2024 Mackinac Bridge Walk just days away

2024 Mackinac Bridge Walk just days away

by | Aug 30, 2024 | Regional News

MBA header June 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 30, 2024

 

 MEDIA CONTACT
James Lake
906-250-0993
[email protected]

2024 Mackinac Bridge Walk just days away

Fast facts:

  • The Mackinac Bridge will again be closed to public traffic during the 2024 walk, from 6:30 a.m. to noon on Labor Day, Sept. 2.
  • For the safety and convenience of participants who start from the St. Ignace side, the walk will begin from Bridge View Park on the west side of I-75 rather than at the MBA administration building.
  • Because walkers can start from either end of the bridge when they arrive, there will be no buses transporting participants across the bridge. Participants must plan accordingly to ensure they end their walk on the same side of the bridge as their transportation.

ST. IGNACE, Mich. – The 2024 Mackinac Bridge Walk on Labor Day, Sept. 2, is just days away, and final preparations are under way.

 

“Whether you plan to cross the Mackinac Bridge in your car or RV, or you plan to join in the Annual Bridge Walk, we want to make sure you have the information you need for a safe and enjoyable Labor Day holiday,” said Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) Bridge Director Kim Nowack.

 

The bridge will again be closed to public traffic during the 2024 walk, from 6:30 a.m. to noon on Labor Day, Sept. 2, based on recommendations from the Michigan State Police and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Emergency vehicles will still be permitted to cross the bridge but no public vehicles will be allowed until the walk concludes and participants are off the bridge.

 

“If you’re traveling in the Straits area Monday, we urge you to make your plans around this scheduled closure,” Nowack said. “Traffic backups are frustrating for everyone, so we ask that you either cross the bridge prior to 6:30 a.m. or time your trip to arrive at the bridge after noon.”

 

The 2024 Annual Bridge Walk will start from both St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, which eliminates the need for busing and offers additional options for participants. For the safety and convenience of participants who start from the St. Ignace side, the walk will begin from Bridge View Park on the west side of I-75 rather than at the MBA administration building.

 

As most participants who start in St. Ignace already park at Bridge View Park, starting the walk from that side reduces the number of people crossing the interstate before the event begins. Participants who park on the east side of I-75 will now be guided across the road before and after walking the bridge.

 

A video, posted on the MBA website at www.MackinacBridge.org/Walk, explains the bridge walk schedule and the choices people will have whether they start from the north or south ends of the bridge. Most participants have said they are comfortable with the new arrangements and enjoy the variety of options for participation.

 

Walkers essentially have three main options, outlined in the video:

 

  • Starting from either end of the bridge and walking toward the center, turning around at the midpoint and returning to the city they started from, where their transportation is located. The turnaround points will move toward the ends of the bridge beginning at 10 a.m., but walkers can walk at least a portion of the bridge if they start by 11:30 a.m. Walkers must be on the side of the bridge they wish to return to before 10 a.m.

 

  • Walking the entire length of the bridge starting from either end. Those who choose this option must reach the midpoint before 10 a.m. or they will be turned back. Anyone who walks the entire bridge must arrange their own transportation back to the side they started from once the bridge reopens to public traffic at noon.

 

  • Crossing the bridge, starting from either end, and then turning around and walking back to the side they started from. In this option, walkers will need to cross the midpoint on their return trip by 10 a.m. or they will be turned back and need to find their own transportation back across the bridge after it reopens at noon.

 

Since walkers can start from either end of the bridge when they arrive, and due to the fact that there will be no buses available for transportation, participants must plan accordingly to ensure they end their walk on the same side of the bridge as their personal transportation. The MBA does not provide any shuttle service after the walk and cannot guarantee outside shuttle services will be offered.

 

People who are interested in receiving text messages about bridge closures, including closure information for the Annual Bridge Walk, can sign up for Mackinac County 911’s RAVE Alert System updates. There is no cost to receive these updates, aside from any texting fees from the participant’s mobile coverage plan. To opt into this text alert system, text “MacBridge” to 67283.

