James E. Byrum was appointed to the commission on February 11, 2003, by Governor Jennifer Granholm.

He earned his bachelor's degree in public affairs management from Michigan State University. Byrum is president and CEO of the Michigan Agri-Business Association. Previously he was state executive director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Services Agency.

Byrum and his wife, Dianne, have two children. His term expires December 31, 2010.

Donald Coe was appointed to the Commission in February 2006 by Governor Jennifer Granholm.

Mr. Coe graduated from Cornell University and has extensive experience in international trade issues for wines and spirits. He is active in local economic development boards and industry and agricultural groups. He is the managing partner of Black Star Farms, an agricultural destination that includes a winery, distillery, bed and breakfast, creamery (Leelanau Cheese Company), orchards and vineyards, and horse stables. Black Star Farms is the 100th certified Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) farm in Michigan and has won numerous awards and recognition for their products.

He resides in Traverse City, Michigan with his wife Marylou. His term expires December 31, 2009

Ann Jousma-Miller was appointed by Governor Jennifer Granholm to the commission on December 29, 2003. 

She is Economic Developement Director for
Delta County.  She has over 22 years experience serving as a liaison between state legislators and Upper peninsula organizations concerned with agricultural issues.  Also, Jousma-Miller served as a regional representative for Michigan Farm Bureau for 10 years.

Currently she serves on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the B&B Association, and the Gladstone Community Development Committee.

Jousma-Miller and her husband, Ralph, have 6 children.  Her term expires December 31, 2011.

Dale N. Norton was appointed to the commission on January 10, 2005, by Governor Jennifer Granholm. 

Norton, of Bronson, is a partner of Kendale Farm in Branch County. A fourth-generation farmer, Norton has 2,500 acres of crops including corn, soybeans, and wheat. He also raises cattle and hogs. In the mid 1980s, Norton participated in the Michigan Agricultural Leadership Program (MALP), which provided him the opportunity to travel to China, Thailand, and South Korea to study different agriculture systems. He is also a former chair of the Michigan Farm Bureau State Livestock and Poultry Advisory Committee.

Norton and his wife, Roberta, have one son. Norton's term expires December 31, 2008.

Todd J. Regis, Jackson, Michigan

Todd J. Regis was appointed to the Commission on April 12, 2007, by Governor Jennifer Granholm. Todd graduated from Western Michigan University (WMU) with a bachelors of business administration with degree in Marketing and General Business. Born and raised in Hickory Corners in rural Barry County, he has some past farming experience. Regis is the Director of Organizing and Vice President of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 951, one of the largest retail, meatpacking, and food processing labor union locals in the nation. He has extensive knowledge of Food Safety and distribution through the various segments of his work. Prior to UFCW 951, he worked for Meijer, Inc. He also serves on the Michigan Food Policy Council, the UFCW Local 951 Foundation, is the organizing chair for Change to Win - Michigan, and has previously served on the board of directors of WMU Alumni Association, Michigan UFCW Health & Welfare Fund, Chelsea Area United Way, the Michigan State AFL CIO, and the Alpha Kappa Psi Foundation.

Regis has two daughters. His term expires December 31, 2010.

For more information about the Commission of Agriculture:

517-335-3402
mda-ag-commission@michigan.gov