Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the following boards and commissions: Natural Resources Commission; Michigan Beef Industry Commission; Governor's Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect; Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health, and Sports; Michigan Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee; Michigan Tax Tribunal; Statewide Independent Living Council; Michigan State Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision; Electrical Administrative Board; Michigan Board of Nursing; Michigan Board of Pharmacy; Michigan Board of Professional Engineers; Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists; Michigan Board of Counseling; Michigan Technological University Board of Trustees; Michigan Board of Nursing Home Administrators; Michigan State Housing Development Authority Board; State of Michigan Investment Board; Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards; Mackinac Island State Park Commission; and Detroit Wayne County Health Authority.

Natural Resources Commission

Trevor Lauer, of Bloomfield Hills, is the vice chairman and group president for DTE Energy. Lauer is also member of the Six Rivers Land Conservancy and Hunters Creek Club, and an avid sportsman. Lauer has served on the boards of the YMCA of Southeast Michigan, The Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, The Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Ann Arbor Spark, the Detroit Regional Partnership, the Detroit Regional Chamber, Business Leaders for Michigan, and The Michigan Economic Development Partnership. Lauer holds a Bachelor of Science in petroleum and natural gas engineering and mineral economics from Pennsylvania State University, a Master of Business Administration from The University of Maryland, and a certificate in Nuclear Engineering for Utility Executives from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Trevor Lauer is appointed as an independent for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2030. Lauer will succeed John Walters, whose term will expire.

George Lindquist, of Negaunee, is retired, and a past president of Michigan United Conservation Clubs. Lindquist is a member of UP Whitetails of Marquette County, the Big Bay Sportsmen's Club, and the UP Sportsmen's Alliance. Lindquist previously served on the Lake Superior Citizens Advisory Council, the West UP Citizen's Advisory Committee to the Michigan DNR, the Deer Advisory Team, and the UP Habitat Workgroup. George Lindquist is appointed as a democrat for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2030. Lindquist will succeed David Nyberg, whose term will expire.

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has exclusive authority to regulate the taking of game and sportfish and is authorized to designate game species and authorize the establishment of the first open season for animals through the issuance of orders.

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

Michigan Beef Industry Commission

Matthew Noggle, of Manchester, is the manager of Noggle Farms, LLC. Noggle holds a Bachelor of Science in agricultural business from Colorado State University. Matthew Noggle is reappointed as a member engaged in the feeding of cattle for beef production for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring May 31, 2028.

John Miller, of Clare, is the owner of J/C Simmentals, LLC. John Miller is appointed as a member engaging in the raising, breeding, or growing of cattle or calves for beef production for term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring May 31, 2029. Miller succeeds Monte Bordner, whose term has expired.

Justin Taylor, of St. Louis, is a facility manager at United Producers, Inc. Taylor holds a Bachelor of Science in animal industries from The Ohio State University. Justin Taylor is appointed to represent cattle marketers for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring May 31, 2029. Taylor succeeds Frank Leist, whose term has expired.

The Michigan Beef Industry Commission was created under Public Act 291 in 1972 to promote the sale of beef and beef products. The Commission, the Beef Promotion and Research Board, and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association work together in a coordinated state and national effort to promote beef and veal products in order to hold market share and increase the demand for beef and veal.

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

Governor's Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect

Ben Moe, of Kalamazoo, is the executive director of Dòchas Youth Programs and president of the Michigan Network for Youth and Families (MNYF). Moe holds a Bachelor of Arts in secondary education and a Master of Social Work from Western Michigan University. Ben Moe will be appointed to represent individuals experienced in working with homeless children and youths for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2029. Moe will succeed James Perlacki, whose term will expire.

Judge Yasmine Poles, of Birmingham, is a judge of the Michigan 6th Circuit Court. Poles previously served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Macomb County. Judge Poles holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from the Wayne State University School of Law. Judge Yasmine Poles will be reappointed to represent civil court judges for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029.