 

The Annual Bridge Walk has been held every year since 1958, with the exception of 2020 when the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2024 walk will be the 66th event. Between 20,000 and 35,000 people have participated in recent years; 35,000 participated in the 2023 event.
OC Achieves LEED Gold in Environmental Leadership

OC Achieves LEED Gold in Environmental Leadership

by | Aug 30, 2024 | Environmental

Oakland County Achieves LEED Gold in Environmental Leadership

Post Date:08/28/2024 3:40 PM
  • Oakland County earned LEED Gold® certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
  • The USGBC recognizes the county’s commitment to social, economic and environmental sustainability practices.
  • Oakland County is part of a growing group of governments certified using the LEED for Cities & Communities rating system.

Pontiac, Mich. – The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has certified all of Oakland County as LEED® Gold because of its commitment to improving holistic, county-wide sustainability practices.

The LEED Gold recognition means Oakland County earned high scores countywide for its green spaces, natural resource conservation and restoration efforts, as well as resilience and emergency planning. Many other factors are included in the measurement such as quality of life aspects including low unemployment rates, high education completion rates, favorable median air quality index numbers and low incidences of violent crimes.

Environmental sustainability is one of eight strategic goals by County Executive Dave Coulter’s administration that guide Oakland County.

“Oakland County’s achievement of LEED Gold certification underscores our deep commitment to sustainability and reflects County Executive Dave Coulter’s vision of fostering healthier, more resilient communities,” Chief Sustainability Officer Erin Quetell said. “This recognition is a testament to the county and its communities driving real, measurable change in environmental stewardship and quality of life for our residents.”

Local governments and communities achieve the certification by implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions aimed at improving sustainability and the standard of living for residents. LEED is designed to help buildings, communities and cities achieve high performance in key areas of social, economic and environmental sustainability.

During certification, communities implement plans to reduce their energy consumption, carbon emissions, and more to improve air and water quality, foster better health outcomes, and create green jobs. LEED also helps communities track and measure their efforts against key quality of life metrics, such as education, safety, prosperity and equitability.

Oakland County also earned gold certification for its environmental leadership from the statewide Michigan Green Communities (MGC) program in May.

About the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to transforming how buildings and communities are designed, built and operated to create thriving, healthy, equitable and resilient places that advance human and environmental wellbeing. USGBC leads market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, an international network of local community leaders, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the Center for Green Schools, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

DNR: Accessing Michigan’s outdoor recreation

DNR: Accessing Michigan’s outdoor recreation

by | Aug 30, 2024 | Recreation

DNR banner

Showcasing the DNR

A woman sits in a track chair taking a picture with her phone on a sandy beach looking out into Lake Michigan.

Accessing Michigan’s outdoor recreation

DNR champions numerous efforts to help make opportunities available to all

By HEATHER JOHNSON DUROCHER
Trails and resources writer, Parks and Recreation Division
Michigan Department of Natural Resources 

A wide smile breaks across Jamie Spore’s face as she sits at a shaded picnic table and the conversation turns to Michigan’s abundant fresh water – to one specific Great Lake, in fact, which captured her heart many years ago.

“I’ve always loved Lake Michigan,” the 42-year-old says, her grin reaching the corners of her eyes. “I’ve lived here my whole life, and I floated in the lake when I was a little girl.”

“Here” is the western Lower Peninsula, in Ludington, and Spore can’t help but get emotional speaking of her childhood near Lake Michigan and spending time at the beach with her family.

These are cherished memories, reminders of what has always brought so much meaning to her life: having the opportunity, as someone who uses a wheelchair and lives with spina bifida, to soak up the sun and immerse her body in the cool water.

A woman dips her feet into Lake Michigan on a sunny day.As a child, her parents helped her enjoy the lake; today she can do this thanks to a beach access chair, which is a lightweight, all-terrain wheelchair that can also go into the water.

Spore’s emotions around spending time along the shoreline and exploring nearby trails have only heightened in recent time, as her beloved Ludington State Park continues to grow its accessible outdoor recreation amenities.

“I’ve seen more of the state park in the past couple of years than I have in the past 40 years,” she says while swiping at her eyes and dabbing away tears. “Being able to get into Lake Michigan, to have the opportunity to do that when you have thought you couldn’t, is indescribable. It’s amazing. It’s unbelievable.”

Making the outdoors inclusive

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ efforts to make the state’s natural resources available for people of all abilities to enjoy are a top priority, with a wide variety of accessible recreation opportunities continuing to grow at state parks, campgrounds, boating access sites, state game areas, trails and more.

