Great Lakes Wire

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced a series of appointments and reappointments to several state boards and commissions. The selections cover a range of areas, including agriculture, public health, disability services, human trafficking prevention, child welfare, and workforce development.

On the Michigan Cherry Committee, Juliette McAvoy of Central Lake and Emily Miezio of Suttons Bay were both reappointed to represent District 1 tart cherry growers. Mark Schilling of Saint Joseph was also reappointed for District 3. The Michigan Cherry Committee works to improve economic opportunities for cherry growers in the state by promoting their products and supporting marketing research.

For the Public Health Advisory Council, Dr. Gregory Zimmerman of Big Rapids and Kristen Schweighoefer of Ann Arbor will continue in their roles representing schools of public health and food safety experts respectively. The Council provides guidance on emerging public health issues and evaluates Michigan’s response systems.

Raymie Postema from Marshall was reappointed to the Autism Council as a representative for recipient rights within the public system. The Autism Council oversees implementation and updates to Michigan's Autism Spectrum Disorders State Plan.

The Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services will see Marisa Spain appointed as a representative for vocational rehabilitation service recipients. Laurie Penfold and Kathryn Flagstadt were also reappointed representing business interests and qualified counselors respectively. This council advises on rehabilitation programs across Michigan.

Jayla Irons from Lansing joins the Human Trafficking Commission as a representative from within the Office of the Governor. The commission identifies funding sources for anti-trafficking initiatives and supports training for professionals dealing with human trafficking cases.

Dr. Ruben Martinez was reappointed to serve on the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission as a member of the general public. This body regulates professional boxing, mixed martial arts, and other unarmed combat events in Michigan.

The Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect had several appointments: Annie Harrison (law enforcement), Stacey Goodson (parents’ groups), Dr. Alane Laws-Barker (health professional), Ivana Maplanka (child protective services), and Charles Ellias (adult former victims). This multidisciplinary task force addresses issues related to child abuse prevention under federal guidelines.

Erica Chapin was appointed to the Advisory Council on Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing as an individual knowledgeable in deafness matters. The council advises on policies affecting these communities in Michigan.

Ryan Drozd was reappointed while Jeff Fromm was newly appointed to represent soybean growers on the Michigan Soybean Committee, which manages marketing programs for soybeans statewide.

Richard Datema was reappointed to the State Boundary Commission that adjudicates municipal boundary adjustments under various state acts.

Representative Joey Andrews joins the Workforce Development Board after being nominated by House leadership. The board assists with developing strategies to help achieve statewide education goals such as increasing post-secondary degree attainment rates by 2030.

Some appointments are subject to Senate advice and consent; others do not require legislative approval according to state procedures.

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

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

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

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

###