Great Lakes Wire

LANSING, Mich. — On August 31, 2023, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the State Teacher Tenure Commission, State Survey and Remonumentation Commission, Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council, and Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services.

Governor Whitmer’s appointees represent Michigan’s young professionals, communities of color, seniors, and more. The appointees announced this week build on her work to ensure appointees reflect Michigan’s diverse population. Sixty percent of appointees are women or people of color, and the Whitmer cabinet is the most diverse in Michigan history.

State Teacher Tenure Commission

Carl Brownlee, of St Clair Shores, is a 7th and 8th grade social studies teacher at Fisher Magnet Upper Academy in Detroit. He is the 2022-2023 Michigan Regional Teacher of the Year for Region 10. He holds a Bachelor of Science in political science from Campbell University, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Michigan, and a Master of Education from Marygrove College. Mr. Brownlee is appointed to represent classroom instructors, for a term commencing September 1, 2023, and expiring August 31, 2028. He succeeds Jeffrey Sewick, whose term has expired.

Michelle Fecteau, of Detroit, is the director of Center for Labor & Community Studies at the University of Michigan – Dearborn. She holds a Bachelor of Science in political science and employment relations and a Master of Labor and Industrial Relations from Michigan State University. Ms. Fecteau is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing September 1, 2023, and expiring August 31, 2028. 

 Leah Porter, of Lansing, is a kindergarten teacher at Wilcox Elementary in Holt. She was named the Michigan Teacher of the Year for 2021-2022. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and a Master of Arts in literacy and language from Michigan State University. Ms. Porter is appointed to represent classroom instructors for a term commencing September 1, 2023, and expiring August 31, 2025. She succeeds Cara Lougheed, who has resigned.

 Andrea C. Tuttle, of Owosso, is the Superintendent of Owosso Public Schools. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in management and fine arts from Alma College, a Master of Arts in education administration and school principalship from Central Michigan University, and a Ed.D. in education leadership from Central Michigan University. Ms. Tuttle is reappointed to represent superintendents of schools, for a term commencing September 1, 2023, and expiring August 31, 2028.

 The State Teacher Tenure Commission acts as a board of review for all cases appealed from the decision of a controlling board involving decisions on teacher tenure matters.  

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

 State Survey and Remonumentation Commission

Patrick Johnson, of Chase, is the surveyor for Lake County. Additionally, he owns Newaygo Engineering and Survey as well as Wetherell Land Surveying LLC. He is also a member of the Michigan Society of professional surveyors. Mr. Johnson received his Bachelor of Science in surveying from Ferris State University. Mr. Johnson is appointed to represent surveyors at large for a term commencing August 31, 2023, and expiring October 20, 2026. He succeeds Jack Owens whose term has expired. 

 The State Survey and Remonumentation Commission consults with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to create and distribute a model county plan that may be adopted by a county with any changes appropriate for that county.

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

Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council

Jason Reaves, of Westland, is the human resources manager for Jim’s Widget Factory. Reaves is the Chair of the Self-Advocates of Michigan a statewide organization led by leaders with developmental disabilities. He holds a Master of Human Resources degree from The University of Texas. Mr. Reaves is appointed to represent self-advocating individuals with developmental disabilities, for a term commencing August 31, 2023, and expiring September 30, 2024. He succeeds Blake Perry who has resigned. 

 Lonnie D. Barnett, of Lansing, is the division director for the Children's Special Health Care Services in the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Mr. Barnett holds a Bachelor of Science in biology and economics from Emory University and a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Michigan. Mr. Barnett is reappointed torepresent individuals from state agencies administering funds provided under Title V of the Social Security Act, for a term commencing August 31,2023 and expiring September 30, 2026.  

 Amanda Rhines, of Wyoming, is the executive director of the Disability Network Lakeshore. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Humanistic Studies and Music from the University of Wisconsin-Greenbay and a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from The New School. Ms. Rhines is appointed to represent parents and guardians of children with developmental disabilities, for a term commencing August 31, 2023, and expiring September 30, 2026. She succeeds Steven Johnson whose term has expired. 

 The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council acts as an advocate for people with developmental disabilities to increase access to appropriate treatment, services, and habilitation. The Council’s objectives include supporting and encouraging people to take control of their lives through community-wide, results-oriented action; channeling federal funds, in the form of grants, where they can do the most good; and maintaining and financially supporting a very effective system of local networking groups across the state known as "regional inclusive community coalitions," or RICCs. 

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

 Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services

Bill Ernzen, of Bloomfield Township, is the managing director for Slalom. He is a board member of the Autism Alliance of Michigan and Greening Detroit. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and International Commerce from Kalamazoo College. Mr. Ernzen is appointed to fill a vacancy representing business, industry, or labor, for a term commencing August 31, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2023. 

Jessica Brady, of Holt, is the supervisor of the Office of Special Education at Michigan Department of Education. Ms. Brady is appointed to represent the Designee of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. For a term commencing August 31, 2023, and expiring at the pleasure of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

 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).  

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

Original source can be found here.