Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 18, 2025

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: Council on Climate Solutions; Natural Resources Trust Fund Board; Michigan Veterans' Trust Fund Board of Trustees; Mental Health Diversion Council; Library of Michigan Board of Trustees; Autism Council; Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health, and Sports; Council on Future Mobility and Electrification; Michigan State Waterways Commission; State Construction Code Commission; State Fire Safety Board; Electronic Recording Commission; Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice; and the State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision.

Council on Climate Solutions

Lana Pollack, of Ann Arbor, is retired and most recently served as chair of the United States Section of the International Joint Commission. Pollack also served as the president of the Michigan Environmental Council and is a former Michigan State Senator. Pollack holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Master of Arts in education from the University of Michigan. Lana Pollack is reappointed for a term commencing September 18, 2025, and expiring February 3, 2029.

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.

Natural Resources Trust Fund Board

Dr. Brandy Brown, of Kalamazoo, is the founder of Sadberry Singer, a firm dedicated to creating innovative, equity-centered climate solutions. Dr. Brown previously served as a vice president at DNV and as the chief innovation officer for Walker-Miller Energy Services. Dr. Brown also served as the climate and energy advisor for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Dr. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications, law, economics, and government and a Master of Public Administration from American University as well as a Doctor of Philosophy in interdisciplinary evaluation from Western Michigan University. Dr. Brandy Brown will be reappointed for a term commencing October 2, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2029.

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board oversees the Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund which has been in place since 1976. The Trust Fund provides financial assistance to local governments and the Department of Natural Resources to purchase land or rights in land for public recreation or protection of land because of its environmental importance or its scenic beauty. It also assists in the appropriate development of land for public outdoor recreation.

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

Michigan Veterans' Trust Fund Board of Trustees

Kimberly Napoleon, of Saginaw, is an accredited veteran service officer for the Department of Michigan American Legion and was the first female commander of VFW Department of Michigan. Napoleon is also a U.S. Army Veteran and served in the Gulf War. Kimberly Napoleon is appointed to represent independent veterans for a term commencing September 18, 2025, and expiring February 25, 2026. Napoleon succeeds Rodney Loonsfoot, whose seat designation has changed.

Rodney Loonsfoot, of Baraga, serves as a Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Council member and is a tribal veteran service officer for Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. Loonsfoot is a veteran who served in the Marine Corps and the Michigan National Guard and is a member of National American Indian Veterans, Inc. Rodney Loonsfoot is appointed to represent a congressionally chartered veterans' organization, The National American Indian Veterans (NAIV), for a term commencing September 18, 2025, and expiring February 25, 2026. Loonsfoot succeeds Carol Hebert, 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.

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

Mental Health Diversion Council

Chief David Boysen, of Kalamazoo, is the chief of Kalamazoo Public Safety. Previously, Boysen was an assistant chief of public safety, and the captain of community safety and problem solving for Kalamazoo Public Safety. Boysen holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice and police science from Western Michigan University. Chief David Boysen is appointed to represent local law enforcement for a term commencing September 18, 2025, and expiring January 30, 2029. Boysen succeeds Troy Goodnough, whose seat designation has changed.

The Mental Health Diversion Council was created in the Michigan Department of Community Health to advise and assist in the implementation of the Diversion Action Plan and provide recommendations for statutory, contractual or procedural changes to improve diversion.

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

Library of Michigan Board of Trustees

Breina Pugh, of Lansing, is the government and community relations manager for the Lansing Board of Water and Light. Pugh holds a Bachelor of Science in political science from Alma College. Breina Pugh will be appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing October 2, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2028. Pugh succeeds De'Janae Douglas, whose term has expired.

Audrey Barker, of Alto, is a youth branch librarian at the Kent District Library. Barker was previously a substitute teacher and paraprofessional at Professional Educational Services Group. Audrey holds a Bachelor of Science in economics from Grand Valley State University. Audrey Barker will be reappointed to represent public libraries for a term commencing October 2, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2028.

The Library of Michigan Board of Trustees makes recommendations to the Michigan Department of Education regarding the Library's services, budget, and proposed governing rules. The Board of Trustees also makes recommendations regarding the employment of other administrative and general assistants and employees of the Library as are necessary for the care and management of the Library, including the Law Library Branch of the Library.

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

Autism Council

Krista Orellana, of East Grand Rapids, is the vice president of growth and chief clinical officer at Acorn Health. Orellana previously worked as a behavior analyst at Glenwood Resource Center and is a licensed behavior analyst. Orellana holds a Bachelor of Science in biology and psychology from Central Michigan University and a Master of Arts in behavioral analysis from Western Michigan University. Krista Orellana will be reappointed to represent certified behavior analysts for a term commencing October 1, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2029.

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.

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

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

Nichole Fisher, of Lansing, is the executive director of mParks. Fisher holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts in parks and recreation from Central Michigan University. Nichole Fisher is appointed for a term commencing September 18, 2025, and expiring April 30, 2026. Fisher succeeds Rahaf Khatib, whose term has expired.

Bryan Rief, of Northville, is the co-founder and chief executive of EPIC Fitness Group. Rief holds a Bachelor of Science in economics from Tufts University. Bryan Rief is reappointed for a term commencing September 18, 2025, and expiring April 30, 2026.

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.

Council on Future Mobility and Electrification

Oliver Gross, of Oxford, is the senior fellow of energy storage and electrification at Stellantis. Gross serves on the Moxion Power Corporate Advisory Board, the Calix Technical Advisory Committee, and the AnteoTech Scientific Advisory Board. Gross holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Applied Science in materials science from the University of Toronto. Oliver Gross will be reappointed to represent business, policy, research, or technological leaders in future mobility for a term commencing October 22, 2025, and expiring October 21, 2029.

