Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the following boards and commissions: Saginaw Valley State University Board of Control; Michigan Strategic Fund Board of Directors; Health Information Technology Commission; Michigan Onion Committee; Crime Victim Services Commission; Michigan Public School Employees Retirement Systems Board; Local Community Stabilization Authority Council; Early Childhood Investment Corporation Executive Committee; Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council; Michigan Appellate Defender Commission; Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity; Michigan Opioids Task Force; Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice; School Safety and Mental Health Commission; Michigan Municipal Services Authority; Michigan Board of Nursing; Elevator Safety Board; Michigan Board of Collection Practices; Michigan Board of Cosmetology; Farm Produce Insurance Authority; Michigan Potato Industry Commission; and the Residential Builders’ and Maintenance and Alteration Contractors’ Board.
Saginaw Valley State University Board of Control
Shaun Johnson, of DeWitt, is the executive vice president of business transformation and chief legal and administrative officer for Consumers Energy. Johnson previously served as the director of Dykema Gossett’s energy industry group. Johnson earned a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science from Saginaw Valley State University and a Juris Doctor from the Michigan State University College of Law. In 2017, Johnson served as SVSU’s commencement speaker and was awarded the distinguished alumni award by the College of Arts and Behavioral Sciences in 2022. Shaun Johnson is appointed to the Saginaw Valley State University Board of Control for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring July 21, 2033. Johnson succeeds Lindsay Eggers, whose term has expired.
Dr. Debasish Mridha, of Saginaw, is the owner of Michigan Advanced Neurology Center, a neurologist at St. Mary’s of Michigan, and a Clinical Associate Professor at Central Michigan University. Dr. Mridha is also the founder of the Mridha Foundation. Dr. Mridha previously served on the Board of Trustees for the Michigan State Medical Society Foundation and on the Board of Directors for the Saginaw Valley State University Foundation. Dr. Mridha holds a Doctor of Medicine from Kiev Medical Institute and completed a residency in neurology and fellowship in neurophysiology at Wayne State University. Dr. Debasish Mridha is appointed to the Saginaw Valley State University Board of Control for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring July 21, 2033. Mridha succeeds Joann Crary, whose term has expired.
Article VIII, § 6 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 establishes that Michigan’s institutions of higher education that are established by law as having authority to grant baccalaureate degrees shall each be governed by a Board of Control which shall be a body corporate. The Board has general supervision of the institution, and the control and direction of all expenditures from the institution’s funds. The Board also, as often as necessary, elects a president of the institution under its supervision. Each Board consists of eight members appointed by the Governor for eight-year terms.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Strategic Fund Board of Directors
Lynda Rossi, of Williamston, is a senior advisor and consultant for McKinsey & Company. Rossi recently retired as the executive vice president of strategy, innovation, and public affairs for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and serves as a board member for Blue Cross Complete. Rossi holds a Bachelor of Arts in international relations from Michigan State University. Lynda Rossi is appointed to represent the private sector for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring July 31, 2029. Rossi succeeds Charles Rothstein, whose term has expired.
Sue Tellier, of Grand Rapids, is the president of JetCo Federal. Tellier is the immediate past president of the Michigan Chapter of Women in Defense and the immediate past chair of the Women in Defense National Council. Tellier holds a Bachelor of Science in public affairs management from Michigan State University and a Master of Public Administration and graduate certificate in economic development from Wayne State University. Sue Tellier is reappointed to represent the private sector for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring July 31, 2029.
The Michigan Strategic Fund Board of Directors was created by Executive Order No. 2019-13. The Board’s responsibilities include approval of the use of private activity bonds, authorizing the submittal by local governments of Community Development Block Grant applications, and approval of Tool and Die Renaissance Recovery Zones.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Health Information Technology Commission
Jeffrey Chin, of Grosse Pointe Park, is the director of data collaboratives and governance at Michigan Medicine and an adjunct lecturer at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Chin holds a Bachelor of Arts in music economics and a Master of Health Services Administration in health management and policy from the University of Michigan. Jeffrey Chin is reappointed to represent hospitals for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring August 3, 2029.
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.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Mark Nail, of Marshall, is the owner of Mark Nail Farms. Nail is a member of the Calhoun County Farm Bureau and has over 20 years of experience growing onions, corn, and soybeans. Mark Nail will be reappointed to represent growers-at-large for a term commencing August 17, 2025, and expiring August 16, 2028.
