LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Michigan Board of Architects, Michigan Blueberry Commission, Michigan Health Endowment Fund Board, Michigan-Indiana State Line Commission, Michigan Underground Storage Tank Authority Board of Directors, Michigan Veterans' Facility Authority Board of Directors, Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan Women’s Commission, Human Trafficking Health Advisory Board, Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council, and the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Board of Trustees.

Michigan Board of Architects

Matthew Slagle, of Grand Rapids, is a senior designer and director for TowerPinkster’s K-12 education division. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Architecture from the University of Colorado. Mr. Slagle is reappointed to represent architects for a term commencing July 28, 2022 and expiring March 31, 2026.

Johnnie Wilson, of Sterling Heights, is a support coordinator for JOAK American Homes. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Saginaw Valley State University and currently attends Oakland University to receive her applied behavioral analysis degree. Ms. Wilson is appointed to  represent the general public for a term commencing July 28, 2022 and expiring March 31, 2026. She succeeds Joseph Welmers whose term expired on March 31, 2022.

The Michigan Board of Architects was created under Article 20 of Public Act 299 of 1980, as amended, to regulate the practice of architecture, which is defined as "professional services, such as consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning, design, review of materials and completed phases of work in construction, alteration or repair in connection with a public or private structure, building, equipment, works or project, when the professional service requires the application of a principle of architecture or architectural design."  

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

Michigan Blueberry Commission

Eric R. Jawor, of Muskegon, is a partner owner of Jawor Brothers Blueberries. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Grand Valley State University. Mr. Jawor is reappointed to represent District 1 for a term commencing July 28, 2022 and expiring December 31, 2024.

David M. Reenders, of Grand Haven, is the owner and president of Crossroads Blueberry Farm. He has received an associate’s degree in business management from Muskegon Community College. Mr. Reenders is appointed to represent District 1 for a term commencing July 28, 2022 and expiring December 31, 2024. He succeeds Shelly Hartman whose term expired December 31, 2021

Jason Thomas, of Grand Junction, is a 4th generation farmer and owner of Thomas Blueberries Incorporated. He attended Western Michigan University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communications, the Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana where he received a Master of Arts in Mexican Literature of the 20th Century, and California Institute of Integral Studies where he received a Master of Arts in Integrative Health Studies. Mr. Thomas is appointed to represent District 2 for a term commencing July 28, 2022 and expiring December 31, 2024. He succeeds Cheryl Sullins whose term expired December 31, 2021.

The Michigan Blueberry Commission is housed within the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and was created through the farmer-initiated process outlined in the Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act. The Commission was created with the goal of improving the economic position and competitiveness of the Michigan blueberry industry by supporting research, education, and promotion programs.  

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

Michigan Health Endowment Fund Board

Elizabeth D. Boyd, of Lansing, is the owner of Liz Boyd Public Relations. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Master of Arts in Advertising from Michigan State University. Ms. Boyd is appointed to represent the business community for a term commencing July 28, 2022 and expiring October 1, 2025. She succeeds Rob Fowler whose term expired October 1, 2021.

Gilda Jacobs, of Huntington Woods, is recently retired after serving as the CEO of the Michigan League for Public Policy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Education from the University of Michigan. Ms. Jacobs is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing July 28, 2022 and expiring October 1, 2025. She succeeds Keith Pretty whose term expired October 1, 2021.

Rev. Dr. Jimmy Womack, of Detroit, is a retired anesthesiologist and a former State Representative and Detroit School Board member. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Dillard University, Master of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary, and his medical degree from Meharry Medical College. Rev. Dr. Womack is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing July 28, 2022 and expiring October 1, 2025. He succeeds Tim Damschroder whose term expired October 1, 2021.

The Michigan Health Endowment Fund Board was created by the Nonprofit Health Care Corporation Reform Act. The Fund's purpose is to benefit health and wellness through funding of programs for minor children and seniors through the state with a significant focus on infant mortality, wellness and fitness programs, access to healthy food, technology enhancements, health-related transportation needs, and foodborne illness prevention.     

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

Michigan-Indiana State Line Commission

John G. Kamer, of Eau Claire, currently serves as the Berrien County surveyor, a position he has held since 2000. He holds a bachelor’s degree in surveying from Ferris State University. Mr. Kamer is appointed to represent a licensed surveyor who is a resident of Berrien County. He will serve for a term commencing July 28, 2022 and expiring July 28, 2024.

