Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Automobile Theft Prevention Authority, Barrier Free Design Board, Michigan Infrastructure Council, Michigan Travel Commission, Public Health Advisory Council, and State of Michigan Investment Board.
Automobile Theft Prevention Authority
Mr. Christopher Helmick, of Grand Rapids, is a Claims Compliance Specialist at Hagerty Insurance Agency. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Bowling Green State University. Mr. Helmick is appointed to represent an automobile insurer doing business in the state, for a term commencing February 21, 2023 and expiring July 1, 2026. He succeeds Lori Davis whose term has expired.
Dr. Christopher Melde, of Okemos, is the director of Michigan State University’s School of Criminal Justice, having been with the university since 2007. He holds a Master of Arts and Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Missouri, and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justices from Loras College. He is appointed to represent a purchaser of auto insurance of this state, for a term commencing February 21, 2023 and expiring July 1, 2026. He succeeding Michael Thompson whose term has expired.
The Michigan Automobile Theft Prevention Authority assesses the scope of the problem of motor vehicle theft, analyzes various methods of combating the problem, establishes a plan for providing financial support to combat motor vehicle theft and grants funds for theft prevention teams.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Barrier Free Design Board
Mr. Alex Blehm, of Grosse Pointe Park, is a licensed civil engineer and works as a project engineer at OHM Advisors. Mr. Blehm received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University. He is appointed to represent the construction industry for a term commencing February 21, 2023 and expiring October 31, 2025. He succeeds Jamal Al whose term has expired.
Mr. Sean Haskin, of Williamston, currently serves as building inspector and code enforcer for Delta Township. Haskin is a registered building inspector and received his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University. He is appointed to represent building inspectors for a term commencing February 21, 2023 and expiring October 31, 2025. Haskin succeeds Frank Bayer whose term has expired.
Ms. Erin Shannon, of East Lansing, is a Program Coordinator of Veteran Services and Contracted Services at Disability Network Capital Area. She received her Bachelor of Social Work and Elementary Education from Saginaw Valley State University and her Master of Social Work from Michigan State University. Ms. Shannon is appointed to represent mobility limited individuals, for a term commencing February 21, 2023 and expiring October 31, 2025. She succeeds Mary Franklin whose term has expired.
The Barrier Free Design Board has the responsibility to receive, review, and process requests for exceptions to the barrier free design specifications, and requires appropriate equivalent alternatives when exceptions are granted.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Infrastructure Council
Ms. Kathleen Lomako, of Livonia, is the former Executive Director at Southeast Michigan Council of Governments. She holds a master’s degree in urban planning from Wayne State University, and a Bachelor of Science in urban planning from Michigan State University. Ms. Lomako is appointed for a term commencing February 21, 2023 and expiring December 31, 2025. She succeeds Jon Kangas whose term has expired,
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.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Travel Commission
Dr. L. Garnet Lewis, of Saugatuck, is the owner of Isabel’s Market and Eatery in Saugatuck and is the owner of Vigano, LLC, a commercial real estate investment operation. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences from Truman State University, a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Northern Michigan University, and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of North Texas. Dr. Lewis is appointed to represent an individual with experience in travel, tourism and recreation industry or an associated field, for a term commencing February 21, 2023 and expiring August 20, 2026. She succeeds Sally Laukitis whose term has expired.
Mr. Glenn Stevens, of Royal Oak, is the executive director of MICHauto and serves as the Detroit Regional Chamber’s vice president of automotive and mobility initiatives. He received a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a master’s degree in business administration from Michigan State University. Mr. Stevens is appointed to represent an individual with experience in travel, tourism and recreation industry or an associated field, for a term commencing February 21, 2023 and expiring August 20, 2026. He succeeds Charles Burns whose term has expired.
Mr. Frank Tecumseh, of Battle Creek, is vice president of human resources for FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Computer Information Systems from Haskell Indian Nations University, a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from the University of Phoenix, and a Master of Business Administration from Baker University. Mr. Tecumseh is appointed for a term commencing February 21, 2023 and expiring August 20, 2026. He succeeds John Madigan whose term has expired.
The Travel Commission was established to promote, maintain, and develop the orderly growth of the Michigan travel product. The Commission assists the Michigan Travel Bureau with the development of a comprehensive long-range master plan, annually assesses the activities and accomplishments of the Michigan travel bureau, and works to the maximum extent practicable with those private associations, nonprofit corporations, organizations, or other private entities which promote tourism in this state.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Public Health Advisory Council
Mr. Rory Lafferty, of Canton, is Director of Government Affairs for Health Alliance Plan Michigan. He has a B.S. from Central Michigan University in Political Science. Mr. Lafferty is reappointed to represent a non-profit health or environmental organization for a term commencing February 21, 2023 and expiring November 1, 2026.
