Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

Judicial Tenure Commission

Siham Awada Jaafar, of Dearborn Heights, is the president and CEO of 3D Consulting and Communications. She is also the president of the Wayne County Dispute Resolution Center and the founder and producer of the Images and Perceptions Diversity Conference. Ms. Awada Jaafar holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations and communication from Wayne State University and a civil litigation mediation certificate from the University of Detroit School of Law. Ms. Awada Jaafar is appointed to represent a general public member appointed by the Governor for a term commencing January 17, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022. She succeeds Melissa Spickler whose term expired December 31, 2019.

The Judicial Tenure Commission serves to promote the integrity of the judicial process and preserve public confidence in the courts. The Commission strives to hold state judges, magistrates, and referees accountable for their misconduct without jeopardizing or compromising the essential independence of the judiciary. The basis for Commission action is a violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct or Rules of Professional Conduct, which are published with the Michigan Rules of Court.

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

Michigan State Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision

Jayshona Hicks, of Southfield, is the Governor’s policy advisor on safety, security, and justice. Ms. Hicks is appointed as a representative of the Executive Branch, for a term commencing February 13, 2020 and expiring February 12, 2024. She succeeds Cheri Arwood whose term expires February 12, 2020.

Roy Yaple, of Brighton, is the compact administrator for the Council under the Department of Health and Human Services. Mr. Yaple is reappointed as the compact administrator for a term commencing February 13, 2020 and expiring February 12, 2024.

The Interstate Compact for Juveniles is a formal agreement between member states with the goal of preserving child welfare and promoting public safety interests of citizens, including victims of juvenile offenders. The Interstate Commission for Juveniles is empowered to monitor compliance with the interstate compact and its rules, and where warranted, initiate interventions to address, and correct noncompliance. Executive Order No. 2013-5, created the State Council which will oversee the intrastate affairs dealing with the Interstate Compact. The Council provides a mechanism for empowerment of the compact process, and serves as an advocate when improving operations, resolving disputes between states, and conducting training. One of the primary responsibilities of the State Council is to recommend changes to compact rules or make comments on proposed rules.

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

Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services

Mikyia S. Aaron, of Taylor, is the general counsel and external business affairs director for Laborers International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 1191. Ms. Aaron serves as an appointed delegate to Metro Detroit AFL-CIO’s Labor Council. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Ms. Aaron is appointed to represent business, industry, or labor, for a term commencing January 17, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2020. She succeeds Ed Benning whose term expired December 31, 2017.

Elizabeth K. Abdnour, of Lansing, is the founder and principal attorney for her private practice, Elizabeth K. Abdnour, Esq., PLLC. Ms. Abdnour is a cooperating attorney for the ACLU of Michigan and the board secretary for the Firecracker Foundation. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from the New York University School of Law. Ms. Abdnour is appointed to represent business, industry, or labor, for a term commencing January 17, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2021. She succeeds Anne Riddering whose term expired December 31, 2018.

Myrtel E. Brown, of Flint, is the president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 188 and mental health support personnel for Michigan Community Services, Inc. Mrs. Brown is appointed to represent business, industry, or labor, for a term commencing January 17, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2021. She succeeds Steve Perdue whose term expired December 31, 2018.

Karen T. Schulz, of Lansing, is the director of member services for the Michigan Education Special Services Association (MESSA) and a volunteer coach with the Miracle League of Mid-Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Central Michigan University. Mrs. Schulz is appointed to represent business, industry, or labor, for a term commencing January 17, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022. She succeeds Michael Miller whose term expired December 31, 2019.

The Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services reviews, analyzes, and advises Michigan’s rehabilitation programs and services. The Council works to improve public vocational rehabilitation services delivered by the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) and Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS).

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

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Task Force

Michael Heise, of Sault Ste. Marie, is the president and CEO of Cloverland Electric Cooperative. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Toledo. Mr. Heise is appointed to represent a member who is knowledgeable about the operation of public utilities, who represents public utilities in the Upper Peninsula, and is nominated by the chairman of the Public Service Commission, for a term commencing January 17, 2020 and expiring July 31, 2021. He succeeds Thomas Harrell who has resigned.

Justin L. Morren, of China, is the plant director for the DTE Blue Water Energy Center. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University. Mr. Morren is appointed to represent a member who is knowledgeable about the operation of public utilities, who represents public utilities in the Lower Peninsula, and is nominated by the chairman of the Public Service Commission, for a term commencing January 17, 2020 and expiring July 31, 2021. He succeeds Andrew Bordine who has resigned.

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Task Force was created to develop statewide policy recommendations on the operation, use, and regulation of unmanned aircraft systems in this state.

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