“Ensuring accessibility on Michigan’s public lands is not just providing access to nature – it’s affirming that everyone, regardless of ability, deserves the opportunity to experience the beauty and peace of our great outdoors,” said Michelle O’Kelly, fund and resource development specialist for the DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division.

From accessible walkways to the waterfront, user-friendly kayak launches, color blind scenic viewers at overlooks and motorized track chairs for trail exploration to accessible accommodations including mini cabins, camper cabins, lodges and yurts, an increasing number of Michigan state parks offer inclusive ways for visitors to enjoy the outdoors.

More than 30 state parks and recreation areas provide accessible fishing piers. Looking for hunting spots with accessible features? Several locations, including Sleepy Hollow State Park, Pinckney Recreation Area, Rifle River Recreation Area and Holly Recreation Area, feature accessible hunting blinds (see the complete list of locations on the DNR’s accessible hunting webpage).
Children enjoy playing at an accessible playground.Several state game areas also have accessible hunting features and special hunting opportunities – elk and black bear license opportunities for hunters with advanced illness and an Independence Hunt for hunters with qualifying disabilities, to name a couple – are available as well.

DNR shooting ranges also offer a fun, safe shooting environment with customer-friendly and highly trained employees. They feature accessible amenities like handgun, rifle, shotgun and archery ranges and restroom facilities.

The DNR also hosts accessibility-focused events, such as sensory-friendly days at the Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit.

“We are proud of our strong focus on making Michigan’s natural resources available for people of all ability to enjoy,” said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division. “We are committed to promoting universal access to the tremendous outdoor recreation opportunities Michigan has to offer to the public. We appreciate all of our valuable partners and friends groups that have joined the effort to have continuous improvement to enhance access.”

Colorblind viewers: ‘Wow!’

Imagine seeing fall’s vivid colors, on full display at a scenic state park, for the very first time. This is the experience of some visitors to state parks that feature EnChroma colorblind viewers.

Mike Knack, park manager at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in the Upper Peninsula, first heard of EnChroma colorblind viewers through his counterparts with the Tennessee state parks system.

“I knew we needed them – the Porkies is such a special place, and we want everyone to be able to enjoy it,” said Knack, who learned that 12% of the population has some form of colorblindness. “This is one more way we can offer accessibility in Michigan’s state parks and these visitors can experience the views of the park in a similar way.”

The Porkies is home to specially adapted EnChroma lenses at the Lake of the Clouds Scenic Overlook (the most photographed feature in the park), the 50-foot Summit Peak Observation Tower (the highest point in the park at nearly 2,000 feet above sea level; look for views of the Apostle Islands to the northwest and Isle Royale to the northeast on clear days!) and Nawadaha Falls on the Presque Isle River, located on the western edge of the park.
A color-blind viewer is shown from Ludington State Park.Visitors with colorblindness who experience these special viewfinders are in awe about what they’re able to see in an entirely new way, Knack said.

“The typical first reaction is 30 seconds of looking through the viewer, then outside of the viewer and back in the viewer before looking back out again to compare and contrast what they are seeing,” he said. “This is often followed by another 30 seconds of silence and then finally a ‘Wow!’ That reaction is exactly why these viewers are so important. The majority of us take for granted the vibrant green trees we see in the summer and the yellows, oranges and reds we see in the fall.”

In addition to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, EnChroma lenses are available south of the Mackinac Bridge at Waterloo State Recreation Area in Jackson County, Ludington State Park on Lake Michigan and William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor in Detroit, where these viewers, courtesy of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and EnChroma, enable visitors to view the river and our neighbors in Canada. Highland Recreation Area in Oakland County is another location that soon will be home to these special viewers.

The DNR is raising funds to install EnChroma lenses at nine additional locations around the state. These locations include Rifle River and Fort Custer recreation areas, Grand Traverse Lighthouse at Leelanau State Park, Waterloo Recreation Area, and Port Crescent, Fisherman’s Island, Brimley, Muskegon and Maybury state parks. To contribute to this campaign please visit the colorblind scenic viewer donation page.

Trailblazing track chair program

With close to 20 locations around the state now having track chairs available for use at no cost – and additional locations soon to receive these off-road, electronic chairs that can easily handle trails, snow, sand and even up to 8 inches of water – Michigan now offers more track chairs for public use than any other state parks and recreation system.
An interpreter engages children on a Nature Awaits outing at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park.Late last year, the DNR surpassed its funding goal of $400,000 to purchase track chairs for a growing number of state parks and trails. More than 300 donors have raised $495,036 over the past five years to purchase track chairs, which allow users to explore areas of the parks that traditional wheelchairs might not reach.

