Appointments made to the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board

Contact: Sara Wurfel
(517) 335-6397
wurfels@michigan.gov   

LANSING, MI - Governor Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Lori Wortz, John Brown, Shelley Anne Kester, Mark McDaniel and Thomas Zook to the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board.

The board plans the distribution and monitoring of funds from the trust fund among geographic areas in the state that have prevention programs.  It is made up of 11 members consisting of; parents, organized labor, business community, religious community, legal community, professional providers of child abuse and neglect prevention services and volunteers in child abuse and neglect prevention services.

"I am fully confident in the capability of these individuals to promote and inform the public on the importance of child abuse and neglect and how critical it is to prevent this cause," Snyder said. "The future of our state lies within our children's success and our continued efforts to not leave anybody behind."

Wortz, of Okemos, is appointed chair. She has been a partner of WWP Strategies for the past four years which specializes in strategic planning for public policy issue management campaigns.  Wortz previously served as partner of The Sterling Corporation and for seven years was chief of staff to former Senate Majority leader Dick Posthumus.  She volunteers at church, was a junior high youth pastor and a camp director at Fa-Ha-Lo.  She represents the religious community and replaces Cynthia Williams.

Brown, of Ada, is vice president of governmental relations at Jackson National Life Insurance Company and has been with the company for nearly eight years.  He previously served for the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Amway Corporation and the Varnum Riddering Firm.  Brown was a member of the sponsorship committee of the Children's Trust Fund Signature Auction.  He earned an associate degree from Grand Rapids Community College, a bachelor's degree in political science from Hope College and a law degree from the University of Michigan.  Brown will represent the private sector and replaces Tamara VanderArk. 

Kester, of Cedar, is owner of Wilson Kester, PLLC.  She serves as the chair of the Traverse Bay Children's Advocacy Center.  Kester previously served as the mayor and city commissioner of Traverse City.  She was a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, Downtown Development Board and the Planning Commission.  Kester earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Michigan State University and a law degree from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law.  She was awarded "Boss of the Year" by the Grand Traverse Area Legal Professionals in 2008 and named one of the "Top Criminal Lawyers" by the Traverse City Business News.  Kester represents volunteer providers of child abuse and neglect prevention services and replaces Scott Stevenson.

McDaniel, of East Lansing, has been serving as CEO of the Great Lakes Capital Fund for nearly 18 years.  He previously worked for MHT Housing, First Centrum and Gove Associates.  McDaniel's has more than 30 years of experience with community and housing development and nearly 20 years of executive management and leadership experience.  He is involved in the Art of Leadership, Boy Scouts of America and supports the Children's Trust Fund Auction.  McDaniel's earned a bachelor's degree in urban planning from Michigan State University.  He will represent parents and replace Abby Dart.

Zook, of Kentwood, has been the executive director of the Children's Assessment Center for the past three years.  He previously served as director of operations for Bethany Christian Services, director of administration for Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church and as administrator for the Children and Youth Services.  Zook earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Geneva College, a master's degree in counseling services from Slippery Rock State College, an MBA from North Central University and a doctorate in counselor education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  He represents professional providers of child abuse and neglect prevention services and replaces Shirley Gray.

Appointments serve three-year terms expiring on Dec. 19,2013, and are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

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