Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 14, 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: Collection Practices Board; Michigan Board of Respiratory Care; Human Trafficking Health Advisory Board; Michigan Board of Acupuncture; Michigan Board of Behavior Analysts; Council on Climate Solutions; Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs; Native American Heritage Fund Board; Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority; State Board of Professional Surveyors; Michigan Board of Nursing; Michigan Board of Dentistry; Michigan Craft Beverage Council; Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice; Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board; Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council; Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health, and Sports; Michigan Board of Nursing Home Administrators; Municipal Stability Board; Workforce Development Board; MEDC Executive Committee; and Michigan Indigent Defense Commission.

Collection Practices Board

Dedria Humphries, of Lansing, is a retired columnist for the Lansing City Pulse and was previously a professor at Lansing Community College. Humphries holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in English from Wayne State University. Dedria Humphries is appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing May 14, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2028. Humphries succeeds Dani Liblang, whose term has expired.

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.

Michigan Board of Respiratory Care

Ann Bowman, of Grand Rapids, is a retired registered respiratory therapist. Bowman holds an associate of applied science in respiratory therapy from Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Ann Bowman will be appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2030. Bowman succeeds Elizabeth Payne, whose term will expire.

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.

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

Human Trafficking Health Advisory Board

Dr. Dena Nazer is a professor of pediatrics at Wayne State University and the medical director at Kids TALK Children's Advocacy Center. Dr. Nazer holds a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Jordan. Dr. Dena Nazer is reappointed as an individual licensed to practice medicine under part 170 or 175 of the Public Health Code and recommended by the Senate Majority Leader for a term commencing May 14, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029.

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 Acupuncture

Stephen Durell, of Grand Rapids, is the owner of Acupuncture of West Michigan. Durell also currently serves as the president of the Michigan Society of Acupuncturists. Durell holds a Masters of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine from Emperor's College of Traditional Oriental Medicine. Stephen Durell will be appointed to represent acupuncturists for a term commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2030. Durell succeeds Heather Sloan, whose has resigned.

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.

Michigan Board of Behavior Analysts

Dr. Melissa Hendriks, of Detroit, is a double board-certified psychiatrist specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry at Henry Ford Health. Dr. Hendriks holds a Bachelor of Arts in audiology and speech sciences, a Master of Arts in speech-language pathology from Michigan State University, and a Doctor of Medicine from Wayne State University. Dr. Melissa Hendriks is appointed as a physician licensed under part 170 or 175 of the Public Health Code who works with patients with autism spectrum disorders or brain injuries for a term commencing May 14, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029. Dr. Hendriks succeeds Stefani Hines, whose term has expired.

The Michigan Board of Behavior Analysts was created to assist the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs with the regulating and licensing of behavior analysts who utilize applied behavior analysis interventions that are based on scientific research and the direct observation and measurement of behavior and the environment.

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

Council on Climate Solutions

Derrell Slaughter, of Lansing, is the Michigan policy director for climate and energy for the Natural Resource Defense Council. Slaughter holds a Bachelor of Arts in public policy from Michigan State University. Derrell Slaughter is reappointed for a term commencing May 14, 2026, and expiring February 3, 2030.

The Council on Climate Solutions was created by Governor Whitmer's Executive Order 2020-182. The Council acts in an advisory capacity to Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to formulate and oversee the implementation of the MI Healthy Climate Plan, which will serve as the action plan for this state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition toward economywide carbon neutrality.

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

Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs

Suzanne Sukkar, of Ypsilanti, is a partner at Dickinson Wright, PLLC. Suzanne holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and Spanish from the University of Michigan and Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School. Suzanne Sukkar is reappointed for a term commencing May 14, 2026, and expiring April 19, 2030. Sukkar will also continue serving as Chair of the commission for a term commencing May 14, 2026, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.

