Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 19, 2026

Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the following boards and commissions: Michigan Tax Tribunal; Michigan Finance Authority Board of Directors; Commission on Services to the Aging; Michigan Board of Acupuncture; Barrier Free Design Board; Collection Practices Board; Board of Interpreters for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing; Horse Racing Advisory Commission; Michigan Appellate Defender Commission; Propane Commission; Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards; Michigan Board of Medicine; Michigan Board of Social Work; Michigan Board of Dentistry; Michigan Board of Cosmetology; Governor's Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect; Michigan Wildlife Council; Electronic Recording Commission; Public Health Advisory Council; and Michigan Veterans' Trust Fund Board of Trustees.

Michigan Tax Tribunal

Jesse Kirchner, of East Lansing, is an administrative law specialist at the Michigan Department of Treasury. Kirchner previously served as judicial law clerk at the Michigan Supreme Court. Kirchner holds a Bachelor of Science in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a Master of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. Jesse Kirchner will be appointed as an at-large member for a term commencing April 26, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2027.

The Michigan Tax Tribunal is an administrative court that hears tax appeals for all Michigan taxes. Most of the Tribunal's appeals involve property tax; however, the Tribunal also hears business and individual tax disputes.

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

Michigan Finance Authority Board of Directors

Amin Irving, of West Bloomfield, is the founder and chief executive officer of Ginosko Development Company. Ginosko owns 36 apartment properties across southeast Michigan, several of which are categorized as affordable housing operations. Irving holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan and serves on the boards of the MSHDA Statewide Housing Partnership, Michigan Housing Council, the Modular Builders Institute, the Urban Land Institute, and the Urban Land Institute Local Product Council. Amin Irving will be appointed to represent Democrats and residents of the state with experience in housing and community development issues or relating to public finance for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2030. Irving will succeed Murray Wikol, whose term will expire.

The Michigan Finance Authority provides effective, low-cost options to finance the acquisition, construction, improvement, or alteration of land, facilities, equipment, the payment of project costs, or to refinance existing debt. The Authority accomplishes this by working with municipalities, schools, healthcare providers, colleges and universities, and college students.

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

Commission on Services to the Aging

Nancy Duncan, of Lansing, is retired and previously served as a deputy state budget director in the State Budget Office. Duncan holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and speech from Albion College. Nancy Duncan will be reappointed to represent Independents for a term commencing July 29, 2026, and expiring July 28, 2029.

The Commission on Services to the Aging advises the Governor and Legislature on coordination and administration of state programs, changes in federal and state programs, and the nature and magnitude of aging priorities. The Commission also reviews and approves grants made by OSA and participates in development of the state plan and budget as required by the federal Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended.

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

Michigan Board of Acupuncture

Dr. Mitchell Elkiss, of West Bloomfield, is the director of curriculum at Helms Medical Institute. Previously, Dr. Elkiss served as president and founder of Associates in Neurology, PC. Elkiss holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of Michigan and a Doctor of Osteopathy from Michigan State University. Dr. Mitchell Elkiss will be appointed as a physician for a term commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2030. Dr. Elkiss will succeed Dr. Fatima Fahs, 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.

Barrier Free Design Board

Jeanine Rowe, of Niles, is a member of the Self-Advocates of Michigan and a certified ADA Coordinator. Jeannie Rowe is appointed as a physically limited individual and a wheelchair user for a term commencing March 19, 2026, and expiring October 31, 2027. Rowe succeeds Kelly Pelong, 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.

Collection Practices Board

Scott Renner, of Grand Rapids, is a licensed collections manager and president of the Velo Law Office. Renner holds a Bachelor of Arts in business from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law. Scott Renner will be reappointed to represent collection professionals for a term commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2030.

The Collection Practices Board works to license and regulate collection agencies operating in Michigan. The board works with the department to oversee the practice of approximately 713 collection agencies and 525 collection agency managers.

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

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

Rowan O'Dougherty, of Grand Rapids, is an adjunct professor of deaf studies at Grand Rapids Community College. O'Dougherty holds a Bachelor of Science in zoology from Michigan State University. Rowan O'Dougherty will be reappointed to represent individuals who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2030.

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.

Horse Racing Advisory Commission

Claudia Cary-Davidson, of Pinckney, is a retired veterinary technician. Cary-Davidson holds a Bachelor of Science in veterinarian medicine from Michigan State University. Claudia Cary-Davidson is appointed as an individual from a statewide horse racing association for a term commencing March 19, 2026, and expiring October 31, 2028. Cary-Davidson succeeds Thomas Barrett, whose term has expired.