Nate Brink, of Grant, is the farm manager at Brink Muck Farms. Brink previously worked as a field equipment specialist at Helena Agriculture Enterprises. Brink holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Lake Superior State University. Nate Brink will be appointed to represent growers-at-large for a term commencing August 17, 2025, and expiring August 16, 2028. Brink succeeds Mitchell Schreur, whose term has expired.
James Young, of Hastings, is the technical sales manager at American Takii Seed Company. Young holds a Bachelor of Science in agricultural education from Oklahoma State University. James Young will be reappointed to represent industry experts for a term commencing August 17, 2025, and expiring August 16, 2028.
The Michigan Onion Committee seeks to promote the production and consumption of onions grown in Michigan as well as to assist in the agricultural research and development of onion farming.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Crime Victim Services Commission
Robin Hornbuckle-Scott, of Detroit, is a police corporal at the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department and first vice president of the Wayne County Deputy Sheriff’s Association. Robin Hornbuckle-Scott will be reappointed as a peace officer for a term commencing September 28, 2025, and expiring September 27, 2028.
The Crime Victim Services Commission provides reimbursement expenses on innocent crime victims who suffer a physical injury. The Commission is the state agency charged with overseeing a wide range of funding and services for victims of crime. Its goal is to promote services and supports that protect and enhance the health, safety, dignity, and rights of victims of crime across the state of Michigan.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Public School Employees Retirement Systems Board
Deven Parrish, of Williamston, is an English teacher at Howell High School. Parish is also the chief negotiator for the Howell Education Association and a trustee of the Michigan Education Special Services Association Board of Trustees. Parrish holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Michigan State University and a Master of Arts in teaching from Marygrove College. Deven Parrish is appointed as a teacher for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring March 30, 2029. Parrish succeeds Brian Kwiatkowski, whose term has expired.
The Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board is responsible for general oversight of retirement, survivor, and disability benefits to employees in public school districts, intermediate school districts, community colleges and certain universities.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the senate.
Local Community Stabilization Authority Council
Andrew McMechan, of Garden City, is the assistant superintendent of financial services for the Wayne Regional Educational Service Agency. McMechan is president of the Garden City Library Board of Trustees and was previously the chief financial officer for Garden City Public Schools. McMechan holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Hillsdale College and Master of Business Administration from Wayne State University. Andrew McMechan is appointed for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring September 3, 2029. McMechan succeeds Steven Ezikian, whose term has expired.
Julius Suchy, of Rockford, is the township manager for Ada Township. Previously, Suchy served as the municipal manager for the Village of Sparta, Village of Dundee, and City of Vassar. Suchy holds a Bachelor of Arts in public administration and Master of Public Administration from Grand Valley State University. Julius Suchy is appointed for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring September 3, 2030. Suchy succeeds Donald Rogers, whose term has expired.
The Local Community Stabilization Authority Council is the governing body of the Local Community Stabilization Authority, which replaced the METRO Authority, and is responsible for coordinating access to public rights-of-way and the payment of maintenance fees by telecommunications providers to municipalities. The Authority is responsible for distributing personal property tax replacement revenue to municipalities throughout the state according to specific statutory formulas.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Early Childhood Investment Corporation Executive Committee
Dr. Steve Tunnicliff, of Flushing, is the superintendent of Genesee Intermediate School District. Tunnicliff additionally serves as president of the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators and on the Michigan Autism Council. Dr. Tunnicliff holds a Bachelor of Science in secondary education from the University of Michigan, a Master of Arts in educational leadership from Central Michigan University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in educational leadership from Oakland University. Dr. Steve Tunnicliff is reappointed for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring July 22, 2029.
Laurie Linscott, of East Lansing, is the director of the Michigan State University Child Development Laboratories. Linscott is a past president of the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children and serves as a member of the Ingham County Great Start Collaborative, the Ingham County School Readiness Advisory Committee, and the Ingham County Preschool Inclusion Workgroup. Linscott holds a Bachelor of Science in elementary education and teaching from Western Michigan University and a Master of Arts in child development from Michigan State University. Laurie Linscott is reappointed for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring July 22, 2029.
Anissa Eddie, of Grand Rapids, is the founder and principal consultant for Liminality Consulting. Eddie additionally serves as a consultant and evaluator for the Wimee Animation Project, a research assistant for Wombats Family Study and Prenatal DULCE Adaptation Study, and as a member of the CHILD Research Lab. Eddie previously worked as the district director for U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten. Eddie holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Calvin College, a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan, and a Doctor of Philosophy in human development from Michigan State University. Anissa Eddie is appointed for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring July 22, 2029. Eddie succeeds Sonia Acosta, whose term has expired.
