Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 10, 2025

Contact: press@michigan.gov

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the following boards and commissions: the Health Information Technology Commission; Michigan Dairy Market Program Committee; Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services; Governor's Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect; Michigan Board of Optometry; Michigan Trails Advisory Council; Michigan Infrastructure Council; State of Michigan Retirement Board; Board of Interpreters for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing; Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine; Michigan Electrical Administrative Board; MI-STEM Advisory Council; State Officers Compensation Commission; Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council; Utility Consumer Participation Board; Michigan Education Trust Board of Directors; and the Municipal Stability Board.

Health Information Technology Commission

Janée Tyus, of Waterford, is the senior program director at the Greater Flint Health Coalition. Tyus holds a Master of Public Health in health management and policy from Drexel University. Janée Tyus is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring August 3, 2027. Tyus succeeds Renee Smiddy, who has resigned.

The Michigan Health Information Technology (HIT) Commission's mission is to facilitate and promote the design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of an interoperable health care information infrastructure in Michigan.  

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

Michigan Dairy Market Program Committee

Tim Hood, of Paw Paw, is the owner of Hood Farms. Hood is reappointed as a member to represent the Michigan Milk Producers Association for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.

Amy Martin, of Leroy, is the owner and operator of Gingrich Meadows Inc. Dairy Farm. Martin holds an associate in dairy tech from Michigan State University. Amy Martin is reappointed to represent the Michigan Milk Producers Association for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.

Dwight Nash, of Elsie, is a co-owner at Nash Diary Farm. Dwight Nash is reappointed as a member to represent Independent Milk Cooperatives for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.

Eric Bleich, of Hudson, is owner of Bleich Family Farms and E & R Acres. Bleich was previously a feed technician at Michigan State Dairy and holds a license as a pesticide applicator. Bleich additionally holds an associate’s degree in dairy management from Michigan State University. Eric Bleich is appointed to represent the Michigan Milk Producers Association for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027. Bleich succeeds Kenneth Wieber, whose term has expired.

Renee McCauley, of Lowell, is the owner of Tumbleweed Dairy. McCauley holds a Bachelor of Science in agriculture and natural resources communications from Michigan State University. Renee McCauley is reappointed to represent the Michigan Farm Bureau for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.

The Michigan Dairy Market Program Committee works in conjunction with the United Dairy Industry of Michigan to promote the sale of dairy products and to educate consumers, health professionals, and educators about the dairy industry and the nutritional benefits of Michigan's dairy products.

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

Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services

Laurie Penfold, of East Lansing, is the applicant department customer service representative for Peckham, Inc. Laurie Penfold is appointed to represent business, industry, or labor for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2025. Penfold succeeds Karen Schulz, who has resigned.

The Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services reviews, analyzes, and advises Michigan's rehabilitation programs and services, and advises the department director and Governor. The Council works in partnership with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs' Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (LEO-BSBP).  

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

Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect

Claudnyse Holloman, of Waterford, is the president and chief executive officer of Voices for Children Advocacy Center and an attorney with Holloman and Holloman Legal Services. Holloman earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and political science from Clarke University and Juris Doctor from Cooley Law School. Claudnyse Holloman is reappointed as a court appointed special advocate for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.

Created by Executive Order 2013-4, rescinding Executive Order 2010-18, the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect is established within the Department of Human Services and is designed as a multidisciplinary task force for the purposes of the federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. The Task Force shall consist of 18 members appointed by the Governor for three-year terms who are professionals with knowledge and experience relating to the criminal justice system and issues of child physical abuse, child neglect, child sexual abuse and exploitation, and child maltreatment related fatalities.

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

Michigan Board Optometry

Dr. Paul Hodge, of Allegan, is a licensed optometrist practicing at Allegan Eyecare PC. Dr. Hodge has previously worked as an optometrist at Allegan Optometry and Hiemstra Optical and holds a Doctor of Optometry from Ferris State College. Dr. Paul Hodge is appointed to represent optometrists for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2027. Hodge succeeds Lisa Webb Sharpe, whose term has expired.