Some 19 locations around the state now have track chairs available for use at no cost, with 13 additional locations soon to receive chairs, thanks to a multiyear fundraising campaign. The cost of one track chair is about $16,000.

Support has come from DNR partner organizations, including Kali’s Cure for Paralysis Foundation, Safari Club International, Family Hope Foundation and Friends of Ludington and Grand Haven state parks and Island Lake Recreation Area. Campers and boaters from across the state who chose to contribute an additional $2 when making their park and harbor reservations also helped the DNR reach its track chair fundraising goal.

“It’s so inspiring to see the program grow and to witness more people taking this simple yet powerful action that makes their favorite places more accessible to everyone,” O’Kelly said.

Check out a track chair in action in this short video.

The hope is to continue to add to the state’s fleet of track chairs over time. Anyone wishing to contribute to this anticipated program expansion – or other efforts to enhance state parks – can make a donation by visiting the DNR state parks giving page.

“This effort is just one component of the DNR’s departmentwide strategy to make outdoor recreation – beaches, campgrounds, fishing, hunting, trails and more – accessible to even more people,” O’Kelly said. “I’m really proud of Michigan for being on the forefront of recreation for all.”

Accessible, experiential field trips 

The DNR’s new Nature Awaits program, an environmental education experience that’s free to fourth grade classrooms, is yet another avenue for accessible outdoor recreation.
A man uses an accessible kayak launch to enjoy some time on the water.“Ten percent of our field trips requested some kind of special need accommodation this past spring,” said Aileen Kemme, DNR Nature Awaits communications coordinator. “Track chairs for wheelchair users and students on crutches was our top request.”

Other ways this program has assisted students include having interpreters and educators incorporate audio systems throughout a hike, making accommodations for a student accompanied by a full-time nurse and carrying emergency oxygen, and using an iPad to communicate with students who are not able to express themselves verbally.

During these 90-minute field trips, students explore state parks and learn about things such as how humans impact natural landscapes, the native and invasive plants and animals of a park and how Michigan’s state parks belong to everyone in the state.

“This program is designed to really open up their senses to the outside world,” said Sophie Riley, Grand Region Nature Awaits interpreter. “We start with some really great basics, using all five senses out in nature and connecting with nature – we’re making those social and emotional connections to nature. We’re learning about taking care of our natural world, now and in the future.”

One field trip experience included about a dozen students, all of whom were on the autism spectrum. Sensory-friendly activities were important to this group, Riley said.

“We have these flat, circular and colorful silicon barriers they sit on, so they’re not sitting directly on the ground,” she said. “We have them close their eyes and listen to the wind, the birds, and we have their hands feel the sand and the rocks.”

The experience got the students talking, Riley said.

“I had kiddos who talked more in that one day than they had in one week, their parents said,” she said. “It’s been a really amazing experience. We do everything we can to adapt, finding ways to slow it down in one part or make it more detailed in others – we really adapt the routine to each group, which is the most important thing.”

Friends at Ludington

Back at Ludington State Park, the park’s friends group continues to raise funds and find ways to add to its numerous accessible park amenities, including an EnChroma viewfinder and a playground and kayak launch at Hamlin Lake in addition to floating wheelchairs, track chairs and accessible pathways.

“The friends group is focused on having Ludington State Park be the most accessible park in the state park system,” says Patrick O’Hare of Friends of Ludington State Park. “That’s really what we’re doing.”

Spore said these efforts have had an enormous impact on her life.

“I seriously cannot thank them enough for all that they’ve done for the state park – not only what they have done for the state park, but honestly for having such an interest and love for accessibility and inclusion, because not everybody feels that way – and I have accepted that over the years,” she said. “To be able to use that floating wheelchair, to soak my feet in Lake Michigan, there is no words for how that feels. And the irony is that I can’t feel my feet. I am paralyzed from my belly button down. I’ve been a paraplegic my entire life, so I can’t feel my feet in the lake, but I can put my hands in and feel how cold it is and to have the opportunity to do that … it’s amazing.”