Michael Lodzinski, of Cement City, is the Hillsdale County surveyor, a position he has held since 2005. He is also the owner of Lodzinski & Associates and holds a bachelor’s degree in surveying from The Ohio State University. Mr. Lodzinski is appointed to represent a licensed surveyor who is a resident of Hillsdale County. He will serve for a term commencing July 28, 2022 and expiring July 28, 2024.

Christian F. Marbach, of Edwardsburg, is the president of Marbach, Brady & Weaver. He is a licensed professional surveyor in both Michigan and Indiana and holds a bachelor’s degree in land surveying engineering from Purdue University. Mr. Marbach is appointed to represent a licensed surveyor who is a resident of Cass County. He will serve for a term commencing July 28, 2022 and expiring July 28, 2024.

David W. Mostrom, of Sturgis, currently serves as the vice president of Mostrom & Associates Incorporated. He received his Bachelor of Science in Land Surveying from Ferris State University. Mr. Mostrom is appointed to represent a licensed surveyor who is a resident of St. Joseph County. He will serve for a term commencing July 28, 2022 and expiring July 28, 2024

The Michigan Indiana State Line Commission was created in 2022 and has been tasked with administering a survey and remonumentation of the Michigan-Indiana state line. The committee shall recover or reestablish monuments at the mileposts and intermediate monument control points of the Michigan-Indiana state line as established in the 1827 federal survey that defined that line. The commission also shall recover or reestablish monuments at the posts originally set at or near the shores of lakes and large rivers of the Michigan-Indiana state line. The commission shall review the survey upon completion of each milepost.

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

Michigan Underground Storage Tank Authority Board of Directors

Richard Bratschi, of Williamson, is the owner and operator of the Lake Lansing Road Mobil Service, Inc. He is a member of the Lansing Township Downtown Development Authority. Mr. Bratschi is reappointed to represent independent petroleum marketers for a term commencing July 28, 2022 and expiring May 25, 2025.

Jennifer K. McKay, of Petoskey, is the policy director for Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council with 17 years of professional experience in environmental policymaking. She graduated from Michigan State University with a political science degree. Ms. McKay is reappointed to represent an individual from a statewide environmental organization. She will serve for a term commencing July 28, 2022 and expiring May 25, 2025.

The Michigan Underground Storage Tank Authority Board of Directors governs the Michigan Underground Storage Tank Authority (MUSTA). The Authority serves Michigan’s petroleum underground storage tank owners and operators, local units of government, and country road commissions by managing the Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund, Legacy Release Program, and Public Highway Cleanup Program on a sound fiscal basis.  

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

Michigan Veterans' Facility Authority Board of Directors

MaryAnne P. Shannon, Ph.D., of Sault Ste. Marie, is a retired professor of nursing for Sault College. She is a veteran medical corpsman for the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and a founding member of the American Legion Mackinac Island Post #299. Dr. Shannon earned her Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Michigan State University. She is reappointed to represent members with professional knowledge, skill, or experience in long-term care, health care licensure or finance, or medicine who represent the interests of one or more congressionally chartered veterans' organizations. She will serve for a term commencing July 28, 2022 and expiring April 15, 2026.

The Michigan Veterans’ Facilities Board of Directors exercises certain regulatory and governance authority regarding admission and member affairs at Michigan's two veterans' homes. The Board of Directors represents the interest of the veterans' community in both advisory and advocacy roles.

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

Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine

Evette Chavez, of Lansing, is currently a fiscal and human resources officer in the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion at Michigan State University. She has earned certificates from Lansing Community College and the Lansing Computer Institute. Ms. Chavez is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing July 28, 2022 and expiring December 31, 2025. She succeeds Peter Levine whose term expired on December 31, 2021.

The Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of veterinary medicine and ascertain minimal entry level competency of health practitioners. 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 Women’s Commission

Lisa K. Cawley, of Ann Arbor, is the managing director for the Health & Public Service Industry Group at Accenture, LLP. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Diego School of Law. Ms. Cawley is appointed for a term commencing July 28, 2022 and expiring July 15, 2025. She succeeds JoAnn Chavez whose term expired July 15, 2022.

Charity Dean, of Detroit, is the president and CEO of the Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance and an adjunct professor of law at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. She graduated from Oakland University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Mrs. Dean is reappointed for a term commencing July 28, 2022 and expiring July 15, 2025.

Muna Jondy, of Flint, is currently the sole practitioner for the Law Office of Muna Jondy and has run her practice since 2008. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Michigan, a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Manitoba Law School, and a Masters of Laws in Public Law from Michigan State University College of Law. Ms. Jondy is reappointed for a term commencing July 28, 2022 and expiring July 15, 2025.

