Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 3, 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 Arts and Culture Council; Michigan Developmental Disability Council; State of Michigan Retirement Board; Early Childhood Investment Corporation Executive Committee; Michigan Women's Commission; Michigan Craft Beverage Council; Michigan Board of Psychology; Michigan Task Force on Physician's Assistants; Autism Council; State Plumbing Board; Michigan Dairy Market Program Committee; Michigan Veterans' Trust Fund Board of Trustees; and Michigan Wheat Promotion Committee.

Michigan Arts and Culture Council

David Kronberg, of Cedar, is the chief executive officer and co-founder of Van Abel and Kronberg Design LLC, a design and leadership solution for businesses and government, and the director of business growth for the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance. Kronberg is also the founder and president of Fresh Coast Light Lab. Kronberg holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in studio art and Master of Arts in education and studio art from Northern Michigan University. David Kronberg is reappointed for a term commencing September 3, 2026, and expiring September 1, 2029.

Cindy Meyers Foley, of Grand Rapids, is the director and chief executive officer of the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Meyers Foley has developed two research studies with Harvard's Project Zero and regularly keynotes a variety of museum, art, and education conferences. Meyers Foley holds a Bachelor of Arts in individual studies of the arts from the University of Kentucky and a Master of Arts in art education from The Ohio State University. Meyers Foley is reappointed for a term commencing September 3, 2026, and expiring September 1, 2029.

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.

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

Michigan Developmental Disability Council

Kristen Morningstar, of Holt, is the state bureau administrator at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Morningstar holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in accounting from Baker College. Kristen Morningstar will be reappointed as an individual representing a state agency that administers funds under Title XIX of the social security act (42 U.S.C § 1396, et seq.) and who has sufficient authority to engage in policy planning and implementation on behalf of the agency for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2030.

Joseph Bione, of Troy, is the president and owner of Whitehall Group, LLC. Bione holds a Bachelor of Science in business management and a Master of Business Administration in organizational behavior from Gannon University. Joseph Bione will be reappointed as a parent or guardian of a child with developmental disabilities for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2030.

Amanda Rhines, of Grandville, is the executive director of Disability Network Lakeshore. Rhines holds a Bachelor of Arts in music and humanistic studies and a Master of Fine Arts in acting from the New School. Amanda Rhines will be reappointed as a parent or guardian of a child with developmental disabilities for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2030.

Lonnie Barnett, of Lansing, is the director of Michigan's Children's Special Health Care Services in the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Barnett holds a Bachelor of Science in biology and economics from Emory University and a Master of Public Health from the University of Michigan. Lonnie Barnett will be reappointed as an individual from a state agency administering funds provided under Title V of the Social Security Act for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2030.

Scott Wamsley, of DeWitt, is the director of the Bureau of Aging, Community Living, and Supports in the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Wamsley holds an associate degree in general studies from Northwestern Michigan College, and a Bachelor of Science in political science and Master of Public Administration from Eastern Michigan University. Scott Wamsley will be reappointed as an individual representing a state agency that administers funds provided under the Older Americans Act of 1965 for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2030.

Janet Turner, of Romulus, worked as a developmental disability housing specialist for Southwest Solutions in Detroit. Turner holds a Bachelor of Science in economics and management from Michigan State University. Janet Turner will be reappointed as an individual with a developmental disability or parent or guardian of a child with developmental disabilities for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2030.

Francisco Gamboa, of Shelby Township, is the state administrative manager at Michigan Rehabilitation Services. Gamboa holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and a Master of Arts in counseling from Oakland University. Francisco Gamboa will be appointed as an individual representing a state agency that administers funds under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 for a term commencing September 3, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2029. Gamboa succeeds Rodney Craig, who has resigned.

Joshlyn Rasmussen, of Alpena, previously served as neuroqueer facilitator at Grand Valley State University. Rasmussen holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and women, gender, and sexuality studies from Grand Valley State University. Joshlyn Rasmussen will be appointed as an individual with a developmental disability for term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2030. Rasmussen will succeed Areeba Nadeem, whose term will expire.

Leandra Pogson, of Wyoming, is an administrative assistant at Grand Rapids Public Schools. Pogson holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the Universidad Del Sagrado Corazón in San Juan, Puerto Rico and a Master of Arts in psychological counseling from the Universidad Carlos Albizu. Leandra Pogson will be appointed as an individual with a developmental disability for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2030. Pogson will succeed Amaya Abdullah, whose term will expire.

