Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to LSSU Board of Trustees and Other Boards and Commissions

Press Release

Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Lake Superior State University Board of Trustees, MEDC Executive Committee, Board of Accountancy, Michigan Employment Relations Commission, Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science, Michigan Board of Medicine, Michigan Board of Pharmacy, Michigan Potato Industry Commission, Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission, Workers' Disability Compensation Appeals Commission, Michigan State Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision, Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission, and the Local Community Stabilization Authority Council.

Lake Superior State University Board of Trustees

Sheri Davie, of Marquette, is the executive director for the Marquette Brownfield Authority. Ms. Davie previously worked as the Upper Peninsula district representative for Sen. Debbie Stabenow and in multiple roles at LSSU including as vice president of educational support staff. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Individualized Studies from Lake Superior State University and a Master of Public Administration from Northern Michigan University. Ms. Davie is appointed for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring January 27, 2030. She succeeds Sandi Frost Steensma whose term expired January 27, 2022.

Jon P. DeRoo, of Chesterfield, is the financial secretary and treasurer for Detroit Plumbers Local 98. Mr. DeRoo also serves as the chair of the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee and as an elected member of the Anchor Bay School District Board of Trustees. He holds a Bachelor of Science in History from Lake Superior State University and an Associate of Applied Science in Construction Supervision from Washtenaw Community College. Mr. DeRoo is appointed for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring January 27, 2030. He succeeds Dr. Mark Mercer whose term expired January 27, 2022.

The Lake Superior State University Board of Trustees is the governing body of Lake Superior State University. The board is granted the power of control and direction of all expenditures from the university's funds.

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

MEDC Executive Committee

Samuel L. Stanley, Jr., M.D., of East Lansing, is the current president of Michigan State University and a professor in the College of Human Medicine. Dr. Stanley previously served as president of Stony Brook University and as a professor at Washington University and Stony Book University Schools of Medicine. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from the Harvard University Medical School. Mr. Stanley is appointed to represent the public sector and higher education for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring April 5, 2023. He succeeds Fritz Erickson who has resigned.

La June Montgomery Tabron, of Battle Creek, is the president and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Ms. Tabron has been with the Foundation most of her career and served in several capacities including executive vice president for operations, treasurer, and CFO. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Michigan. Ms. Tabron is appointed to represent the private sector for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring April 5, 2026. She succeeds Scott Newman-Bale whose term expired April 5, 2022.

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 supports the MEDC through governance, support to enable results-based action, and advocacy for the organization and economic development in Michigan.

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

Michigan Board of Accountancy

Paul M. Balas, of Troy, is a member of the American Institute for Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Balas is a former partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers and past chairman of the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Michigan State University. Mr. Balas is reappointed to represent certified public accountants for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring June 30, 2026.

Carole L. McNees, of Schoolcraft, is a licensed certified public accountant and a partner for Plante Moran where she is a member of the professional standards leadership team. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Western Michigan University. Ms. McNees is appointed to represent certified public accountants for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring June 30, 2026. She succeeds Shelly Gower whose term expired June 30, 2022.

The Michigan State Board of Accountancy is responsible for the certification, licensure, and regulation of certified public accountants and public accounting firms in Michigan.

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

Michigan Employment Relations Commission

William F. Young, of Spring Lake, is a current commissioner with the Michigan Employment Relations Commission, appointed by Gov. Whitmer in 2021. Mr. Young is a retired former shareholder attorney for White Schneider Young & Chiodini, PC where he spent nearly 28 years representing unions, teachers, and others in state and federal courts and administrative agencies. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Science from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School. Mr. Young is reappointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring June 30, 2025.

The Michigan Employment Relations Commission (MERC) resolves labor disputes involving public and private sector employees by appointing mediators, arbitrators, and fact finders, conducting union representation elections, determining appropriate bargaining units, and adjudicating unfair labor practice cases. The Commission, supported by the staff of the Bureau of Employment Relations, administers The Public Employment Relations Act (PERA), The Labor Relations and Mediation Act (LMA), and The Compulsory Arbitration Act (312).

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

Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science

LaShonda D. Martin, of Southfield, is the administrative manager for Kemp Funeral Home. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Science from Wayne State University. Ms. Martin is appointed to represent professionals for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring June 30, 2026. She succeeds Mary Ochalek whose term expired June 30, 2022.