Nabeleh Ghareeb, of Plymouth, is the president and chief executive officer of AZ Consulting and Project Management. Ghareeb served two terms as president of the Arab American Women's Business Council (AAWBC) and currently serves as the coordinator for the Arab America Foundation's Rising Leaders program. Ghareeb holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Wayne State University and a Master of Education in administration and leadership from the University of Toledo. Nabeleh Ghareeb is reappointed for a term commencing May 14, 2026, and expiring April 19, 2030.

Nick Mouhydeen, of Dearborn, is the cofounder and director of product development for AI Economic Pulse and the owner of Quantem Tech Group LLC, an innovation consulting company. Mouhydeen was previously a manager at TD Ameritrade. Mouhydeen holds a Bachelor of Arts in web development from Davenport University and a Master of Management in information systems and business administration from Lawrence Technological University. Nick Mouhydeen is appointed for a term commencing May 14, 2026, and expiring April 19, 2030. Mouhydeen succeeds Zane Hatatet, whose term has expired.

Stacy Bahri, of Sterling Heights, is the manager of strategic initiatives at the Chaldean Community Foundation. Bahri holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in fashion design from the International Academy of Design and Technology. Stacy Bahri is appointed for a term commencing May 14, 2026, and expiring April 19, 2030. Bahri succeeds Dr. Adhid Miri, whose term has expired.

Tom Haji, of Bloomfield Hills, is the director of special projects at the Chaldean Community Foundation. Haji holds a Bachelor of Science in industrial and operations engineering from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science in manufacturing engineering from Wayne State University. Tom Haji is appointed for a term commencing May 14, 2026, and expiring April 19, 2030. Haji succeeds Haley Jonna, whose term has expired.

The Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs advises the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Governor on issues relating to the Arab and Chaldean communities in Michigan and promotes awareness of their culture and history. They also work to empower, promote, and advance the Middle Eastern American community in Michigan.

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

Native American Heritage Fund Board

Jordan Shananaquet, of Indian River, serves as Enaagdawenjiget (The One Who Looks After People and Things) at Marquette-Alger RESA. Shananaquet was previously the associate director of advancement and communications at First Peoples Fund and the education director for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, where she also served as an archivist. Shananaquet holds a Bachelor of Arts in history, cultural anthropology, archaeology, Native American studies, and classical studies from North Carolina State University. Jordan Shananaquet is appointed for a term commencing May 14, 2026, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor, not later than May 13, 2030. Shananaquet succeeds Kimberly McClellan, who has resigned.

The five-member board was created through an interlocal agreement as a result of a second amendment to the gaming compact between the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians and the state of Michigan. The board is responsible for overseeing the Michigan Native American Heritage Fund, providing grants for initiatives which promote positive relationships between K-12 schools, colleges, universities or local governments and Michigan's federally recognized Indian tribes.

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

Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority

Krista Flynn, of Ada, is the Midwest regional executive of commercial banking for PNC Bank, leading 17 markets across 10 states. Prior to joining PNC, Flynn was the West Michigan regional president for Huntington Bank. Flynn holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science in finance from Walsh College. Krista Flynn is reappointed for a term commencing May 14, 2026, and expiring February 28, 2030.

The Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority (CAA) is the seven-member board that administers Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place, and DeVos Performance Hall. The mission of the CAA is to encourage economic development within the West Michigan region, create jobs, and provide facilities for the entertainment, enjoyment, and/or benefit of the citizens in an economical manner by developing and operating convention, entertainment, and sports facilities within Kent County.

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

State Board of Professional Surveyors

Moqeem Syed, of West Bloomfield, is a category implementation manager at Ford Motor Company. Syed holds a Bachelor of Science from Osmania University, a Master of Finance from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and a Master of Engineering from Wayne State University. Moqeem Syed is reappointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing May 14, 2026, and expiring March 31, 2030.

The Michigan Board of Professional Engineers was created to license and regulate the practice of professional engineering in Michigan. The Board works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of licensed professional engineers.

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

Michigan Board of Nursing

Khanh Nguyen, of Lansing, is a registered nurse at University of Michigan Health - Sparrow. Nguyen holds an associate of nursing from Lansing Community College. Khanh Nguyen is appointed as a registered professional nurse without a baccalaureate degree engaged in professional nursing practice or nursing administration for a term commencing May 14, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2027. Nguyen succeeds Melissa Boals, who has resigned.

