Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 12, 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: Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission; Autism Council; Michigan Citizen-Community Emergency Response Coordinating Council (MCCERCC); Michigan Public Schools Employee Retirement Systems (MPSERS) Board; Michigan Workforce Development Board; Public Health Advisory Council; Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services; Michigan Board of Massage Therapy; Michigan Task Force on Physician's Assistants; Michigan Arts and Culture Council; and Michigan Historical Commission.

Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission

Michael Vollick, of Farmington Hills, is an environmental manager at the Michigan Statewide Housing Development Authority. Vollick holds a Bachelor of Science in earth science from Michigan State University. Michael Vollick is appointed as the designee of the executive director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority for a term commencing October 12, 2026, and expiring at the pleasure of the governor. Vollick succeeds Gary Heidel, who has resigned.

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.

Autism Council

Renee Campbell, of Grand Ledge, is a senior deputy director at the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services. Campbell holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Michigan State University. Renee Campbell is appointed to represent the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services for a term commencing October 12, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2029. Campbell succeeds Emily DeLaGarza, whose term has expired.

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 Citizen-Community Emergency Response Coordinating Council (MCCERCC)

Theresa Metzmaker, of Lansing, is the executive director of the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition. Metzmaker holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from Michigan State University. Theresa Metzmaker will be reappointed to represent individuals with technical expertise related to emergency response for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2030.

The MCCERCC assists in developing, maintaining, implementing and supporting and promoting emergency response principles, strategies, and practices within governmental agencies and private sector organizations in Michigan.

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

Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS) Board

Leslie Bailey-Leonard, of Port Huron, is a counseling secretary at Marysville Public Schools. Bailey-Leonard is the president of her MEA local, an elected member of the National Education Association Regional Assembly, and a member of the Southside Neighborhood Improvement Authority for the City of Port Huron. Bailey-Leonard attended St Clair County Community College. Leslie Bailey-Leonard is appointed to represent active or retired noncertified educational support positions for a term commencing October 12, 2026, and expiring March 30, 2029. Bailey-Leonard succeeds Elizabeth Eastway, who has resigned.

The Michigan Public School Employees' Retirement System (MPSERS) Board is responsible for general oversight of retirement, survivor, and disability benefits to employees in public school districts, intermediate school districts, community colleges and certain universities.

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

Michigan Workforce Development Board

Rashida Patterson, of Farmington Hills, is the vice president of global talent acquisition and diversity for Lear Corporation. Prior to her current role, Patterson held several leadership roles at Lear Corporation in human resources and diversity, including chief diversity officer and director of talent management. Patterson previously served as the director of workforce development and education at Focus: HOPE and, prior to that, spent over a decade with Chrysler LLC, holding positions in engineering, advanced technology, and public policy. Patterson serves on the Michigan Mobility and Talent Consortium, the Detroit Mayor's Workforce Development Board, and is the secretary and an executive committee member for Forgotten Harvest. Patterson holds a Bachelor of Science from Michigan State University, a Master of Science in mechanical engineering from Oakland University, and a Master of Business Administration from Wayne State University. Rashida Patterson is appointed as a member representing business for a term commencing October 12, 2026, and expiring May 29, 2029. Patterson succeeds Bilal Hammoud, who has resigned.

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.

Public Health Advisory Council

Dr. Rebecca Bean, of East Lansing, is the lead veterinarian at Banfield Okemos. Dr. Bean also serves as a part-time veterinary surgeon with One Cat and Community Cats of Benzie County, and as a volunteer with the Capitol Area Humane Society. Dr. Bean holds a Bachelor of Science in animal science from Michigan State University as well as a Doctor of Philosophy in molecular biology and genetics and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. Dr. Rebecca Bean will be appointed to represent veterinarians for a term commencing November 2, 2026, and expiring November 1, 2030. Dr. Bean will succeed Nancy Barr, 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 is tasked with developing 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

James Willis, of Madison Heights, is the executive vice president and chief operating officer of Gesher Human Services. Willis holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Michigan State University and a Master of Social Work from Wayne State University. James Willis will be reappointed to represent business, industry, or labor for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2029.