Vern A. Pixley, of Rochester, is the funeral director and vice president for Pixley Funeral Homes and president of SCI Michigan Funeral Services. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Michigan State University and has earned his mortuary science certification from Wayne State University. Mr. Pixley is appointed to represents professionals for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring June 30, 2026. He succeeds Ronald (Lee) Karelse whose term expired June 30, 2022.

The Michigan Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science was created to license and regulate the practice of mortuary science and funeral establishments in Michigan. The Board works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of mortuary science licensees, residential trainees, and funeral homes.

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

Michigan Board of Medicine

Elizabeth J. Gates, of Cedar Springs, is the MTSS instructional coach for Greenville Public Schools. She holds Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education English from Aquinas College and a Master of Education from Grand Valley State University. Ms. Gates is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring December 31, 2025. She succeeds Traci Ruiz whose term expired December 31, 2021.

Cassandra Jones-McBryde, of Detroit, is a housing specialist for The Ruth Ellis Center. She is educated from University of Michigan in the topic of Urban and Regional Studies. Ms. Jones-McBryde is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring December 31, 2025. She succeeds Terri Tahnoose whose term expired December 31, 2021.

Dondré D. Young, of Flint, is a regional manager for U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Relations & Policy, Business Cognate from Michigan State University. Mr. Young is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring December 31, 2025. He succeeds Paul Sophiea whose term expired December 31, 2021.

The Michigan Board of Medicine works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of medical doctors in the 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 responsibility is implemented by the Board by ascertaining minimal entry level competency of medical doctors and requiring continuing medical education during licensure.

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

Michigan Board of Pharmacy

Keith M. Binion, of Harper Woods, is the program director for the Pharmacy Technician Program at Henry Ford College. He holds a Bachelor Science of Health Services Management from Spring Arbor University. Mr. Binion is appointed to represent pharmacy technicians for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring June 30, 2026. He succeeds Cynthia Boston whose term expired June 30, 2022.

Rony Foumia, of Commerce Township, is the Michigan pharmacy area director for Ascension Health. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Wayne State University. Mr. Foumia is appointed to represent pharmacists for a term commencing August 11, 2022 and expiring June 30, 2026. He succeeds Charles Mollien whose term expired June 30, 2022.

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.

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

Michigan Potato Industry Commission

Philip Gusmano, of Grosse Pointe Farms, is the vice president of purchasing for Better Made Snack Foods. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and an MSA in Business Administration from Central Michigan University. Mr. Gusmano is reappointed to represent retailers for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring July 1, 2025.

Travis Horkey, of Dundee, is a partner with Horkey Brother Farms. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriscience from Michigan State University. Mr. Horkey is reappointed to represent the fresh potato industry for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring July 1, 2025.

Dale Johnson, of Sagola, is the president of Johnson Brothers Incorporated. Mr. Johnson is appointed to represent growers-at-large for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring July 1, 2025. He succeeds Rebecca Johnson whose term expired July 1, 2022.

Ryan Norton, of Vicksburg, is the operations manager for Walther Farms. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Western Michigan University. Mr. Norton is appointed to represent the snack potato manufacturing industry for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring July 1, 2025. He succeeds Guthry Laurie whose term expired July 1, 2022

Ryan Pelletier, of McMillan, is the agronomist and operations manager for Walther Farms. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriscience from Michigan State University. Mr. Pelletier is appointed to represent the seed potato industry for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring July 1, 2025. He succeeds Ben Sklarcyzk whose term expired July 1, 2022.

Michael P. Phillips, of Portage, is the supply manager for Walther Farms. He received his education from Western Michigan University. Mr. Phillips is appointed to represent the snack potato manufacturing industry for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring July 1, 2025. He succeeds Jon Yoder whose term expired July 1, 2022.

Mathew Skogman, of Foster City, is a member of Skogman Seed Farm. Mr. Skogman is reappointed to represent the seed potato industry for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring July 1, 2025.

Rebecca Williams, of Grand Haven, is the CEO for Central Michigan Potato Cooperative Association. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management from Michigan State University. Ms. Williams is appointed to represent shippers for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring July 1, 2025. She succeeds Matt Wilkes whose term expired July 1, 2022.

Jon Yoder, of Sturgis, is the owner and vice president of Yoder Family Farms. Mr. Yoder is appointed to represent the fresh potato industry for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring July 1, 2025. He succeeds Donald Kitchen whose term expired July 1, 2022.

The Michigan Potato Industry Commission was created to foster and promote an economically viable potato industry in Michigan by providing responsible leadership for the industry. The Commission provides leadership in disseminating information to foster the growth and well-being of the potato industry, all the while representing the interests of the industry at state, national, and international levels.