Equally as incredible, she added, is sharing these experiences with her loved ones, whether that means venturing with her family to Big Sable Point Lighthouse and out on the trails using a track chair or taking a refreshing dip in Lake Michigan.

“I’m a maritime nerd, a boat nerd, a lighthouse nerd,” she says, her wide smile returning. “It’s a huge deal for my family and friends … I am grateful beyond words.”

Learn more about the DNR’s accessible recreation efforts at Michigan.gov/DNRAccessibility.

Check out previous Showcasing the DNR stories in our archive at Michigan.gov/DNRStories. To subscribe to upcoming Showcasing articles, sign up for free email delivery at Michigan.gov/DNREmail.

Note to editors: Contact: John Pepin, Showcasing the DNR series editor, 906-226-1352. Accompanying photos and a text-only version of this story are available below for download. Caption information follows. Credit Michigan Department of Natural Resources, unless otherwise noted.

Text-only version of this story.

Kayak: Leo Hesting prepares to launch his kayak up on the return chute of the accessible kayak/canoe launch Friends of Ludington State Park donated to the park. (Photo courtesy of Steve Begnoche, Friends of Ludington State Park).

Lake: Jamie Spore enjoys an opportunity to put her feet into Lake Michigan, thanks to amenities at Ludington State Park that help increase accessibility for park visitors. (Photo courtesy of Jamie Spore).

Nature: Interpreter Sophie Riley engages students in Nature Awaits activities at Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon County.

Playground: Emerson Grinnell plays on the accessible playground Friends of Ludington State Park donated to the park. (Photo courtesy of Steve Begnoche, Friends of Ludington State Park).

Spore: Jamie Spore gazes out at Lake Michigan from the beach at Big Sable Point Lighthouse at Ludington State Park. The two track chairs donated by Friends of Ludington State Park to the park are often used by people wanting to get to the lighthouse, a trek of almost 2 miles that many couldn’t make until the chairs became available. (Photo courtesy of Steve Begnoche, Friends of Ludington State Park).

Viewer: An Enchroma colorblind viewer is shown from Ludington State Park. (Photo courtesy of Steve Begnoche, Friends of Ludington State Park).

Walkway: Julie Wernette pushes Jamie Spore down the accessible walkway at the Lake Michigan beach house at Ludington State Park. The walkway was a joint effort of the park and Friends of Ludington State Park. The floating beach chair was one of several beach accessibility chairs and walkers the friends group donated to allow better access. (Photo courtesy of Steve Begnoche, Friends of Ludington State Park).
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to Michigan.gov/DNR.
Whitmer on her Rebuilding Michigan plan

Whitmer on her Rebuilding Michigan plan

by | Aug 30, 2024 | Transportation

2020 podcast redux: Gov. Whitmer on her Rebuilding Michigan plan

This week’s edition of Talking Michigan Transportation is a reprise of a 2020 conversation with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer about her Rebuilding Michigan plan.

Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/15664135-2020-podcast-redux-gov-whitmer-on-her-rebuilding-michigan-plan

TMT - Redux Gov Whitmer

Now four years into the program, the Michigan Department of Transportation continues to improve many of the state’s busiest roads and bridges.

Key links: 

http://michigan.gov/RebuildingMI

https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/State-of-the-State/2021

Listen now at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205.

Stay connected by subscribing to Talking Michigan Transportation e-mail updates.
Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions 

Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions 

by | Aug 30, 2024 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 29, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs, Michigan Workforce Development Board, Michigan Board of Respiratory Care, Advisory Board for the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center for Homeland Security, Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, Oakland University Board of Trustees, and MEDC Executive Committee.

 

Today’s appointees represent Michigan’s young professionals, communities of color, seniors, and more. The appointees announced this week build on Governor Whitmer’s 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’s history.

 

Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs

Saif Alsenad, of Dearborn Heights, is the Wayne County Director of Government and Public Affairs. He previously worked as the Wayne County Community Relations Manager for SMART. Alsenad received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Madonna University. Saif Alsenad is appointed for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring April 19, 2025. Alsenad succeeds Dave Abdallah, who has resigned.

 

Karim Kadouh, of Dearborn Heights, is an undergraduate student at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business and the vice president of marketing at JJ’s Custard Company. He previously served as an intern at the Executive Office of the President, FEMA Youth Representative for Region V, and Executive Program Director for Books for a Benefit. Karim Kadouh is appointed for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring April 19, 2025. He succeeds Amal Berry, who has resigned.