Marisa Van Zile, of Watersmeet, is a night auditor at Northern Waters Casino and a court officer at the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians' Healing to Wellness Court, and is a tribal citizen of the Sokaogon Chippewa Community. Van Zile holds an associate of applied management in business from Gogebic Community College and a Bachelor of Science in sociology and Native American studies from Northern Michigan University. Marisa Van Zile will be appointed as a parent or guardian of a child with developmental disabilities for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2030. Van Zile will succeed Tiffany Gaiter, whose term will expire.

The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council (MiDDC) is an advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. MiDDC channels federal funds to support programmatic activities and grants to improve systems and services to help people with I/DD live self-determined and self-directed lives in a diverse and inclusive community. MiDDC also supports a statewide self-advocacy system, led by individuals with I/DD, known as the "Self-Advocates of Michigan," or SAM. SAM receives staff support and funding from MiDDC to help people with lived experiences in their advocacy journey.

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

State of Michigan Retirement Board

Jason Evans, of Mason, is a colonel and state staff judge advocate in the Michigan National Guard and the bureau chief for the Consumer and Regulatory Enforcement Bureau at the Michigan Department of Attorney General. Evans holds a Bachelor of Arts in business administration from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor from the Detroit College of Law. Evans was deployed to Afghanistan from 2010 to 2011 and received a Bronze Star. Jason Evans will be reappointed as a current or former officer or enlisted person in the Michigan Military Establishment who is a member or retirant under the Military Retirement Provisions for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2030.

The State of Michigan Retirement Board was created by Executive Order No. 2015-13, and consolidated the State Employees' Retirement System Board, the Judges' Retirement System Board, and the Military Retirement Provisions. Housed in the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget, in the Office of Retirement Services, the Retirement Board provides oversight of the three systems that service nearly 88,000 active and retired employees.

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

Early Childhood Investment Corporation Executive Committee

Carrie Rosingana, of Lansing, is the chief executive officer of the Capital Area Michigan Works! Rosingana also serves on the following boards: the Michigan Works! Association Board of Directors; Michigan College Access Network Educated Workforce Advisory Committee; Great Start Readiness Program PreK for All Action Team; Michigan Energy Workforce Development Consortium; Lansing Economic Area Partnership Executive Committee and Board of Directors; Capital Area Child Care Coalition (Co-Lead). Rosingana holds a Bachelor of Science in family community service from Michigan State University. Carrie Rosingana is appointed for a term commencing September 3, 2026, and expiring July 22, 2030. Rosingana succeeds Paula Herbart, whose term has expired.

The Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC) was created to be the state's focal point for information and investment in early childhood education in Michigan so that children can arrive at the kindergarten door safe, healthy, and eager for learning and life. The Investment Corporation was founded in 2005 and charged with implementing a Great Start system for Michigan both at the state and community level.

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

Michigan Women's Commission

Charity Dean, of Detroit, is the president and chief executive officer of the Michigan Black Business Alliance and the owner of Detroit Rosa. Dean was previously an adjunct professor at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Dean holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Oakland University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Charity Dean will be designated as chair for a term commencing October 14, 2026, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.

Dr. Tracy Joshua, of Battle Creek, was most recently the vice president of external supply chain at Kellanova. Dr. Joshua previously served as the chief procurement and logistics officer for the Detroit Turnaround Team and Detroit Public Schools and as the executive director at Bristol Myers Squibb. Dr. Joshua holds a Bachelor of Arts in business from Michigan State University, a Master of Science in engineering and global supply chain from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and a Doctor of Management in executive leadership from Walsh College. Dr. Tracy Joshua will be designated as vice chair for a term commencing October 14, 2026, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.

The Michigan Women's Commission was created by statute in 1968. The Commission's duties include reviewing the status of women in Michigan, directing attention to critical problems confronting women, and recognizing women's accomplishments and contributions to Michigan.

Chairperson and Vice Chairperson designations are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Michigan Craft Beverage Council

Rebecca Wauldron, of Ann Arbor, is the category manager of beer, wine, and spirits at Busch's Fresh Food Market. Wauldron was previously executive chef at Busch's Fresh Food Market. Wauldron holds a Bachelor of Arts in history and education from the University of Michigan and a culinary arts degree from Schoolcraft College. Rebecca Wauldron will be reappointed to represent retail food establishments that hold a specially designated merchant license and sell Michigan wines or beer for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2029.