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

Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission

Bronco B. McKart, of Monroe, is a retired professional boxer with over 20 years of experience in the industry. He currently serves as the AFSCME vice president for the Monroe County Road Commission. Mr. McKart is reappointed to represent boxing for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring June 5, 2026.

The Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission is the successor to the Michigan Boxing Commission and is responsible for the regulation of professional boxing and mixed martial arts. The Commission and the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs are vested with management, control, and jurisdiction over all professional boxing, professional or amateur mixed martial arts, or unarmed combat contests or events conducted in this state.

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

Workers' Disability Compensation Appeals Commission

Granner S. Ries, of Clinton Township, is a current commissioner for --with the Workers' Disability Compensation Appeals Commission and a former private practice attorney representing employees in worker's compensation matters. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Inter Disciplinary Engineering from Purdue University and Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University. Mr. Ries is reappointed to represent an attorney with 5+ years in the field of workers' compensation law. He will serve for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring July 31, 2026.

The Workers' Disability Compensation Appeals Commission created in Executive Order No. 2019-13 handles, processes, and decides appeals from orders of the director and the workers' compensation magistrates as provided for under the Worker's Disability Compensation Act of 1969. The Commission may promulgate rules on administrative appellate procedure for purposes under the act.

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

Michigan State Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision

Michael A. Tymkew, of Charlotte, is the ICJ compact specialist for the Department of Health and Human Services. He holds a Bachelor of Social Science in Sociology from Central Michigan University. Mr. Tymkew is appointed to as the Compact Administrator for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring February 12, 2024. He succeeds Roy Yaple who has resigned.

Algeria K. Wilson, of East Lansing, is the health and equity policy advisor for the Executive Office of the Governor. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Cincinnati and a Master of Social Work from Michigan State University. Ms. Wilson is appointed to represent the Executive Branch for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring February 12, 2024. She succeeds Jayshona Hicks who has resigned.

The Interstate Compact for Juveniles 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 Interstate Commission for Juveniles is empowered to monitor compliance with the interstate compact and its rules, and where warranted, initiate interventions to address and correct noncompliance. Executive Order 2013-5 creates the State Council which will oversee the intrastate affairs dealing with the Interstate Compact.

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

Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission

Christine Callahan, of DeWitt, is the director of the office of innovative projects for the Clinton County Regional Educational Service Agency. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Public Policy from the University of Michigan. Ms. Callahan is reappointed to represent a member with a background in early childhood education and development for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring December 15, 2025.

Chioma Ejiofor, of Niles, is the emerging threats supervisor for the Berrien County Health Department. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Health from Andrews University. Ms. Ejiofor is appointed to represent local health departments for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring December 15, 2025. She succeeds Kathy Moore whose term expired December 15, 2021.

Jameela Maun, of Grand Rapids, is the executive director for the Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Aquinas College and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Cornerstone University. Ms. Maun is appointed to represent a member with a background in child and family support for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring December 15, 2025. She succeeds Trina Townsend whose term expired December 15, 2021.

April Cook-Hawkins, of Flint, is the executive administrator and community outreach director for the Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church and the owner of A & J Janitorial. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Baker College. Ms. Cook-Hawkins is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring December 15, 2025. She succeeds Joanna Kica whose term expired December 15, 2021.

This Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the Governor and the Director of MDHHS and provides guidance regarding the state's coordination of all efforts to eliminate child lead exposure throughout the state. The Commission works with the previous temporary Child Lead Poisoning Elimination Board and stakeholders to prioritize the recommendations made in their 2016 Report.

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

Local Community Stabilization Authority Council

Theresa Brooks, M.D., of Troy, is a physician and the CEO for Great Lakes Medical Specialists and a member of the Troy City Council. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from Michigan State University. Dr. Brooks is appointed for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring September 3, 2025. She succeeds Susan Dabaja who has resigned.

Scott Erbisch, of Marquette, is the county administrator and controller for the County of Marquette. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Western Michigan University. Mr. Erbisch is reappointed for a term commencing August 11, 2022, and expiring September 3, 2027. The Governor has designated Mr. Erbisch to serve as Chair of the Council.

The Local Community Stabilization Authority Council is the governing body of the Local Community Stabilization Authority, which replaced the METRO Authority, and is responsible for coordinating access to public rights-of-way and the payment of maintenance fees by telecommunications providers to municipalities. The Authority is responsible for distributing personal property tax replacement revenue to municipalities throughout the state according to specific statutory formulas.

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

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