 

Petra Alsoofy, of Melvindale, is the senior outreach and partnership manager at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding. Alsoofy previously served as an educator at the Arab American National Museum. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science with a focus on history and middle eastern studies from Grand Valley State University. Petra Alsoofy is appointed for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring April 19, 2027. Alsoofy succeeds Wafa Haddad, who has resigned.

 

The Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs advises the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Governor on issues relating to the Arab and Chaldean communities in Michigan and promotes awareness of their culture and history. They also work to empower, promote, and advance the Middle Eastern American community in Michigan.

 

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

 

Michigan Workforce Development Board

Steve Claywell, of Battle Creek, is the president of the Michigan Building Trades Council. He has previously been a business manger and financial secretary at IBEW Local 445, an electrical apprentice at R&B Electric, and served as an electrician’s mate in the US Navy. Steve Claywell is reappointed to represent workforce and general labor in Michigan for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring May 29, 2028.

 

Russ Kavalhuna, of Dearborn, is the President at Henry Ford College. He previously served as the executive director of flight operations at the Western Michigan University College of Aviation, was an assistant federal prosecutor for the U.S. Department of Justice, an adjunct professor of law at Cooley Law School, a senior lawyer at the Michigan Supreme Court, and a commercial airline captain at US Airways Express. He earned a Juris Doctor at Cooley Law School and a Bachelor of Science in aviation science at Western Michigan University. Russ Kavalhuna is reappointed to represent a president of a community college district for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring May 29, 2028.

 

Michael Smith, of Negaunee, is the executive director of the Upper Peninsula Construction Council. He previously served as the AFL-CIO Community Services Liaison for the United Way of Monroe and Lenawee Counties. He holds an associate degree in social services from Monroe County Community College. Michael Smith is reappointed to represent workforce and general labor in Michigan for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring May 29, 2028.

 

Bilal Hammoud, of Dearborn Heights, is the executive director of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce and CEO of Tejara, an incubator and accelerator for first- and second-generation immigrant entrepreneurs. Prior to this, he was the public engagement director at the Michigan Department of State, project manager for the City of Cheboygan, and Chair of Michigan’s Language Access Task Force. Hammoud holds a Bachelor of Science in public health and a Bachelor of Science in neuropsychology from Wayne State University, as well as a master’s in public administration. He also holds a certificate in Political Leadership from Michigan State University and certificates in Strategy Execution and Leadership Management from Harvard Business School. Hammoud currently serves on multiple boards including the Wayne State University Alumni Board; the United Humanitarian Foundation; Don’t Be Shai; the Islamic House of Wisdom; APIA Vote MI; and the Dearborn Heights Libraries Board. He also acts as the advisor for the Dearborn and Dearborn Heights Model United Nations Club. Bilal Hammoud is appointed to represent businesses August 29, 2024, and expiring May 29, 2025. Hammoud succeeds Matt Wesaw, who has resigned.

 

Diana Allard, of Davison, is the career and technical education director for the Genesee Intermediate School District. She is a board member of the MiSTEM Instructional Leadership Committee, Michigan Association of Career and Technical Education, and Career Education Planning District Council. She holds a Bachelor of Science in open systems technology from Baker College and a Master of Education from Ferris State University. Diana Allard is appointed to represent a director of a Michigan high school career and technical education program for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring May 29, 2028. Allard succeeds Jennifer Geno, whose term has expired.

 

James Holton, of Holly, serves as assistant director of the health and safety department for the International Union UAW. Holton has a labor studies certificate from Wayne State University, holds several OSHA certifications from Eastern Michigan University, and is a licensed journeyman electrician for the State of Michigan. James Holton is appointed to represent workforce and general labor in Michigan for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring May 29, 2027. Holton succeeds Leigh Kegerreis, whose term has expired.

 

Representative David Martin, of Davison, was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2020. He was Genesee County Commissioner and former mayor pro tem for the city of Davison. Martin served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years, retiring as the weather operations manager at the U.S. Army Aviation Center in Fort Rucker, Alabama. After working a private investigator for a several years, Martin worked as the security leader for the Volkswagen North American Headquarters in Auburn Hills. Martin holds an associate degree from Keiser University. Representative David Martin is appointed to represent the nominee of the House Minority Leader for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring January 1, 2025. Representative Martin succeeds then-Representative Sarah Anthony, whose term has expired.