Judd Herzer, of Holt, is the mobility director for Michigan State University. Previously, Herzer was the director of strategic policy at the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and an infrastructure and technology advisor to the Executive Office of Governor Whitmer. Herzer holds a Bachelor of Arts in political economy and a Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University. Judd Herzer will be reappointed to represent business, policy, research, or technological leaders in future mobility for a term commencing October 22, 2025, and expiring October 21, 2029.

Alan Taub, of West Bloomfield, is the director of the University of Michigan Electric Vehicle Center and is a professor of engineering in materials science, engineering, and mechanical engineering. Prior to joining the University in 2012, Taub retired from his role as vice president for Global Research and Development at General Motors. Taub holds a Bachelor of Science in materials engineering from Brown University and a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in applied physics from Harvard University. Alan Taub will be reappointed to represent business, policy, research, or technological leaders in future mobility for a term commencing October 22, 2025, and expiring October 21, 2029.

The Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification serves in an advisory capacity to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, the Governor, and the Legislature, providing annual recommendations on changes in state policy. In doing so, the Council works to ensure Michigan continues to be an epicenter of future transportation solutions around mobility and electrification.

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

Michigan State Waterways Commission

Steve Remias, of Shelby Township, is a member of the Macomb County Chamber of Commerce and was previously the president and chief executive officer of MacRay Harbor. Remias was inducted into the Michigan Boating Industry Association Hall of Fame for his work on the state's Clean Marinas program. Remias holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in accounting from Wayne State University. Steve Remias is appointed as a representative of the marine trades industry for a term commencing September 18, 2025, and expiring September 18, 2026. Remias succeeds Erik Krueger, who has resigned.

The Michigan State Waterways Commission is responsible for the acquisition, construction, and maintenance of recreational harbors, channels, docking and launching facilities, and administration of commercial docks in the Straits of Mackinac.

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

State Construction Code Commission

Nicholas White, of Petoskey, is a retired architect. White holds a Bachelor of Arts in fine art from Ohio Wesleyan University and Bachelor of Science in architecture from the University of Cincinnati. Nicholas White is appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing September 18, 2025, and expiring January 31, 2028. White succeeds Justin Schott, whose term has expired.

Tyrese West, of Detroit, is an apprenticeship coordinator at LiUNA Training of Michigan. West holds a Bachelor of Science in actuarial science from the University of Michigan and a Master of Arts in education technology from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Tyrese West is appointed as a representative of organized labor for a term commencing September 18, 2025, and expiring January 31, 2028. West succeeds Daryl Gallant, whose term has expired.

The State Construction Code Commission was created to improve the quality of housing for Michigan residents while assisting the housing industry. The Commission may study the effect of the code, and other related laws, to ascertain their effect on the cost of building construction and maintenance, and the effectiveness of their provisions for insuring the health, safety, and welfare of the people of this state. The Commission may take testimony and hold hearings relating to any aspect or matter relative to the administration or enforcement of this act.

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

State Fire Safety Board

Sarah Glann, of Sanford, is the superintendent for Meridian Public Schools. Glann holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting and a Master of Educational Leadership from Saginaw Valley State University. Sarah Glann is appointed as a member of the governing board of a school district, public school academy, or intermediate school district for a term commencing September 18, 2025, and expiring July 15, 2029. Glann succeeds Ruth Ann Knapp, whose term has expired.

The State Fire Safety Board assists in the development of fire safety rules covering the construction, operation, and maintenance of schools, health care facilities, penal facilities, and state-owned and leased facilities. The Board assists in the operation and maintenance of public assembly and other buildings, oversight of delegation of fire inspection responsibilities, and serves as an administrative hearing body on decisions made by the Bureau of Fire Services.

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

Electronic Recording Commission

Corinne Rockoff, of Ferndale, is a senior attorney at Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone, PLC, whose practice focuses on real estate, construction, and financial litigation. Rockoff was previously a shareholder at Maddin Hauser Roth & Heller, PC. Rockoff is also the chair of the board of directors for The Ruth Ellis Center. Rockoff holds a Bachelor of Science in international relations and politics and a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Carnegie Mellon University and a Juris Doctor from George Washington University Law School. Corinne Rockoff is appointed to represent attorneys licensed to practice law in the state and whose expertise emphasizes real property matters for a term commencing September 18, 2025, and expiring January 1, 2026. Rockoff succeeds Dominic Rios, whose term has expired.

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.

Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice

Uolanda Davis-Campbell, of Detroit, is the executive director of Urban Solutions Training and Development. Davis-Campbell holds a Bachelor of Science in communications and non-profit management from Eastern Michigan University. Uolanda Davis-Campbell is appointed as a volunteer who works with delinquent youth or youth at risk of delinquency for a term commencing September 18, 2025, and expiring August 2, 2028. Davis-Campbell succeeds Maryann Sarosi, whose term has expired.

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.

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

State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision

Jayla Irons, of Lansing, is a policy advisor in the Executive Office Governor Gretchen Whitmer, specializing in criminal justice and public safety. Irons holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Michigan State University. Jayla Irons is appointed as a member representing the executive branch for a term commencing September 18, 2025, and expiring October 31, 2026. Irons succeed Aaron Sepulveda, who has resigned.

The State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision was established in 1937 with the purpose of regulating the movement of probationers and parolees across state lines. ICAOS has evolved into a powerful and adaptive tool for ensuring cooperation among the states. Its purpose is to establish and enforce regulations, provide training, facilitate the collection and sharing of data, and perform other essential tasks to ensure that supervised individuals maintaining continuity when relocating to another state.

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

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