Brandon Gleaton, of Detroit, is a senior portfolio manager for PreK-20 education at Ballmer Group. Previously, Gleaton was a program officer for Borealis Philanthropy, a fellow at Grantmakers for Southern Progress, and executive director of the Hazel Park Promise Zone and College Access Network. Gleaton serves on the City of Detroit Master Plan Advisory Group and as co-chair of the Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center Board of Directors. Gleaton holds an associate of arts from Oakland Community College, Bachelor of Education from Wayne State University, and a Master of Public Administration and Policy from the University of Michigan – Dearborn. Brandon Gleaton is appointed for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring July 22, 2029. Gleaton succeeds Luanne Ewald, whose term has expired.
The Early Childhood Investment Corporation was created to be the state’s focal point for information and investment in early childhood education in Michigan so that children can arrive at the kindergarten door safe, healthy, and eager for learning and life. The Investment Corporation was founded in 2005 and charged with implementing a Great Start system for Michigan both at the state and community level.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council
Jeremy Murphy, of Mount Pleasant, is the chief financial officer of Gratiot Integrated Health Network. Murphy holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting and management information systems from Central Michigan University. Jeremy Murphy will be reappointed as a parent or guardian of a child with developmental disabilities for a term commencing October 1, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2029.
Rodney Craig, of Okemos, is a division director for Michigan Rehabilitation Services. Craig holds an associate’s degree from St. Clair County Community College and a Bachelor of Science in computer science from the University of Michigan – Flint. Rodney Craig will be appointed as a member representing a state agency that administers funds under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 for a term commencing October 1, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2029. Craig succeeds Maureen Webster, whose term will expire.
Sarah Winslow, of Okemos, is a contractor at the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education. Winslow holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education, a Bachelor of Arts in social relations and political science, and a Master of Arts in K-12 educational administration from Michigan State University. Sarah Winslow will be reappointed as a parent or guardian of a child with developmental disabilities for a term commencing October 1, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2029.
The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council (MiDDC) is an advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. MiDDC channels federal funds to support programmatic activities and grants to improve systems and services to help people with I/DD live self-determined and self-directed lives in a diverse and inclusive community. MiDDC also supports a statewide self-advocacy system, led by individuals with I/DD, known as the “Self-Advocates of Michigan,” or SAM. SAM receives staff support and funding from MiDDC to help people with lived experiences in their advocacy journey.
These appointments are not subject to advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Appellate Defender Commission
Judge Michael Hatty, of Brighton, is a visiting judge and facilitator, and the former chief judge of the 44th Circuit Court and the 53rd District Court. Hatty previously presided over the business and adult drug treatment courts in Livingston County. Judge Hatty holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and business from Western Michigan University and a Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Judge Michael Hatty is appointed as a member recommended by the Michigan Judges Association for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring May 24, 2029. Judge Hatty succeeds Judge Thomas Solka, whose term has expired.
The Michigan Appellate Defender Commission is responsible for the development of a system of indigent appellate defense services which shall include services provided by the office of the state appellate defender and locally appointed private counsel. The Commission will be responsible for the development of minimum standards to which all indigent criminal defense appellate services shall conform and will compile and keep current a statewide roster of attorneys eligible for and willing to accept appointment by an appropriate court to serve as criminal appellate defense counsel for indigent defendants.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity
Katie Anderson, of Hartford, is the CEO of Healing with Katie, LLC. Anderson holds an associate’s degree in business and marketing from Lansing Community College. Katie Anderson is reappointed as a member representing low-income individuals for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring June 21, 2028.
Dwan Dandridge, of Detroit, is the chief executive officer of Black Leaders Detroit. Dandridge serves as a board member for Life Remodeled, New Detroit, and the Hope Village Initiative. Dwan Dandridge is reappointed to represent the private sector for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring June 21, 2028.
The Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity was created to provide opportunities for low-income persons to actively participate in the development of policies and programs to reduce poverty, and serves as a statewide forum to address the needs and concerns of low-income people in the state of Michigan.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Opioids Task Force
Caitlin Koucky, of Boyne City, is the executive director of Community Recovery Alliance in Petoskey, Michigan. Koucky holds a Bachelor of Arts in human development from Kalamazoo College and social relations and a Master of Nonprofit Management from the University of Central Florida. Caitlin Koucky is appointed as a member representing PIHP Region 2 for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring June 14, 2026. Koucky succeeds Sue Winter, who has resigned.
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