 

Lisa Ludwinski, of Detroit, is the owner of Sister Pie, a bakery in Detroit that she started in 2012. Notably, she was a pastry cook at Pinwheel Bakery and was head baker at Momofuku Milk Bar. Ludwinski holds a Bachelor of Arts in theater arts from Kalamazoo College. She was a Crain’s Detroit 40 under 40 award winner in 2019 and was a James Beard Award finalist for “Outstanding Baker” in 2019 and 2020, among other awards. Lisa Ludwinski is appointed to represent female-owned business enterprises for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring May 29, 2027. Ludwinski succeeds Cindy Pasky, who has resigned.

 

The Michigan Workforce Development Board is responsible for the development and continuous improvement of the workforce development system in Michigan. The Board will act as an advisory body and will assist the Governor with the development, implementation, and modification of Michigan’s four-year state plan pursuant to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and advance the Governor’s 60 by 30 goal of helping 60% of our workforce achieve a post-secondary degree or certification by 2030.

 

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

 

Michigan Board of Respiratory Care

Ali Abazeed, of Dearborn, is the founding director of public health at the Dearborn Department of Public Health. Abazeed is a three-time graduate of the University of Michigan, earning a Master of Public Health, Master of Public Policy, and Bachelor of Science. Ali Abazeed is appointed to represent medical directors for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2027. Abazeed succeeds Michael Dunn, whose term has expired.

 

The Michigan Board of Respiratory Care oversees the licensure requirements and standards for respiratory therapists. The Board has a duty to promote and protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare. The Board implements this responsibility by ascertaining minimal entry level competency of health practitioners and by taking disciplinary action against licensees who have adversely affected the public’s health, safety, and welfare.

 

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

 

Advisory Board for the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center for Homeland Security

Chief Scott Malace, of Midland, has been the police Chief of Saginaw Township since 2022 and has been with the department for over 30 years. Prior to this, he served in the United States Army in both active duty and reserve roles. Chief Malace holds an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Delta College and a Bachelor of Science Degree in criminal justice from Ferris State University. Chief Scott Malace is appointed to represent local police departments in this state for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring April 11, 2028. This seat was previously vacant.

 

Richard Fenton retired as the Executive Commander of the Wayne County Sheriff Department in May 2000 after more than twenty-seven years of service, which included directing law enforcement operations for the Sheriff Department. In June 2000, Fenton joined the staff of Ilitch Holdings as the Senior Director for Corporate Security, Safety, and Investigations and was promoted to Vice President of Corporate Security in 2005 and achieved the title of Chief Security Officer in 2018. He holds a Bachelor of Science in police administration from Wayne State University, and a master’s degree in counseling from Eastern Michigan university. Fenton is reappointed to represent residents of the state for a term commencing August 29, 2024 and expiring April 11, 2028.

 

The Advisory Board for the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center for Homeland Security collects, evaluates, collates, and analyzes information and intelligence and then, as appropriate, disseminates this information and intelligence to the proper public safety agencies so that any threat of terrorism or criminal activity will be successfully identified and addressed.

 

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

 

Michigan Indigent Defense Commission

Loren Khogali, of Plymouth, is the executive director of ACLU Michigan. She started her legal career as a Law Clerk to the Justices of the Superior Court of Massachusetts. She then joined Detroit’s Federal Public Defender Office, advocating on behalf of people charged with federal crimes and unable to afford an attorney at the trial in the appellate and post-conviction stages. During her 13 years at the Federal Defender Office, she participated in the development and leadership teams for the court’s re-entry and alternative-to-prison programs. She received her Bachelor of Science in psychology and Bachelor of Arts in French from Western Michigan University and her Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law. Loren Khogali is appointed to represent individuals nominated by Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring April 1, 2028. Khogali succeeds William Swor, whose term has expired.

 

Michael Carter, of Southfield, is the Chief Defender and Executive Director of the Federal Community Defender Office of the Eastern District of Michigan (FCDO). Michael has practiced indigent criminal defense for over fifteen years. He serves on several boards including the ACLU of Michigan and Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, and also serves on the faculty of the National Criminal Defense College. He received his Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Michigan and his Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School. Michael E. Carter is appointed to represent individuals nominated by Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring April 1, 2028. Carter succeeds John Shea, whose term has expired.