The Michigan Board of Optometry was enacted as part of the Public Health Code to license optometrists in this state. The Board promotes and protects the public's health, safety, and welfare by ascertaining minimal entry level competency of health practitioners and verifying continuing education during licensure. The Board also has the obligation to take disciplinary action against licensees who have adversely affected the public's health, safety, and welfare.  

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

Michigan Trails Advisory Council

Karen Middendorp, of Dorr, is the executive director of the Michigan Snowmobile and ORV Association, where she has served for 24 years, and the executive director of the State Association of Advocates for Motorized Recreation. Karen Middendorp is reappointed to represent snowmobile owners for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring January 17, 2029.

Amy Scharmen-Burgdolf, of Stockbridge, is a research assistant for the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Michigan State University, the president of the Michigan Horse Trails Association, and the creator of the Michigan Horse Trails Directory. Scharmen-Burgdolf holds a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from Michigan State University. Amy Scharmen-Burgdolf is reappointed to represent the equine trails subcommittee for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring January 17, 2029.

Robert Meyers, Jr., of Manistee, is a sergeant and recreation division supervisor at the Lake County Sherrif’s Office. Meyers is also an active ORV user and developed and administered the curriculum for ORV Officer Training within the Lake County Sheriff's Office, which was offered statewide in 2024. Meyers has previously served on the Michigan Snowmobile and ORV Association board of directors and is the current chair of the Off-Road Vehicle Advisory Workgroup of the Michigan Trails Advisory Council. Sergeant Meyers earned an associate in criminal justice from West Shore Community College. Robert Meyers Jr. is appointed to represent ORV owners for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring January 17, 2029. Meyers succeeds Michael Maves, whose term has expired.

Neal Glazebrook, of Howell, is the events director for the League of Michigan Bicyclists and a current member of the Non-Motorized Advisory Workgroup of the Michigan Trails Advisory Council.  Glazebrook earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in marketing management from Baker College. Neal Glazebrook is appointed to represent non-motorized users for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring January 17, 2029. Glazebrook succeeds Jason Aric Jones, whose term has expired.

The Michigan Trails Advisory Council was formed with the enactment of Public Act 451 of 1994. The purpose of the council is to advise the Department of Natural Resources and the Governor on the creation, development, operation, and maintenance of motorized and nonmotorized trails in the state, including snowmobile, biking, equestrian, hiking, offroad vehicle, and skiing trails.

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

Michigan Infrastructure Council

Roger Blake, of Berkley, is the president and chief executive officer of Merit Network, a nonprofit internet provider and digital infrastructure operator. Previously, Blake served as a public sector account manager at Palo Alto Networks and as regional vice president at AT&T and was previously appointed to the Michigan 21st Century Infrastructure Commission. Blake holds a Bachelor of Arts in telecommunications from Michigan State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan. Roger Blake is appointed for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027. Blake succeeds Beverly Watts, whose term has expired.

Marco Bruzzano, of Ann Arbor, is the senior vice president of regulatory affairs at DTE Energy. Bruzzano holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in mechanical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration from Duke University. Bruzzano is reappointed for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.

Erin Kuhn, of Norton Shores, is the executive director of the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission and a past president of the Michigan Association of Regions. Kuhn holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Grand Valley State University. Erin Kuhn is reappointed for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.

The Michigan Infrastructure Council was created to bring together local utility and infrastructure owners, regional representatives, finance and policy experts, and state department leaders to coordinate infrastructure-related goals and develop a long-term strategy for Michigan’s infrastructure assets. The Council will construct the statewide asset management database, facilitate the data collection strategy, and produce a 30-year infrastructure investment and management strategy for the state of Michigan.

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

State of Michigan Retirement Board

Lorie Barnwell, of Warren, is the treasurer of the City of Warren and has served in the role since 2015. Barnwell is a founder of Women of Warren and was previously a manager at Chase Bank. Barnwell holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Michigan – Flint. Lorie Barnwell is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027. Barnwell succeeds Phillip Thompson, whose term has expired.