Katie Potter, DNP, of Holt, is a clinical nurse specialist at University of Michigan Health - Sparrow. Potter holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Michigan State University. Katie Potter will be appointed as a clinical nurse specialist for a term commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2030. Potter succeeds Taylor Long, whose term will expire.

The Michigan Board of Nursing was created to establish qualifications for nurse licensure, to establish standards for education and approve nurse education programs, develop, and implement criteria for assurance of continued competency, and take disciplinary action against licensees when the health, safety, and welfare of the public has been adversely affected.

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

Michigan Board of Dentistry

Ellen Chambers, of Williamston, is the clinical lead at Discover Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. Chambers holds an associate of applied science in dental assisting from Northwestern Michigan College and a Bachelor of Science in public administration from Central Michigan University. Ellen Chambers will be reappointed as a dental assistant for a term commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2030.

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 Craft Beverage Council

Heidi Bolger, of Thompsonville, is a partner and the chief financial adviser at Iron Fish Distillery. Bolger holds an associates in accounting from Delta College, a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Central Michigan University, and a Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University. Heidi Bolger is appointed to represent small distillers for a term commencing May 14, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2027. Bolger succeeds Sarah Anderson, who has resigned.

Dayne Bartscht, of Ann Arbor, is the founder and managing partner of Eastern Market Brewing Company. Bartscht holds a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering and economics from Northwestern University and a Master of Business Administration in strategy and marketing from The University of Cambridge Judge Business School. Dayne Bartscht is appointed as a producer of beverages that contain less than 0.5% alcohol, contain no cannabinoids or psychoactive agents, and are marketed as non-alcoholic beer, wine, or spirits for term commencing May 14, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2029. This seat was newly created in Executive Order 2025-9 to reflect the changing craft beverage landscape in Michigan.

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.

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

Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice

Jason Smith, of Ann Arbor, is the executive director of the Michigan Center for Youth Justice. Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies from Michigan State University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan. Jason Smith will be appointed as a member representing private nonprofit organizations for a term commencing August 3, 2026, and expiring August 2, 2030. Smith succeeds Bob Higgins, whose term will expire. Smith will also be designated as Chair for a term commencing August 3, 2026, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.

Hon. Namita Sharma, of Kalamazoo, is presiding judge of the family division of the 9th Circuit Court in Kalamazoo County. Judge Sharma holds a Bachelor of Science in natural resources from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from the Detroit College of Law. Namita Sharma will be reappointed as a juvenile or family court judge for a term commencing August 3, 2026, and expiring August 2, 2030.

The mission of the Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice is to advise the Governor on matters related to juvenile justice legislation and administration, mobilize communities to develop and implement comprehensive, data driven prevention services, and create a strategic plan that sets standards, determines priorities, and allocates funds for successful delinquency prevention and rehabilitative programs that promote stronger families, healthier youth, and safer communities.

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

Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board

Kyla Williams, PhD, of Sterling Heights, is a project manager at the City of Detroit and a former sergeant at the Detroit Police Department. Williams holds a Doctor of Philosophy in human services with a concentration in criminal justice from Walden University. Kyla Williams is reappointed as a person with experience handling the problems of domestic violence and/or sexual violence for a term commencing May 14, 2026, and expiring December 4, 2028.

Hon. Matthew Wiese, of Marquette, is judge of the 25th Circuit Court. Wiese holds a Bachelor of Science in political science and psychology from Northern Michigan University and a Juris Doctor from Vermont Law School. Hon. Matthew Wiese is reappointed as a person with experience handling the problems of domestic violence and/or sexual violence for a term commencing May 14, 2026, and expiring December 4, 2028.

Hon. Melissa Pope, of Troy, is chief judge of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribal Court. Pope holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Hon. Melissa Pope is reappointed as a person with experience handling the problems of domestic violence and/or sexual violence for a term commencing May 14, 2026, and expiring December 4, 2028.

The Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board coordinates and monitors programs and services for the prevention of domestic and sexual violence and the treatment of victims of domestic and sexual violence. The Board administers grants awarded under the Violence Against Women Act, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, and other governmental and non-governmental grants.

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

Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council

Detra Dixon, of Detroit, is a case manager with Neighborhood Service Organization. Dixon holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Morris Brown College. Detra Dixon will be appointed as an individual with a disability for a term commencing January 1, 2027, at 12:01 a.m., and expiring December 31, 2029. Dixon succeeds Melinda Kulasa, 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.

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

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

Chuck Aoki, of Ypsilanti, is the head coach of wheelchair rugby at the University of Michigan. Aoki has represented the United States in the Paralympic Games in 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024. Aoki holds a bachelor's degree in social studies teacher education from Metro State University and a Master of Public Policy in global public policy, U.S. and international foreign policy, and security policy from the University of Minnesota. Chuck Aoki is appointed as a member at-large for a term commencing May 14, 2026, and expiring April 30, 2028. Aoki succeeds Justin Cessante, whose term has expired.

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 Board of Nursing Home Administrators

Alethea Nichols-Taylor, of Saginaw, is a clerk at Buena Vista Charter Township. Nichols-Taylor is a graduate of James M. Bennett Sr. High School. Alethea Nichols-Taylor will be reappointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing July 1, 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.

Municipal Stability Board

Larry Steckelberg, of Leslie, is the director of the Bureau of Local Government and School Services at the Michigan Department of Treasury. Steckelberg holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Michigan State University, a Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University, and a Michigan Advanced Assessing Officer certification. Larry Steckelberg is reappointed to represent state officials for a term commencing May 14, 2026, and expiring May 1, 2030.

The Municipal Stability Board is housed within the Michigan Department of Treasury and was created to review and update a list of best practices and strategies that will assist an underfunded local unit of government in developing a corrective action plan, and to review and vote on the approval of an action plan submitted by a local unit of government.

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

Workforce Development Board

Mary Sheffield, of Detroit, is the mayor of the City of Detroit and the first woman elected to the role. Sheffield holds a Bachelor of Arts in public affairs from Wayne State University and a Master of Public Administration from Central Michigan University. Mary Sheffield is appointed as a chief elected official of a city or county in the state for a term commencing May 14, 2026, and expiring May 29, 2027.

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.

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

MEDC Executive Committee

John Paul "JP" Rea, of Washington Township, is the deputy county executive for Macomb County. Rea also serves on the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority Board of Trustees, the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transit Board of Directors, and the Automation Alley Board of Directors. Rea holds a Bachelor of Science in political science and a Master of Public Administration from Grand Valley State University. John Paul "JP" Rea is appointed to represent public entities for a term commencing May 14, 2026, and expiring April 5, 2027. Rea succeeds Bill Pink, who has resigned.

The MEDC Executive Committee provides policy direction and guidance to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation regarding economic development program and initiatives, approves the MEDC corporate budget, and appoints the chief executive officer who administers all programs, funds, personnel, and all other administrative transactions of the MEDC. The MEDC Executive Committee assists the MEDC through governance, support to enable results-based action, and advocacy for the organization and economic development in Michigan.

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

Michigan Indigent Defense Commission

Gary Walker, of Marquette, is retired after serving as the prosecutor for Marquette County and the township supervisor for Chocolay Charter Township. Walker holds a Bachelor of Arts in social science from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan. Gary Walker is reappointed to represent members submitted by the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan for a term commencing May 14, 2026, and expiring April 1, 2030.

The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission was created as a result of efforts to improve legal representation for indigent criminal defendants. The Commission develops and oversees the implementation, enforcement, and modification of minimum standards, rules, and procedures to ensure that indigent criminal defense services providing effective assistance of counsel are delivered to all indigent adults in this state consistent with the safeguards of the United States Constitution, the State Constitution of 1963, and with the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Act.

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

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