Snyder makes appointments to Statewide Independent Living Council

LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of Kenneth Browde, of Eagle, and the reappointments of Sheila Ashcraft, of Pontiac, and Constance Kiggins, of Mears, to the Statewide Independent Living Council.

The 15-member council ensures statewide representation of citizens with disabilities.

"I am pleased to appoint these knowledgeable and committed individuals to the council, and I look forward to their contributions to the council's essential work on behalf of all Michiganders with disabilities," said Snyder.

Appointed:

Browde is a vocational rehabilitation consultant at Browde Rehabilitation Consulting LLC. He has more than 23 years of experience in the field, including positions at AVACUS Rehabilitation Group LLC and Active Re-Employment Consultants Inc. Browde graduated with a bachelor's degree in education from Northern Illinois University, a master's degree in education from Grand Valley State University and is a certified disability management and brain injury specialist. He will represent disability advocates and replaces Barbara Barton.

Reappointed:

Ashcraft is former president of Ashcraft Consulting, a company she launched to provide management services to a wide range of clients, including newspapers and nonprofits. Legally blind because of macular degeneration, Ashcraft took part in a trial run of the Pontiac Lions Club's "eBlind!," improving her ability for independence. She earned a bachelor's degree from Antioch College and a master's degree from Monteith College at Wayne State University.

Kiggins is a current foster parent and guardian for a child with developmental disabilities, and will represent persons with disabilities on the council. She is self-employed.

Appointees will serve three-year terms that expire Dec. 31, 2014, and are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

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