Tim Hughes, of East Lansing, retired as a legislative consultant to the Michigan AFL-CIO. Hughes previously served as legislative director for the Michigan AFL-CIO, the Executive Office of Governor Jennifer Granholm, and Michigan UAW-CAP. Hughes additionally held roles with the Michigan Senate Democratic Caucus, the Capitol Region Airport Authority, and on the MSU Historical Museum Board. Hughes is also a member of the Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame. Hughes holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Michigan State University. Tim Hughes is appointed as a member or retirant of the state employees’ retirement system for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2028. Hughes succeeds David Berridge, who has resigned.

The State of Michigan Retirement Board was created by Executive Order No. 2015-13, and consolidated the State Employees’ Retirement System Board, the Judges’ Retirement System Board, and the Military Retirement Provisions. Housed in the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget, in the Office of Retirement Services, the Retirement Board provides oversight of the three systems that service nearly 88,000 active and retired employees.

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

Board of Interpreters for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing

Miriam Andrade Cuevas, of Grand Rapids, is the community affairs and inclusive communications manager for Corewell Health. Andrade Cuevas holds a Bachelor of Science in business management from Cornerstone University. Miriam Andrade Cuevas is reappointed as a representative of an organization that serves the deaf, deafblind or heard of hearing community for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2028.

Myles Hudkins, of Fenton, is an ASL interpreter and coordinator for the Language Service Department at Hurley Hospital. Hudkins is an interpreting instructor at Lansing Community College and Mott Community College. Hudkins holds a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Michigan-Flint and a Master of Science in interpreting pedagogy from the University of North Florida. Myles Hudkins is appointed as a certified deaf persons interpreter for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.   Hudkins succeeds Leslie Pertz, whose term has expired.

The Board of Interpreters for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing was created to help streamline the sign language interpreter certification process and advises the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs on all matters related to the certification of interpreters and the administration of the Deaf Persons’ Interpreters Act. 

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

Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Lucretia Greear, of Rockwood, is a licensed veterinarian and the owner of Woodhaven Animal Hospital. Dr. Greear holds a Bachelor of Science in pre-veterinary medicine and biology from the University of Findlay and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University. Dr. Lucretia Greear is appointed as a veterinarian for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2028. Dr. Greear succeeds Dr. Tracy Nyberg, whose term has expired.

The Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine was originally formed with the enactment of Public Act 156 of 1956. 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 responsibility is implemented by the Board by ascertaining minimal entry level competency of health practitioners. The Board also has the obligation to take disciplinary action against licensees who have adversely affected the public's health, safety, and welfare. The Board works with the Department to oversee Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians.

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

Michigan Electrical Administrative Board

Stephen Brown, of Brooklyn, is a journeyman electrician and electrical inspector serving Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, and Pittsfield Townships. Stephen Brown is appointed as a chief electrical inspector for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring July 31, 2028. Brown succeeds Edward Weaver, whose term has expired.

The Electrical Administrative Board makes recommendations for electrical code rules, grants annual licenses and certificates to qualified applicants, and makes all orders, rules, and regulations necessary for the enforcement and carrying out of the provisions of the act. 

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

Michigan Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Advisory Council (MI-STEM Council)

Gail Alpert, of West Bloomfield, is president and chair of FIRST in Michigan, promoting FIRST robotics and other programs across the state, and an associate broker with Max Broock Realtors. Alpert holds a Bachelor of Arts in business administration from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit School of Law. Gail Alpert is reappointed to represent nonprofit organizations that promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2028.

Jeannette Bradshaw, of Ortonville, is the recording secretary and registrar for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 58. Bradshaw is a 24-year member of IBEW, a licensed journeyman electrician, and the elected secretary-treasurer of the Metropolitan Detroit AFL-CIO. Bradshaw additionally serves as president of the Michigan Maritime Trades Port Council and served on the Michigan Board of State Canvassers from 2013 to 2025. Bradshaw graduated from Grosse Pointe North High School and completed her electrical apprenticeship at the Detroit Electrical Industry Training Center. Jeanette Bradshaw is appointed to represent economic sectors of this state that rely upon a workforce with education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2028. Bradshaw succeeds Christian Velasquez, whose term has expired.

