2029. Bobo will succeed Jamia Davis, whose term will expire.
The Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council is charged with developing the state plan as provided in Section 704(a)(2) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 USC 796c(a)(2). The Council may work with centers for independent living to coordinate services with public and private entities to improve services provided to individuals with disabilities and conduct resource development activities to support the Council and the provision of independent living services by centers for independent living.
These appointments are not subject to advice and consent of the Senate.
State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision
Russell Marlan, of DeWitt, is the deputy director for field operations administration in the Michigan Department of Corrections. Marlan holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from Michigan State University. Russell Marlan will be reappointed as the compact administrator for a term commencing November 1, 2026, and expiring October 31, 2030.
The State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision was established in 1937 with the purpose of regulating the movement of probationers and parolees across state lines. ICAOS has evolved into a powerful and adaptive tool for ensuring cooperation among the states. Its purpose is to establish and enforce regulations, provide training, facilitate the collection and sharing of data, and perform other essential tasks to ensure that supervised individuals maintaining continuity when relocating to another state.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Craft Beverage Council
Patti Eisenbraun, of Shelby Township, is a managing member at Brown Iron Brewery. Eisenbraun holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Michigan State University. Eisenbraun serves on the board of directors of the Small Business Association of Michigan and was named small business advocate of the year by SBAM in 2023. Patti Eisenbraun is appointed to represent restaurants that hold a class C license and serve Michigan wines, beer, or spirits for a term commencing October 29, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2029. Eisenbraun succeeds Michael Chetcuti, whose term has expired.
The Michigan Craft Beverage Council replaced the Grape and Wine Industry Council. The Council will award grants for research into winemaking, hops, barley, beer, and spirits; conduct market surveys and analysis; and offer other programs that encourage the agricultural elements related to Michigan's craft beverage industries. The Council's activities are funded exclusively by non-retail, non-wholesale liquor license fees.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission
Chief William Renye, of Byron, is the Grand Blanc Township chief of police. Renye holds a Master of Arts in criminal justice and leadership from Madonna University. William Renye is appointed as a representative of local government for a term commencing October 29, 2026, and expiring May 27, 2029. Renye succeeds Jeff King, who has resigned.
The Governor's Traffic Safety Advisory Commission shall identify traffic safety challenges and develop, promote, and implement strategies to address those challenges. The Commission shall develop comprehensive solutions to traffic safety challenges through partnerships with all levels of government and the private sector, while maximizing and coordinating the use of existing financial resources.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee
Dr. Jennifer Baldridge, of Ann Arbor, is a pharmacy manager and the director of the community residency program at Michigan Medicine. Dr. Baldridge holds a Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences and chemistry from Northern Kentucky University and a Doctor of Pharmacy from Belmont University. Dr. Jennifer Baldridge is appointed as a pharmacist whose practice includes patients who are eligible for Medicaid for a term commencing October 29, 2026, and expiring October 1, 2028. Baldridge succeeds Nora Orow, whose term has expired.
The Michigan Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee advises the Department of Health and Human Services on issues affecting prescription drug coverage for its various health care programs. The Committee shall recommend to the Department guidelines for prescription drugs covered in its various health care programs.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Autism Council
Patricia Neitman, of Chelsea, is the director of the Bureau of Children’s Coordinated Health, Policy, and Supports in the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Neitman was previously the division director for the Office of the Advocate for Children, Youth, and Families. Neitman is a licensed Master’s Limited Psychologist and holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and English from Wayne State University and a Master of Science in clinical behavioral psychology from Eastern Michigan University. Patricia Neitman is reappointed as the designee of the director of the Department of Health and Human Services for a term commencing October 29, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2030.
The Autism Council is charged with overseeing Michigan's Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) State Plan. The Council will implement, monitor, and update the Michigan ASD State Plan which will provide for comprehensive, lifespan supports to individuals with ASD and their families through access to information and resources, coordination of services, and implementation of evidence-based practices.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Arts and Culture Council
Emily Lanctot, of Marquette, is the director and curator of the DeVos Art Museum at Northern Michigan University and a continuing contingent professor in the Northern Michigan University School of Art. Lanctot was previously a member of the Marquette Arts and Culture Advisory Committee. Lanctot holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in art and design from Northern Michigan University, a Master of Fine Arts in interdisciplinary studio art from the Vermont College of Fine Arts, and a copyrightX certificate from Harvard University. Emily Lanctot is appointed for a term commencing October 29, 2026, and expiring September 1, 2028. Lanctot succeeds Gretchen Gonzales Davidson, whose term has expired.
The Michigan Arts and Culture Council serves to encourage, develop, and facilitate an enriched environment of creative and cultural activity in Michigan. The Council envisions a Michigan where every citizen celebrates the state's cultural treasures and arts, and cultural experiences are accessible to all its citizens.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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