Judge Chris Ninomiya, of Iron Mountain, is a judge of the Michigan 41st Circuit Court. Judge Ninomiya holds a Bachelor of Arts in pre-law studies from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor from the Wayne State University School of Law. Judge Chris Ninomiya will be reappointed to represent criminal court judges for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029.

Matthew Way, of Mason, is the chief appellate attorney at the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office. Way holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School. Matthew Way will be reappointed to represent prosecuting attorneys for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2029.

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 consists 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.

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

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

Dr. Shan Jackson, of Genessee County, is the chief executive officer of Healthy Just Feels Right. Dr. Jackson is a certified mental health and wellness specialist and holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from Ferris State University, a Master of Arts in criminal justice from Michigan State University, and a dual Masters and Ph.D. focused on the correlation between mental health and nutrition from Michigan State University. Dr. Shan Jackson is reappointed for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring April 30, 2028.

Barry Sanders, of Bloomfield Hills, is a former running back for the Detroit Lions, a Pride of the Lions inductee, an NFL Hall of Famer, and a heart attack survivor. Sanders spent the entirety of his 10-year professional football career with the Detroit Lions, during which he was a six-time all-pro, four-time league rushing champion, two-time offensive player of the year, and the 1997 NFL MVP. Recently, Sanders starred in the documentary "The Making of a Heart Attack" to raise awareness around heart health and the importance of routine doctors' visits. Barry Sanders is reappointed for a term commencing October 1, 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.

Michigan Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee

Dr. Meghan Liroff, of Birmingham, is an attending emergency room physician at Henry Ford Health. Dr. Liroff holds a Bachelor of Arts in women's studies from the University of Michigan and a Doctor of Medicine from Wayne State University. Dr. Meghan Liroff will be appointed as a physician whose practice includes patients who are eligible for Medicaid for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring October 1, 2027. Dr. Liroff succeeds M Safwan Badr, whose term has expired.

Dr. Zain Mohiuddin, of Swartz Creek, is a physician at Hurley Medical Center. Dr. Mohiuddin holds a Bachelor of Science in biology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Zain Mohiuddin is appointed as a physician whose practice includes patients who are eligible for Medicaid for a term commencing October 2, 2026, and expiring October 1, 2028. Dr. Mohiuddin succeeds Melanie Manary, 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.

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

Michigan Tax Tribunal

Timothy Schnelle, of Howell, is a retired attorney and master level assessor (IV). Schnelle holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Michigan, a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School, and a Master of Science in professional accountancy from Walsh College. Timothy Schnelle will be appointed as an at-large member for a term commencing November 8, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2027. Schnelle will succeed Jesse Kirchner, who will have resigned.

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 Statewide Independent Living Council

Kristy Dayson, of Grand Rapids, is a behavioral health counselor at the Gun Lake Tribe. Dayson holds a Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work from Grand Valley State University. Kristy Dayson is appointed as a general public member, including underserved residents or tribal communities, for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2028. Dayson succeeds Frank Animikwam, whose term has expired.

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.

Michigan State Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision

Johanna Delp, of Grosse Pointe Park, is a victim advocate at the Michigan Department of Attorney General. Delp holds a Bachelor of Arts in media studies from Ithaca College and a Master of Arts in political science from the University of Massachusetts. Johanna Delp is reappointed as a member representing crime victims for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring February 12, 2030.

The Michigan State Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision is a formal agreement between member states with the goal of preserving child welfare and promoting public safety interests of citizens, including victims of juvenile offenders. The Michigan State Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision provides a mechanism for empowerment of the compact process, and serves as an advocate when improving operations, resolving disputes between states, and conducting training.

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

Electrical Administrative Board

Mike Baar, of Greenville, is the chief electrical inspector for the City of Lansing. In addition to being a licensed electrical inspector, Baar holds a master electrician license. Michael Baar is appointed as a chief electrical inspector of a municipality for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring July 31, 2028.