The Horse Racing Advisory Commission was created within the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to establish procedures governing the operation and promotion of horse racing in this state and make recommendations to the Legislature that would improve the regulatory structure of horse racing with a goal of maintaining its long-term viability in Michigan.

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

Michigan Appellate Defender Commission

John Hiemstra, of Grosse Pointe Woods, is a district commissioner at the Michigan Court of Appeals. Hiemstra holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan in jazz studies, a Master of Music with a concentration in jazz studies from Michigan State University, and a Juris Doctor from Cooley Law School. John Hiemstra will be appointed as a member recommended by the Michigan Court of Appeals for a term commencing March 19, 2026, and expiring May 24, 2029. Hiemstra succeeds JoAnn Lank, whose term will expire.

The Michigan Appellate Defender Commission is responsible for the development of a system of indigent appellate defense services which shall include services provided by the office of the state appellate defender and locally appointed private counsel. The Commission will be responsible for the development of minimum standards to which all indigent criminal defense appellate services shall conform and will compile and keep current a statewide roster of attorneys eligible for and willing to accept appointment by an appropriate court to serve as criminal appellate defense counsel for indigents.

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. Sutherland holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering and a Master of Civil Engineering from Lawrence Technological University. Eric Sutherland will be 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 July 2, 2026, and expiring July 1, 2029. Eric Sutherland will succeed Aaron Huizenga, whose term will expire.

Mandy Swanson, of Cedar Springs, is a territory manager at Amerigas. Swanson holds an associate degree in business management from Davenport University. Mandy Swanson will be 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 July 2, 2026, and expiring July 1, 2029. Swanson will succeed Brad Morrill, whose term will expire.

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.

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

Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards

Reverend Jeffery Hawkins, of Flint, is the owner of A & J Janitorial Service and the former pastor of Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church. Previously, Rev. Hawkins was appointed chair of the Flint Community Advisory Task Force to the Flint Police Department, helping bridge social gaps between law enforcement and the community they serve. Reverend Jeffery Hawkins will be reappointed to represent residents of the state for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2030.

The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) executes its statutory responsibility to promote public safety in Michigan by setting standards for selection, employment, licensing, license revocation, and funding in law enforcement and criminal justice, in both the public and private sectors.

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

Michigan Board of Medicine

Marissa Baty, of Kentwood, is a physician assistant for Executive Health. Baty holds a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology from Michigan State University and a Master of Science in physician assistant studies from Wayne State University. Marissa Baty will be reappointed as a physician assistant for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2030.

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.

Michigan Board of Social Work

Brittney Williams, of Ypsilanti, is the social work division administrator at the Washtenaw County Public Defender's office. Williams holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan as well as a doctoral candidate in social work at Wayne State University. Williams is a member of Zeta Phi Beta, Inc. Brittney Williams is appointed as an individual engaged primarily in the practice of social work for a term commencing March 19, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029. Williams succeeds Rochelle Vrsek, whose term has expired.

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 Dentistry

Dr. Adeeb Haque, of Troy, is a dentist and the owner of Maple Dentistry. Dr. Haque holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of Michigan and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Detroit Mercy. Dr. Adeeb Haque will be appointed as a dentist for a term commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2030. Dr. Haque will succeed Dr. Irene Tseng, whose term will expire.

The Michigan Board of Dentistry was formed to regulate the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene, authorize dental assistants, and certify specialists in the fields of orthodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and oral pathology.

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

Michigan Board of Cosmetology

James Rider, of Grand Rapids, is the owner of Shine on Salon. Rider holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Davenport University. James Rider is appointed as a cosmetologist for a term commencing March 19, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2030. Rider succeeds Cindy Straley, who has resigned.

The Michigan Board of Cosmetology was created under Article 12 of Public Act 299 of 1980, as amended, to license and regulate the practice of cosmetology in Michigan. Article 12 defines cosmetology as one of the following services or a combination of the following services: Hair care services, skin care services, manicuring services, and electrology. The members of the cosmetology industry who are licensed by the department include schools of cosmetology, both public and private, beauty shops, cosmetologists, manicurists, cosmetology instructors, electrologists, estheticians (skin care specialists), and natural hair culturists (braiders).

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

Governor's Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect

Timothy Click, of Caledonia, is interim senior deputy director of the Children's Services Administration of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Click holds a Bachelor of Science in English from Central Michigan University and a Master of Social Work from Grand Valley State University. Timothy Click is appointed as the designee of the Director of the Department of Health and Human Services for a term commencing March 19, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2027. Click succeeds Demetrius Starling, whose term has expired.

