FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 24, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Board and Commissions

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Board of Boiler Rules, State Fire Safety Board, Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee, Michigan Truck Safety Commission, Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, Health Information Technology Commission, Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, MSU-CIBER Advisory Board, Committee on the Purchase of Goods and Services from Community Rehabilitation Organizations, and the Chair of the Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs.

Board of Boiler Rules

Donald L. Kronewitter, of Ionia, is the HVAC skilled trades supervisor for Michigan State University. He is a licensed boiler installer, mechanical contractor, builder, and plumbing contractor. Mr. Kronewitter is reappointed to represent owners and users of boilers in this state for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring July 30, 2025.

Glenn F. Glidden, of Paw Paw, is a mechanical engineer for Byce & Associates Inc. He received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Western Michigan University. Mr. Glidden is reappointed to represent consulting engineers in this state who have boiler experience for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring July 30, 2025.

Nicholas P. Kammer, of Armada, is a performance manager for DTE Energy. He received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. Mr. Kammer is appointed to represent owners and users of boilers in this state for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring July 30, 2025. He succeeds Ryan Randazzo whose term expired July 31, 2021.

The Board of Boiler Rules was created to prescribe uniform rules for boilers; provide for the licensing of boiler inspectors, installers, and repairers; set fees for licenses, permits, inspections, and certificates; and to provide penalties for violation of the act.

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

State Fire Safety Board

Timothy M. Dockerty, of Berrien Springs, is the CEO of Dockerty Health Care Services, Inc. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Western Michigan University and his Master of Business Administration from University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Mr. Dockerty is appointed to represent persons who own adult foster care facilities for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring July 15, 2025. He succeeds Lindsey Haley whose term expired July 15, 2021.

Ruth Ann Knapp, of Saginaw, is the president of the Saginaw Board of Education and a retired elementary school music teacher. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education and Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Idaho and Master of Education from Central Michigan University. Ms. Knapp is appointed to represent members of the governing board of a school district, public school academy, or intermediate school district, for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring July 15, 2025. She succeeds Tina Kerr whose term expired July 15, 2021.

Richard S. Prestage, of St. Louis, is the vice president of facilities and capitals at Nexcare Wellbridge. He is the assistant chief of the Mid-Michigan Community Fire Department and a board member with the Health Care Association of Michigan. Mr. Prestage is appointed to represent the nursing home industry for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring July 15, 2025. He succeeds Paul Korte whose term expired July 15 2021.

Robert A. Williams, III, of Dexter, is the business agent for Sprinkler Fitters Local 704. He completed an apprenticeship with Sprinkler Fitters Local 704 and previously worked as a Journeyman Sprinkler Fitter. Mr. Williams is reappointed to represent building trades for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring July 15, 2025.

Ora E. Wolf, of Allen Park, is a manager with Phantom Fireworks. He received his Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Ohio State University and Master of Business Administration from Capital University. Mr. Wolf is appointed to represent flammable liquids industry for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring July 15, 2025. He succeeds Kenneth Letts whose term expired July 15, 2021.

The State Fire Safety Board assists in the development of fire safety rules covering the construction, operation, and maintenance of schools, health care facilities, penal facilities, and state-owned and leased facilities. The Board assists in the operation and maintenance of public assembly and other buildings, oversight of delegation of fire inspection responsibilities, and serves as an administrative hearing body on decisions made by the Bureau of Fire Services.

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

Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee

John P. Burk, of Bay City, is the owner of Burk Farms. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural technology and a master’s degree in crop and soil sciences from Michigan State University. Mr. Burk is appointed to represent District 5 growers for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring September 23, 2024. He succeeds Michael Sahr whose term expires September 24, 2021.

Peter Crawford, of Dansville, is the owner of Crawford Farms. He studied soil and chemical technology at Michigan State University. Mr. Crawford is reappointed to represent District 2 growers for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring September 23, 2024.

Scott L. Wilson, of Lexington, is a partner with Wilson Farms, LLC. He received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Central Michigan University. Mr. Wilson is appointed to represent District 4 growers for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring September 23, 2024. He succeeds Dennis Gardner whose term expires on September 24, 2021.

The Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee develops procedures relating to the soybean marketing program and recommends amendments to the marketing program. The Committee prepares the estimated budget required for the proper operation of the marketing program, develops methods for collecting and auditing the assessments, and collects and assembles information and data necessary for proper administration of the marketing program.

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

Michigan Truck Safety Commission

Jeremy M. Burleson, of South Haven, is the director of regional campuses at Lake Michigan College. He received his Bachelor of Science in Education from Central Michigan University and Master of Liberal Studies from Fort Hays State University. Mr. Burleson is appointed to represent Michigan community colleges for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring August 4, 2023. He succeeds Michelle Taylor whose term expired August 4, 2021.

Randy L. Coplin, of Litchfield, is retired from the Michigan Department of State Police where he served as assistant commander and inspector. He received his Bachelor of Science in Criminalistics from Michigan State University. Mr. Coplin is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring August 4, 2023.

Carol M. Heinowski, of Grand Ledge, is the logistics, safety, and compliance manager at Meijer. She received her Bachelor of Arts in General Business Administration from Michigan State University. Mrs. Heinowski is reappointed to represent private motor carriers for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring August 4, 2023.

Matthew B. Hitchcock, of Williamston, is the owner and CEO of MBH Trucking, LLC and owner and president of Chloride Solutions, LLC. He is the chairman and former president of the Michigan Trucking Association. Mr. Hitchcock is appointed to represent the Michigan Trucking Association for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring August 4, 2023. He succeeds the late Gregory Causley.

Kim W. Kelly, of Dimondale, is retired from the  Michigan State Police Office of Highway Safety Planning where she served as an accountant manager. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Kentucky. Ms. Kelly is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring August 4, 2023.

Jeffrey T. Lee, of Canton, is a trustee and business agent with the Teamsters Local 337. He is a veteran of the United States Navy and a former truck driver with Kellogg’s. Mr. Lee is reappointed to represent organized labor for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring August 4, 2023.

Jeremy J. Worm, Ph.D., of Ahmeek, is the associate director of APS Labs and director of Mobile Lab at Michigan Technological University. He received his Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. Dr. Worm is reappointed to represent 4-year colleges or universities for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring August 4, 2023.

The Michigan Truck Safety Commission (MTSC) is the only organization in the nation dedicated to commercial truck driver education and training supported solely by the industry it serves. The Commission is committed to enhancing truck and truck driver safety by providing truck driver education and training, heightening all drivers’ awareness of the operational characteristics and limitations of trucks, initiating data collection and research, and supporting enforcement of motor carrier safety laws.

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

Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs

Deborah E. Mikula, of Howell, is the executive director of the Michigan Library Association. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Michigan State University and a graduate certificate in arts management from American University. Ms. Mikula is reappointed for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring September 1, 2024.

Amy E. Spadafore, of Saginaw, is the managing director at Pit & Balcony Theatre and the founder and programs committee member of the Cultural Advocacy Network of Michigan. She received her Bachelor of Science in Arts Management from Western Michigan University. Ms. Spadafore is appointed for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring September 1, 2024. She succeeds Xavier Verna whose term expired September 1, 2021.

Rhonda Welsh, of Troy, is the executive director of Detroit Outreach at Central Michigan University and a teaching artist with the Pop-up Coterie in Detroit. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English and Master of Public Relations and Organizational Communication from Wayne State University. Ms. Welsh is appointed for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring September 1, 2024. She succeeds Rick Treur whose term expired September 1, 2021.

Germaine Williams, Ph.D., of Detroit, is the vice president for development at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. He received his Ph.D. in History from Carnegie Mellon University, Master of Arts in Nonprofit Arts Management from Carnegie Mellon University, and Bachelor of Arts in History from Morehouse College. Mr. Williams is appointed for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring September 1, 2024. He succeeds Omari Rush whose term expired September 1, 2021.

Kate E. Yancho, of Kalamazoo, is the executive director of Wellspring/Cori Terry & Dancers. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance from Kent State University and Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Ohio State University. Ms. Yancho is appointed for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring September 1, 2024. She succeeds Tyler Rossmaessler whose term expired on September 1, 2021.