The Electrical Administrative Board makes recommendations for electrical code rules, grants annual licenses and certificates to qualified applicants, and makes all orders, rules, and regulations necessary for the enforcement and carrying out of the provisions of the act.

Michigan Board of Nursing

Ashley Anderson, of Ypsilanti, is the director of programs at Corner Health Center. Anderson holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Michigan State University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California. Ashley Anderson is appointed as a member of the public for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2030. Anderson succeeds Lois McEntyre, whose term has expired.

Ian Hickman, of Royal Oak, is an attorney at Hewson & Van Hellemont, P.C. Hickman holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University. Ian Hickman is appointed as a member of the public for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2030. Hickman succeeds Joseph Thurston, whose term has expired.

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 Pharmacy

Mitra Jafary-Hariri, of Royal Oak, is an in-house lawyer for a technology company. Jafary-Hariri holds a Bachelor of Arts in education from Wayne State University, a Master of Science in teaching with a concentration in special education from Pace University, and a Juris Doctor from the Howard University School of Law. Mitra Jafary-Hariri is appointed as a member of the public for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2027. Jafary-Hariri succeeds David Hills, who has resigned.

The Michigan Board of Pharmacy was enacted as part of the Public Health Code to oversee the practice of pharmacy as a health service, the clinical application of which includes the encouragement of safety and efficacy in the prescribing, dispensing, administering and use of drugs and related articles for the prevention of illness and the maintenance and management of health. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board including promoting and protecting the public's health, safety, and welfare.

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

Michigan Board of Professional Engineers

Jennifer Wheeler, of Livonia, is the former global lifetime warranty chief at Ford Motor Company. Wheeler holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and Master of Science in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University. Jennifer Wheeler is appointed as a member of the public for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring March 31, 2030. Wheeler succeeds Daniel Ferqueron, whose term has expired.

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 Occupational Therapists

Christopher Anderson, of Charlotte, is the chief assistant prosecuting attorney for Eaton County. Anderson holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from Trine University and a Juris Doctor from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Christopher Anderson is appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029. Anderson succeeds Gregory Zimmerman, whose term has expired.

The Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to promulgate rules for licensing occupational therapists and ascertaining minimal entry level competency of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. 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 Board of Counseling

Kimberly Hoyle, of Troy, is the vice president of strategic growth at Brinker Group. Hoyle holds a Bachelor of Arts in marketing and Japanese from Eastern Michigan University. Kimberly Hoyle is appointed as a member of the public for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2026. Hoyle succeeds Walter Harper, whose term has expired.

The Michigan Board of Counseling works to oversee the practice of approximately 9,099 Counselors across the state of Michigan. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the Board to promote and protect the public's health, safety, and welfare. The Board also has the obligation to take 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 Technological University Board of Trustees

Jen Flood is the Michigan State Budget Director. Previously, Flood served as the deputy chief of staff in the Executive Office of the Governor. Flood holds a Bachelor of Science in economics and a Master of Public Policy from Michigan State University. Jen Flood will be appointed to for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2034. Flood succeeds John U. Bacon, whose term will expire.

The Board of Trustees is the governing body for Michigan Technological University. Among their responsibilities are the bylaws for the governing of the institution, fixing tuition rates and other fees and charges, appointing and removing personnel, determining compensation, conferring degrees, managing gifts, entering agreements, and acquiring and disposing of property.

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

Michigan Board of Nursing Home Administrators

Sherry Hodge, of Flint, founder and principal consultant of Number 8 Strategic Solutions, LLC and is the former administrator of Villa Health at Beecher Place. Hodge holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Western Michigan University, a Master of Social Work from Michigan State University, and a Doctor of Health Administration from Central Michigan University. Sherry Hodge is appointed as a nursing home administrator for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2028. Hodge succeeds Daryl Henderson, whose term has expired.