Brian Confer, of Elberta, is the co-owner and head brewer of Stormcloud Brewing Company. Confer holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in photography from the Minneapolis College of Art & Design. Brian Confer will be reappointed to represent brewpub license holders for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2029.

Matthew Killman, of Petosky, is a winemaker at Walloon Lake Winery. Killman is also a consulting winemaker at Cool Climate Consulting, LLC. Killman holds a Bachelor of Science in plant and environmental biology from Michigan State University. Matthew Killman will be appointed to represent wine makers for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2029. Killman will succeed Robert Jacobson, whose term will expire.

The Michigan Craft Beverage Council replaced the Grape and Wine Industry Council. The Council awards grants for research into winemaking, hops, barley, beer, and spirits; conducts market surveys and analysis; and offers 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 Board of Psychology

Jill Mulder, of Alto, is the owner of Mulder Law, PLC and assistant adjunct professor at Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine. Mulder holds a Bachelor of Science in political science from Calvin University, a Master of Law from Purdue University Global, and a Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School. Mulder is appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing September 3, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029. Jill Mulder succeeds Brandell Adams, whose term has expired.

The Michigan Board of Psychology was created to work with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to promulgate rules and grant licenses to professionals in the field of psychology. 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.

Michigan Task Force on Physician's Assistants

Rania Krayem, of Bloomfield Hills, is the physician assistants' program director at Lawrence Technological University. Krayem holds an associate of applied science in respiratory care from Delaware Technical and Community College, a Master of Science in physician assistant studies from Wayne State University, and a Doctor of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Pittsburgh. Rania Krayem will be appointed as a physician assistant for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2030. Krayem will succeed Christina Hopps, whose term will expire.

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.

Autism Council

Shannon Hinman, of Saginaw, is the interim supervisor of program accountability and a compliance coordinator at the Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education. Previously, Hinman was a special education teacher at Saginaw Township Community Schools. Hinman holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Saginaw Valley State University. Shannon Hinman is appointed as the designee of the Superintendent of Public Instruction from within the Michigan Department of Education for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2030. Hinman succeeds Rebecca McIntyre, 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.

State Plumbing Board

Joel Roberts, of Fenton, is a plumbing instructor at UA Local 190. In addition to holding a master plumber license, Roberts is active in the American Society of Sanitation Engineers and is completing an associate degree in construction supervision from Washtenaw Community College. Joel Roberts is appointed a licensed master plumber who secures permits for a term commencing September 3, 2026, and expiring July 30, 2029. Roberts Succeeds Paul Kurtzahls, 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.

Michigan Dairy Market Program Committee

Jeremy Beebe, of Whittemore, is the owner of Double B Dairy, LLC. Beebe holds a certificate in animal science and dairy management from Michigan State University. Jeremy Beebe is reappointed as a member submitted by the Michigan Milk Producers Association for a term commencing January 1, 2026, 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 Veterans' Trust Fund Board of Trustees

Barbie O'Grady, of Hastings, is a post service officer at Disabled American Veterans Chapter 139. O'Grady served in the United States Army from 2002 to 2006, and the Michigan National Guard from 2006 to 2011 achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant and is also a member of the American Legion, Amvets, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. O'Grady holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice and a Bachelor of Science in geography from Michigan State University, a Bachelor of Science in geology from Western Michigan University, a Master of Science in criminal justice from Southern New Hampshire University, and a Master of Science in geographic information systems from Pennsylvania State University. Barbie O'Grady is appointed to represent independent veterans for a term commencing September 3, 2026, and expiring February 25, 2027. O'Grady succeeds Kimberly Napoleon, who has resigned.

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.

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

Michigan Wheat Promotion Committee

Carla Schultz, of Mayville, is the owner of Eight Plates Farm. Schultz is also a wheat flour sales executive at Star of The West Milling Company. Schultz holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Martin Luther College. Carla Schultz is appointed to represent District 5 growers for a term commencing September 3, 2026, and expiring May 31, 2029. Schultz succeeds Dwight Bartle, whose term has expired.

The Michigan Wheat Promotion Committee seeks to promote the production and consumption of wheat grown in Michigan and assists in the agricultural research and development of wheat products.

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

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