D. Sue Townsel, of West Bloomfield, is the manager for pediatric oncology at Beaumont Health. She received a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology from Michigan State University and a Master of Science in Social Work from Wayne State University. Ms. Townsel is appointed for a term commencing July 28, 2022 and expiring July 15, 2025. She succeeds Whitney Gravelle whose term expired July 15, 2022.

Geneva Williams, Ed.D., of Detroit, is the chief executive officer of Dr. Geneva Speaks, LLC. She earned her Doctor of Education with a concentration in Educational Leadership and Public Policy from Wayne State University and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Speech from Morgan State University. She also has a Master of Social Services from Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Research. Dr. Williams is reappointed for a term commencing July 28, 2022 and expiring July 15, 2025.

Sabala R. Mandava, M.D., of Bloomfield Hills, is the director of the Division of Breast Imaging, fellowship director for the Breast Imaging Fellowship, and senior staff radiologist for Henry Ford Hospital. She attended medical school at Guntur Medical College in India and completed a residency in diagnostic radiology at Michigan State University and her fellowship in women’s imaging at Henry Ford Hospital. The Governor has designated Dr. Mandava to serve as chair for a term commencing July 28, 2022 and expiring July 15, 2023.

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, recommending ways of overcoming discrimination, enabling women to develop skills, conducting surveys, and recognizing women's accomplishments and contributions to Michigan.

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

Human Trafficking Health Advisory Board

Katherine A. Kogelmann, of Dryden, is the director of Easterseals Genesee Family Services. She received a Bachelor of Social Work from Saginaw Valley State University and a Master of Social Work from Wayne State University.  Ms. Kogelmann is appointed to represent mental health professionals for a term commencing July 28, 2022 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Stacy Doctoroff who has resigned.

The Human Trafficking Health Advisory Board was established to collect and analyze information concerning medical and mental health services available to survivors of human trafficking, identify state, federal and local agencies that are involved with issues relating to human trafficking, and coordinate the dissemination of information concerning medical and mental health services available to survivors of human trafficking in this state. The Board may establish a program to improve public awareness of medical and mental health services available to survivors of human trafficking in this state.

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

Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council

Aaron M. Andres, of Marquette, is the chairman of the Marquette City Planning Commission, chairman for Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress, a member of the Barrier Free Design Board, and vice president of Superior Alliance for Independent Living. He holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in public administration from Northern Michigan University. Mr. Andres is appointed to represent organizations that provide services for individuals with disabilities, including, but not limited to, private businesses. He succeeds Yvonne Fleener who has resigned, and he will serve for a term commencing July 28, 2022 and expiring December 31, 2023.

Shawan L. Dortch, of Detroit, is a special education consultant for the Michigan Department of Education. She attended William Tyndale College where she received a Bachelor of Business Administration and Wayne State University where she received a Master of Arts in Education with a focus on Special Education. Ms. Dortch is appointed to represent the Department of Education, Office of Special Education as the designee of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Her term commences July 28, 2022 and expires at the pleasure of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. She succeeds Janet Timbs.

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.

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

Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Board of Trustees

Rodney Loonsfoot, of Baraga, serves as a Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Council Member and Tribal Veteran Service Officer for Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. He is a veteran and served in the Marine Corps and Michigan National Guard. Mr. Loonsfoot is appointed to represent independent veterans for a term commencing July 28, 2022 and expiring February 25, 2024. He succeeds Edward Hirsch who has resigned.

Paul E. McIvor, of Yale, is the post commander and trustee for Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8594 and he serves as a board member for Saint Clair County Veterans Affairs Committee. McIvor is a veteran of the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam and he previously served as the Jr. Vice Commander of the Michigan Veterans of Foreign Wars Department. Mr. McIvor is reappointed to represent the Veterans of Foreign Wars for a term commencing July 28, 2022 and expiring February 25, 2025.

James E. Wallace, of Pinckney, is recently retired as the Assistant Fire Chief for the City of Ann Arbor. He is a veteran and served in the U.S. Army from 1966-68. Mr. Wallace holds a paramedic certificate in advance life support from Washtenaw Community College, an Associate of Fire Science from Lansing Community College, and a certificate of Fire Staff Command from Eastern Michigan University. Mr. Wallace is appointed to represent the American Legion for a term commencing July 28, 2022 and expiring February 25, 2025. He succeeds Barry Wood whose term expired February 25, 2022.

The Michigan Veterans Trust Fund was created in 1946 from $50 million in postwar reserve funds to provide grants for the emergency needs of veterans. The Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Board of Trustees governs grant policies and adjudication, county committee appointments, and expenditure from trust earnings.  

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