Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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January 17, 2025
Contact: press@michigan.gov
Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission and Michigan Board of State Canvassers.
Michigan Natural Resources Commission
Former Congressman Dan Kildee, of Flint Township, has recently been named president and chief executive officer of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint following his six terms of service in Congress. Kildee holds a Bachelor of Science in administration with a concentration in community development from Central Michigan University. Dan Kildee is appointed as a Democrat for a term commencing January 17, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2028. Kildee is also appointed as chair of the commission for a term commencing January 17, 2025, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. Kildee succeeds Thomas Baird, whose term has expired.
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has exclusive authority to regulate the taking of game and sportfish and is authorized to designate game species and authorize the establishment of the first open season for animals through the issuance of orders.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of State Canvassers
Heather Cummings, of Novi, is an attorney and founding partner at Cummings Law Group, PLC. Cummings specializes in union-side labor law and employment rights at the state and federal level; provides pro bono legal services, including Election Day voter protection efforts; and volunteers as a cooperating attorney for the ACLU of Michigan. Cummings additionally serves as chair of the ACLU Oakland County Lawyers' Committee. Cummings holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Alma College, a master's in library science from the University of Michigan, and a Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University Law School. Heather Cummings will be appointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing February 1, 2025, and expiring January 31, 2029. Cummings succeeds Jeanette Bradshaw, whose term is expiring.
Paul Cordes, of Rockford, is the founder and owner of Pantlind Strategies. Cordes holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Minnesota. Paul Cordes will be appointed to represent Republicans for a term commencing February 1, 2025, and expiring January 31, 2029. He succeeds Anthony Daunt, whose term is expiring. The Board of State Canvassers canvasses and certifies statewide elections, elections for legislative districts that cross county lines, and all judicial offices except Judge of the Probate Court.
The Board also conducts recounts for state-level offices, canvasses nominating petitions filed with the Secretary of State and state-level ballot proposal petitions, assigns ballot designations and adopts ballot language for statewide ballot proposals, and approves electronic voting systems for use in the state. The Board of State Canvassers consists of four members — two members from each major political party — who are nominated by their state central committee, the Senate Majority Leader, the Senate Minority Leader, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, or the House Minority Leader.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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