Mr. Eric Adelman of Farmington Hills, is Executive VP and Chief Advancement Officer at Gesher Human Services, a nonprofit human services organization in Southfield, MI. He received a bachelor’s degree in Judaic Studies, along with a minor in psychology, from George Washington University and a Master of Public Administration from Wayne State University. Mr. Adelman is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing February 21, 2023 and expiring November 1, 2026.
Mrs. Denise Fair Razo, of Detroit, is the Chief Public Health Officer for the City of Detroit Health Department. She has a Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management from the University of California Berkeley School of Public Health, and a Master of Business Administration Finance from the Mike Ilitch School of Business. Mrs. Fair Razo is reappointed to represent local public health officials for a term commencing February 21, 2023 and expiring November 1, 2026.
Dr. Sarju Shah, of Canton, is Chief of Family Medicine at Beaumont Wayne Hospital and the Medical Site Director at Beaumont Medical Group. Shah served in the United States Air Force Reserves Medical Squadron until he was honorably discharged in 2001. He has a Master of Business Administration from Davenport University and received a Doctor of Medicine from Government Medical College, India. Dr. Shah is appointed to represent physicians for a term commencing February 21, 2023 and expiring November 1, 2026. He succeeds Annette Mercatante who has resigned.
Ms. Janet D. Olszewski, of Bath, is recently retired from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, where she was Senior Fellow. She has a Master of Social Work, Administration and Policy Development from the University of Michigan. Ms. Olszewski is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing February 21, 2023 and expiring November 1, 2026. She succeeds Jamie Zaniewski whose term has expired,
Dr. Nancy A. Barr, of East Lansing, is the Executive Director at Michigan Allied Poultry Industries. She received a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University. Dr. Barr is appointed to represent veterinarians for a term commencing February 21, 2023 and expiring November 1, 2026. She succeeds James Averill whose term has expired.
Mr. William J. Bohlen, of Prudenville, is the Director of Bay County Department of Water and Sewer. Prior to this, he was the Director of Public Works for the City of Rochester. He has an Associates of Applied Science in Civil Engineering Technology from Macomb Community College and a Bachelor of Independent Studies from Wayne State University. Mr. Bohlen is appointed to represent the local director of public works for a term commencing February 21, 2023 and expiring November 1, 2026. He succeeds James Baker whose term has expired.
Dr. Rita K. Loch-Caruso, of Ann Arbor, is a toxicologist with a research focus in female reproductive toxicology. She received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati, as well as a PhD in Environmental Health, studying Toxicology. Dr. Loch-Caruso is appointed to represent toxicologists, for a term commencing February 21, 2023 and expiring November 1, 2024. She succeeds Anthony Oliveri who has resigned.
The Public Health Advisory Council was created within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services at the recommendation of the Public Health Advisory Commission. The Council will develop an action plan for implementing the recommendations of the Commission and is tasked with providing advice about emerging issues in public health, monitoring the effectiveness of Michigan’s public health response system, and reviewing multiagency efforts to support collaboration and a unified approach on public health responses.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
State of Michigan Investment Board
Ms. Denise Ilitch, of Bingham Farms, is an owner of Ilitch Family Companies, President of Ilitch Enterprises, LLC., and currently serves on the of the University of Michigan Board of Regents. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from University of Michigan and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit School of Law. Ms. Ilitch is appointed to represent institutional investment or extensive financial experience for a term commencing February 21, 2023 and expiring November 26, 2025. She succeeds James Nicholson whose term has expired.
Mr. Reginald Sanders, of Portage, is the managing director of investments at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Florida A&M University and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School. Mr. Sanders is reappointed to represent institutional investment or extensive financial experience for a term commencing February 21, 2023 and expiring November 26, 2026.
The State of Michigan Investment Board is the investment fiduciary with respect to the investment and management of the assets of the retirement funds that comprise the State of Michigan Retirement System (SMRS), being tasked with prudently managing the investment portfolio of the SMRS in accordance with the standards set forth in Act 314 of 1965. The Board is comprised of the State Treasurer as chairperson, the State Budget Director, and three individuals appointed by the Governor who have extensive public pension investment or other such similar experience.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