 

Glenn Simmington, of Flint, is an owner and attorney at the Law Office of Glenn M. Simmington, PLLC. He has previously been an associate attorney with Cline, Cline & Griffin, P.C. He has earned his Juris Doctorate Degree from Wayne State University and Bachelor of Art in political science from University of Michigan-Flint. Glenn Simmington is appointed to represent individuals nominated by Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring April 1, 2028. Simmington succeeds Joshua Blanchard, whose term has expired.

 

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.

 

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

 

Gun Violence Prevention Task Force

Dr. April Zeoli, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, is an associate professor at the University of Michigan and was previously a professor at Michigan State University. Dr. Zeoli earned a Bachelor of Arts in women’s studies from the University of Michigan, a Master of Public Health in health policy from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, and a doctorate in health policy from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Dr. Zeoli is appointed to represent an individual associated with a research institution that studies gun violence on the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor, no later than August 29, 2028.

 

Marianne Huff, of Holland, is the President and CEO of Mental Health Association in Michigan. Huff has previously been the Executive Director of the Allegan County Community Mental Health Services and is a licensed social worker. Huff received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of Michigan-Dearborn and a master’s in social work from Eastern Michigan University. Huff is appointed to represent individual with experience doing clinical work specializing in suicide prevention on the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor, no later than August 29, 2028.

 

Dr. Daveda Colbert, of Farmington Hills, Michigan, is the superintendent of Wayne RESA. Colbert earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Southern University at New Orleans, a Master of Arts in business education from Wayne State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in educational leadership from Oakland University. Dr. Colbert is also a certified educational specialist. Dr. Colbert is appointed to represent local school administrators on the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor, no later than August 29, 2028.

 

Alia Harvey-Quinn, of Detroit, is the founder and Executive Director of FORCE Detroit. Harvey-Quinn received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Marygrove College. Alia Harvey-Quinn is appointed to represent an individual associated with an organization that provides community-level conflict mediation or violence intervention services on the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor, no later than August 29, 2028.

 

Danielle Hagaman-Clark, of Brighton, is the Criminal Bureau Chief at the Department of Attorney General. Previously, Hagaman-Clark served as an assistant attorney general of Michigan and director of the Violence Against Women Program in the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan. Hagaman-Clark earned a Doctor of Law from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Hagaman-Clark is a practicing member of the Michigan State Bar. Hagaman-Clark is appointed to represent individuals with experience working with survivors of domestic violence and abuse on the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor, no later than August 29, 2028.

 

Shawn Borowicz, of Saint Ignace, is a member of the Sault tribe of Chippewa Indians Board of directors. Borowicz is licensed to practice as a Paramedic and Firefighter. Shawn Borowicz is appointed to represent an individual with experience working within a tribal government on the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor, no later than August 29, 2028.

 

Moses Bingham, of Flint, is currently the director of strategic initiatives at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. He has previously been the senior program director at the YMCA of Greater Flint and the associate administrator at Mott Community College. Bingham holds an Associate of Arts in general studies from Mott Community College and a Bachelor of Science in strategic leadership from Rochester University. Moses Bingham is appointed to represent on the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor, no later than August 29, 2028.

 

Michael McKissic, of Lansing, is the owner and project manager of McKissic Construction. McKissic earned a certificate in building trade from Lansing Community College. McKissic is appointed to represent individuals with experience working with a community or faith-based organization on the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor, no later than August 29, 2028.

 

Kym Worthy, of Detroit, is the Wayne County prosecutor at the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. Worthy earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and economics from the University of Michigan, and a Doctor of Law from the University of Notre Dame School of Law. Worthy is appointed to represent prosecutors on the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor, no later than August 29, 2028.

 

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the Chief Medical Executive for the State of Michigan, will serve as an ex officio member and Chair of the Task Force. Dr. Bagdasarian is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases and is a Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American College of Physicians. Dr. Bagdasarian completed medical school at Wayne State University; an internal medicine residency and infectious diseases fellowship at the University of Michigan; and she received a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health. She serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health. Dr. Bagdasarian also Chairs the Opioid Task Force, Public Health Advisory Council, and Childhood Lead Elimination Commission for the State of Michigan.