The MI-STEM Advisory Council is tasked with recommending measures to ensure effective communications, collaboration, and joint objectives among state departments and agencies with responsibilities relating to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.

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

State Officers Compensation Commission

Gilda Jacobs, of Huntington Woods, is a retired legislator and the former chief executive officer of the Michigan League for Public Policy. Jacobs sits on the boards of Forgotten Harvest, Promote the Vote, The Jewish Fund, and the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. Jacobs holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master of Science in behavioral science from the University of Michigan. Gilda Jacobs is appointed for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring January 1, 2029. Jacobs succeeds Joan Bauer, whose term has expired. 

Buzz Thomas, of Detroit, is the founder of and principal at Activate Detroit. Thomas was previously a state legislator for fourteen years and served as the Democratic floor leader in the Michigan Senate and the Democratic leader in the Michigan House of Representatives during his tenure. Thomas is appointed for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring January 1, 2029. Thomas succeeds Robert Emerson, whose term has expired.

Ray Basham, of Brownstown, has recently retired after over thirty years of public service. Most recently, Basham served as a Wayne County Commissioner for thirteen years, where he also served as the Chairman of the Audit Committee. Basham also served in the Michigan House of Representatives and the Michigan State Senate for multiple terms, as well as in numerous local roles. Before that, Basham worked at Ford Motor Company for thirty years, where he served as an Employee Support Services Representative for the United Auto Workers Local 245 and on various UAW committees, including the bargaining and education committees. Basham also served in the Air Force and attended Wayne County Community College and Western Michigan University. Basham is appointed for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring January 1, 2029. Basham succeeds Paula Zelenko, whose term has expired.

The State Officers Compensation Commission was created by Article IV, Section 12 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Public Act 357 of 1968. The Commission shall determine the salaries and expense allowances of the members of the Legislature, the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Attorney General, the Secretary of State, and the Justices of the Supreme Court.

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

Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council

Iris Mehler, of Midland, is co-founder of 1in6 Support. Mehler holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in developmental education from Tel Aviv University, as well as a Master of Science with Certificate in Rehabilitation Technologies from San Diego State University. Iris Mehler is reappointed as a parent or guardian of a child with developmental disabilities for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2028.  

Alexandra Hayes, of Troy, is a packaging assistant at Terminal Supply Company. Hayes is currently pursuing an associates degree from Oakland Community College. Alexandra Hayes is appointed as an individual with a development disability for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2027. Hayes succeeds Angel Irvin, who has resigned.

Colleen Sullivan, of Jackson, is the AFL-CIO community service labor liaison at United Way of Jackson County. Sullivan holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, sociology, and anthropology from Albion College. Colleen Sullivan is appointed as a parent or guardian of a child with developmental disabilities for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2028. Sullivan succeeds Elizabeth Kohler, whose term has expired. 

Jason Reaves, of Westland, is the council liaison for the Self-Advocates of Michigan, a statewide organization of leaders with developmental disabilities. Jason Reaves is reappointed as a self-advocating individual with developmental disabilities elected to the board of Self-Advocates of Michigan for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2028. 

Ray Schuholz, of Redford, is a peer advocate at Community Living Services. Schuholz previously served as a peer advocate and local motivational speaker for Community Living Services and was chosen to be a guest speaker on the steps of the Capitol in Lansing on behalf of people with disabilities. Schuholz attended vocational school in Farmington. Ray Schuholz is reappointed as an individual with a developmental disability or parent or guardian of a child with developmental disabilities who resides or previously resided in an institution for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2028.  