Karen Wang, of Northville, is a transition specialist for the Michigan Alliance for Families. Additionally, Wang was previously a diversity, equity and inclusion committee member for the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan and past treasurer for the Northville High School PTSA. Wang holds a Bachelor of Arts in classics from Cornell University and a Master of Arts in classical studies from the University of Michigan. Karen Wang will be reappointed as a member representing parent training and information centers established under Section 671 of the individuals with Disabilities Education Act for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2029.

Jonathan Bischoff, of Lake Orion, is the chief operating officer at New Horizons Rehabilitation Services, Inc. Bischoff was previously a vocational rehabilitation specialist for the State of Michigan - Michigan Rehabilitation Services. Bischoff is a certified rehabilitation counselor and a licensed professional counselor. Bischoff holds an associate's degree in accounting from Baker College of Auburn Hills, a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Michigan State University, and a Master of Arts in rehabilitation counseling in Michigan State University. Jonathan Bischoff will be reappointed as a member representing community rehabilitation program service providers for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2029.

Marisa Spain, of Westland, is an employment advocate at Disability Rights Michigan. Spain was previously a policy research assistant for the City of Detroit and a testing accommodations specialist at the University of Michigan. Spain holds a Bachelor of Science in integrative biology from Michigan State University and a Master of Science in biology from the University of North Florida. Marissa Spain will be reappointed 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).

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

Michigan Board of Massage Therapy

Nikki Thompkins, of Warren, is the director of finance for Ignite Social Media. Thompkins holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Oakland University and a Master of Business Administration from Grand Canyon University. Nikki Thompkins is appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing October 12, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2028. Thompkins succeeds Amanda Corley, who has resigned.

The Michigan Board of Massage Therapy was created to regulate the application of a system of structured touch, pressure, movement, and holding to the soft tissue of the human body in which the primary intent is to enhance or restore the health and well-being of the client. The Board of Massage Therapy consists of 11 members: 7 massage therapists and 4 public members. Each member serves 4-year terms.

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

Michigan Task Force on Physician's Assistants

Charlotte Bradley, of Detroit, is a project manager at Coric Industries and PMI Institute. Bradley is also the owner of CSB Business Consulting. Bradley holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University. Charlotte Bradley is appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing October 12, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2027. Bradley succeeds Melissa Usiak, whose term has expired.

The Michigan Task Force on Physician's Assistants works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory affairs to oversee the practice of physician's assistants in this 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 appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Michigan Arts and Culture Council

Sue St. Onge, of St. Ignace, is a member of the board of directors of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and served as a youth services coordinator for the tribe for 23 years. St. Onge is also a theater coach for St. Ignace Area schools, supports indigenous mural initiatives in St. Ignace, and teaches traditional art and culture. St. Onge holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and history from the University of Michigan and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Phoenix. Sue St. Onge is appointed for a term commencing October 12, 2026, and expiring September 1, 2029. St. Onge succeeds Darryl Brown, 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.

Michigan Historical Commission

Jamon Jordan, of Detroit, is a public historian and serves as the City of Detroit's first official historian. Jordan is also a lecturer with the University of Michigan's Semester in Detroit program. Jordan holds a Bachelor of Science in Black americana studies and sociology from Western Michigan University. Jamon Jordan is appointed for a term commencing October 12, 2026, and expiring May 21, 2028. Jordan succeeds Nubia Wardford Polk, who has resigned.

The Michigan Historical Commission was established in 1913 and advises the director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources on the museum, archival and other programs of the Michigan Historical Center. It approves Michigan Historical Markers and each year; the Michigan Historical Commission presents the Governor John B. Swainson Award to state and local government employees who do not work in the field of history but have made exceptional contributions to preserving and interpreting the stories of Michigan's past.

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

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