Created by Executive Order 2013-4, rescinding Executive Order 2010-18, the Governor's Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect is established within the Department of Human Services and is designed as a multidisciplinary task force for the purposes of the federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. The Task Force shall consist of 18 members appointed by the Governor for three-year terms who are professionals with knowledge and experience relating to the criminal justice system and issues of child physical abuse, child neglect, child sexual abuse and exploitation, and child maltreatment related fatalities.

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

Michigan Wildlife Council

Daniel Cooke, of Milford, is the founder and chief executive officer of Expedition Detroit, LLC and the principal attorney of Daniel Cooke Law, PLLC. Cooke holds a Bachelor of Arts in international relations from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University. Daniel Cooke will be reappointed as an individual with a media or marketing background who is not a member of the department for a term commencing March 31, 2026, and expiring March 31, 2030.

The Michigan Wildlife Council was created to educate about the importance of wildlife conservation and the role of hunters and anglers in preserving Michigan's great outdoor heritage for future generations.

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

Electronic Recording Commission

Sara Dolan, of East Lansing, is the chief financial officer of Michigan State University Federal Credit Union. Dolan holds a Bachelor of Arts in accounting from Michigan State University and a Master of Business Administration from Western Michigan University. Sara Dolan is reappointed as a banking professional for a term commencing March 19, 2026, and expiring January 1, 2028.

Derrick Quinney, of Lansing, is the Ingham County register of deeds. Quinney has previously served as the Michigan State AFL-CIO health and safety director and is a past member of the Lansing City Council. Derrick Quinney is reappointed as a county register of deeds for a term commencing March 19, 2026, and expiring January 1, 2028.

Corinne Rockoff, of Ferndale, is a senior attorney at Miller, Canfield, Paddock, and Stone, PC. Rockoff was previously a shareholder at Maddin, Hauser, Roth, & Heller, PC. Rockoff holds a Bachelor of Science in international relations and politics and in psychology from Carnegie Mellon University and a Juris Doctor from George Washington University Law School. Corinne Rockoff is reappointed as an attorney licensed to practice law in the state and whose expertise emphasizes real property matters for a term commencing March 19, 2026, and expiring January 1, 2028.

The Electronic Recording Commission keeps the standards and practices of county registers of deeds in this state in harmony with the standards and practices of offices of county registers of deeds in other jurisdictions. The Commission keeps the technology used by county registers of deeds in this state compatible with technology used by offices of county registers of deeds in other jurisdictions.

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

Public Health Advisory Council

James Jameson, of Ferndale, is the director of public works at the Ferndale Department of Public Works. Jameson is a licensed Waterworks System Operator. Jameson holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and a Master of Public Administration from Eastern Michigan University. James Jameson is appointed as a local director of public works for a term commencing March 19, 2026, and expiring November 1, 2030. Jameson succeeds Denise Chrysler, who has resigned.

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 Veterans' Trust Fund Board of Trustees

Jerry Gorski, of Southfield, is the 1st junior vice commander for Michigan's Disabled Veterans. Gorski currently serves as the Disabled Veterans representative on the Oakland County Michigan Veterans' Trust Fund. Gorski holds an associate degree in liberal arts from Macomb Community College, a Bachelor of Business and Management in supervision from Purdue University, and a Master of General Administration from Central Michigan University. Jerry Gorski will be appointed to represent Disabled American Veterans for a term commencing March 19, 2026, and expiring February 25, 2029. Gorski succeeds James Dempsey, whose term has expired.

Rodney Loonsfoot, of Baraga, serves as a Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Council Member and is a tribal veteran's representative for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. Loonsfoot is a veteran who served in the Marine Corps and Michigan National Guard, and is a national vice commander of National American Indian Veterans, Inc. Rodney Loonsfoot will be reappointed to represent the National American Indian Veterans (NAIV) organization for a term commencing March 19, 2026, and expiring February 25, 2029.

The Michigan Veterans' Trust Fund was created in 1946 from $50 million in postwar reserve funds. In 1996, the Veterans' Trust Fund was provided additional protection by being added to the State Constitution with voter approval of Proposal C. The Veterans' Trust Fund was established to provide grants for the emergency needs of veterans. The Veterans; Trust Fund, utilizing approximately $2 million in interest earnings from the trust, administers the Emergency Grant Program. Emergency Grants are available to honorably discharged war time service veterans and their dependents during times of unforeseen and short-term financial emergencies or hardships. Veterans' Trust Fund grant policies and adjudication, county committee appointments and expenditure from trust earnings are governed by this board.

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

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