Sheryl Stumbaugh, of Farmington Hills, is a resource specialist and advocate at the Disability Network Eastern Michigan. Stumbaugh holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Madonna University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan.  Sheryl Stumbaugh is reappointed as an individual with a developmental disability for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2028

Nicholas Gable, of Ann Arbor, is a senior attorney at Disability Rights Michigan. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in ancient history and languages from the University of Michigan, and a Juris Doctor from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law. Nicholas Gable is appointed as an individual representing a protection and advocacy system with sufficient authority to engage in policy planning and implementation for a term commencing February10, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2025. Gable succeeds Mark McWilliams, who has resigned.

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

Utility Consumer Participation Board

Paul Isely, of Grand Rapids, is an associate dean at Grand Valley State University. Isley holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, a Master of Science in economics from Purdue University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in economics from Purdue University. Paul Isely is reappointed to represent advocates for utility consumers for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring January 7, 2027. 

Michael Troupos, of Grand Rapids, is a vice president at Foresight Management. He holds a Bachelor of Science in engineering from Calvin University. Michael Troupos is reappointed to represent advocates for the interests of residential utility consumers for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring January 7, 2027.   

The Utility Consumer Participation Board provides grants to qualified applicants that represent the interests of Michigan's residential energy (gas, electric, and other fuel) utility customers at residential energy proceedings before the Michigan Public Service Commission. Funding is generated through annual assessments of certain regulated utility companies.   

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

Michigan Education Trust Board of Directors

Dr. Brock Tessman, of Marquette, is the 17th president of Northern Michigan University. Dr. Tessman came to NMU from Montana, where he served as the deputy commissioner of higher education and was previously a professor of political science and dean of the Davidson Honors College at the University of Montana-Missoula. Dr. Tessman currently serves as a board member of the Michigan Citizens Research Council, Innovate Marquette SmartZone, the Michigan College Access Network, the Michigan Association of State Universities, and InvestUP. Dr. Tessman holds a Bachelor of Arts in international relations from Brown University and both a Master of international affairs and a Doctor of Philosophy in political science from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Dr. Brock Tessman is appointed to represent presidents of state institutions of higher education appointed from nominees of the president's council of state colleges and universities for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027. Tessman succeeds Dr. Philomena Mantella, whose term has expired.

Peter Provenzano, of Oakland, is the chancellor of Oakland Community College, where he has served since 2014. Previously, Provenzano was the finance director and chief financial officer for Macomb County and the assistant city manager, controller, and CFO for the City of Roseville. Chancellor Provenzano serves as chair of the Michigan Community College Association and on the boards of Automation Alley, the Detroit Economic Club, and the Michigan Education and Workforce Training Collaborative. Provenzano holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Wayne State University and a Master of Science in public administration from Central Michigan University; additionally, he is Certified Public Accountant in the State of Michigan. Peter Provenzano is appointed to represent presidents of community colleges appointed from nominees of the Michigan community college association for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027. Provenzano succeeds Charles Lepper, whose term has expired.

The Michigan Education Trust (MET) is a qualified tuition program which provides tax exemption for the trust and tax exemption of earnings for contract participants who use MET funds to pay for qualified higher education expenses. The MET Board of Directors are responsible for policy development, investment initiatives, program development, and implementation. The MET Board of Directors also serve as an advisory board for the Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP). 

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

Municipal Stability Board

John Lamerato, of Sterling Heights, is retired as a municipal financial manager. Lamerato most recently served as the treasurer-comptroller of the City of Grosse Pointe Farms and was previously the assistant city manager and director of finance and administrative services for the City of Troy. Lamerato serves as president of the City of Sterling Heights Police and Fire Retirement System Board of Trustees and as chair of the City of Sterling Heights General Employees Retirement System Board. Lamerato holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Aquinas College and a Master of Arts in management and supervision in the public sector from Central Michigan University. John Lamerato is appointed to represent employees and retirees for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring May 1, 2028. Lamerato succeeds Robert Cinabro, who has resigned.

The Municipal Stability Board is housed within the Michigan Department of Treasury and was created to review and update a list of best practices and strategies that will assist an underfunded local unit of government in developing a corrective action plan, and to review and vote on the approval of an action plan submitted by a local unit of government.

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

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