Gretchen L. Gonzales Davidson, of Birmingham, is a musician and the owner of El Studio 444 LLC. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science from Michigan State University. Mrs. Gonzales Davidson was appointed to the Council in 2019. The Governor has designated her to serve as Chair of the Council.

The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs serves to encourage, develop, and facilitate an enriched environment of creative and cultural activity in Michigan. The Council envisions a Michigan where every citizen celebrates the state’s cultural treasures and arts and cultural experiences are accessible to all its citizens.

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

Health Information Technology Commission

Norman Beauchamp, Jr., M.D., of East Lansing, is the executive vice president for health sciences at Michigan State University. He received his Bachelor of Science in Biology, Doctor of Medicine from Michigan State University, and Master of Public Health from The John Hopkins School of Public Health. Dr. Beauchamp is reappointed to represent schools of medicine in Michigan for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring August 3, 2025.

Camille P. Walker Banks, of Southfield, is the executive director of NPower Michigan. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Master of Urban Planning from Wayne State University. Ms. Walker Banks is appointed to represent purchasers or employers for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring August 3, 2025. She succeeds Patricia Rinvelt whose term expired August 3, 2021.

Heather M. Wilson, of Pinckney, is the senior director of revenue cycle mid-service at the University of Michigan. She received her Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management from Ferris State University and Master of Public Health from the University of Michigan. Ms. Wilson is appointed to represent hospitals for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring August 3, 2025. She succeeds Jonathan Kufahl whose term expired August 3, 2021.

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.

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

Michigan Indigent Defense Commission

Robert J. VerHeulen, of Walker, is the district director for the 28th Senate District and a former state representative for the 74th House District. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Michigan and Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University. Mr. VerHeulen is appointed to represent members submitted by the Speaker of the House of Representatives for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring April 1, 2025. He succeeds Joseph Haveman whose term expired April 1, 2021.

The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission was created as a result of efforts to improve legal representation for indigent criminal defendants. The Commission develops and oversees the implementation, enforcement, and modification of minimum standards, rules, and procedures to ensure that indigent criminal defense services providing effective assistance of counsel are delivered to all indigent adults in this state consistent with the safeguards of the United States Constitution, the State Constitution of 1963, and with the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Act.

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

MSU-CIBER Advisory Board

Natalie R. Chmiko, of Lansing, is the vice president of Pure Michigan Business Connect and International Trade for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration from Saginaw Valley State University. Ms. Chmiko is reappointed for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.

In order for MSU to be eligible for a CIBER grant through the U.S. Department of Education, MSU shall establish a center advisory council which will conduct extensive planning prior to the establishment of a center concerning the scope of the center’s activities and the design of its programs and advise the center on activities going forward. One member of the Board is appointed by the Governor.

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

Committee on the Purchase of Goods and Services from Community Rehabilitation Organizations

Melissa Potter, of DeWitt, is a rehabilitation consultant for the innovation and special programs division at Michigan Rehabilitation Services. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Michigan State University and Master of Science in Vocational Rehabilitation from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Ms. Potter is appointed to represent Michigan Rehabilitation Services for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring March 31, 2022. She succeeds Karsten Bekemeier who has resigned.

The Committee on the Purchase of Goods and Services from Community Rehabilitation Organizations was designed to oversee the purchase of goods and services from community rehabilitation organizations by identifying, reviewing, and recommending approval or disapproval to the state administrative board requests from community rehabilitation organizations to provide goods and services for purchase by the Department of Technology, Management and Budget.

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

Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs Chair

Suzanne K. Sukkar, of Ypsilanti, is a member at Dickinson Wright PLLC. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish from the University of Michigan and Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University Law School. Ms. Sukkar was appointed to the Commission in 2015. The Governor has designated Ms. Sukkar to serve as Chair of the Commission.

The Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs was created by Executive Order 2015-6. The Commission is housed in the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and shall act in an advisory capacity to the Governor and the Director. The 15-member council will advise the department on issues relating to the Arab and Chaldean communities in Michigan and promote awareness of their culture and history. They will also work to empower, promote, and advance the Middle Eastern American community in Michigan.

Chair designations are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.