Amy Sells, of Hudsonville, is an administrator at Corewell Health. Sells holds a Bachelor of Science in health care systems administration from Ferris State University and a Master of Health Administration from Grand Valley State University. Amy Sells is appointed as a nursing home administrator for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2028. Sells succeeds Paul Pruitt, whose term has expired.

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.

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

Michigan State Housing Development Authority Board

Lynda Rossi, of Williamston, is a senior advisor and consultant for McKinsey & Company. Rossi recently retired as the executive vice president of strategy, innovation, and public affairs for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Rossi serves on the Michigan Strategic Fund Board of Directors and the board of Blue Cross Complete and formerly served on the boards of United Way of Southeast Michigan, the BCBSM Foundation, and Bricktown Capital. Rossi holds a Bachelor of Arts in international relations from Michigan State University. Lynda Rossi is appointed for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring March 10, 2027. Rossi succeeds Jennifer Grau, who has resigned.

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority, established in 1966, was created to provide financial and technical assistance through public and private partnerships to create and preserve safe and decent affordable housing, engage in community economic development activities, develop vibrant cities, towns and villages, and address homeless issues.

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

State of Michigan Investment Board

Steven Watson, of Detroit, is a partner and the chief operating officer of Watson & Yates. Watson holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Michigan and a Master of Public Administration from the Maxwell School of Syracuse University. Watson serves as a board member of the Detroit Land Bank Authority, Signal-Return, and the Eastern Market Partnership. Watson is an active member of the Michigan Government Finance Officers Association and previously served as a trustee of the Detroit Police and Fire Retirement System. Steven Watson will be appointed to represent institutional investment or extensive financial experience for a term commencing November 27, 2026, and expiring November 26, 2030. Watson succeeds Reginald Sanders, whose term will expire.

When the state pension plan governance structure was changed from a sole fiduciary model to a board model, fund investment responsibilities shifted from the state treasurer to the new State of Michigan Investment Board, created within the Michigan Department of Treasury. The board is comprised of the state treasurer, who will serve as the board's chairperson, the state budget director, and three individuals, with institutional investment or extensive financial experience, appointed by the governor to serve four-year terms.

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

Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards

John Dewane, of Williamston, serves as the Ingham County Prosecutor, and has worked in the Ingham County Prosecutor's office since 2001. Dewane holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of South Carolina and a Juris Doctor from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. John Dewane will be appointed as an individual nominated by the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2030. Dewane succeeds Michael Wendling whose term will have expired.

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.

Mackinac Island State Park Commission

Tricia Foster, of East Lansing, is the chief operating officer at the Executive Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Prior to her current role, Foster served as the senior managing director and chief operating officer for CBRE/Martin in mid and west Michigan. Foster holds a Bachelor of Arts in accounting from the Michigan State University Eli Broad College of Business. Tricia Foster is appointed as an Independent for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring April 12, 2029. Foster succeeds Richard Manoogian, who has passed.

The Mackinac Island State Park Commission was formed in 1895 and is responsible for all aspects of managing Mackinac State Historic Parks. The Commission retains and exercises its authority and responsibility for developing the mission, goals, policies, objectives and direction for the unique properties under its jurisdiction.

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

Detroit Wayne County Health Authority

Alice Thompson, of Detroit, is retired and the former chief executive officer at Black Family Development, Inc. Thompson holds a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work from Wayne State University. Alice Thompson is reappointed as a resident of the region for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring August 5, 2029.

The Detroit Wayne County Health Authority was established in 2003, with the recommendation of the Wayne County Stabilization Work Group, in response to clear indications of a health care safety net crisis in Detroit and Wayne County. The Health Authority was created by an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Detroit, the County of Wayne, and the Michigan Department of Community health under the Urban Cooperation Act of 1967. The agreement enables the Health Authority to serve the needs of the uninsured and underinsured in Detroit and Wayne County.

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

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