Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 14, 2025 Contact: press@michigan.gov
Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the following boards and commissions: Commission for Logistics and Supply Chain Collaboration; Library of Michigan Board of Trustees; Michigan Finance Authority Board of Directors; Michigan Board of Audiology; State Construction Code Commission; Michigan Board of Physical Therapy; Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists; Michigan Board of Massage Therapy; Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine; Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers; Elevator Safety Board; Michigan Community Service Commission; Certificate of Need Commission; Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council; Michigan Opioids Task Force; MI-STEM Advisory Council; Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery; Michigan Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee; Michigan Historical Commission; Michigan Veterans’ Facility Authority Board of Directors; and Autism Council.
Commission for Logistics and Supply Chain Collaboration Anne Partington, of Ann Arbor, is the managing director of the Tauber Institute for Global Operations at the University of Michigan. Partington previously served as the director of the statewide Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC) Advanced Transportation Innovation Hub at the University of Michigan and brings over two decades of global leadership experience at Fiat-Chrysler (Stellantis) and General Motors. Partington holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor and a Master of Science in management of technology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Anne Partington is appointed for a term commencing October 14, 2025, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor, not later than October 14, 2029.
Rebekah McCarter, of Dexter, is the lead supplier scout at the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center. McCarter holds a Bachelor of Science in cross cultural studies from Toccoa Falls College. Rebekah McCarter is appointed for a term commencing October 14, 2025, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor, not later than October 14, 2029.
Delaney McKinley, of East Lansing, is the executive vice president of operations at the Michigan Manufacturers Association. McKinley previously served as a senior vice president at Grant Consulting Group. McKinley holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from Western Michigan University. Delaney McKinley is appointed for a term commencing October 14, 2025, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor, not later than October 14, 2029.
The Commission for Logistics and Supply Chain Collaboration was created under Public Act 76 of 2013. The seven-member commission is housed within the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and advises state agencies on freight transportation and supply chain management issues. The commission also collaborates with local, state, and regional governments and the Canadian government concerning economic development, trade and commerce, transportation, and industrial affairs related to supply chain management.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Library of Michigan Board of Trustees Megan Rose, of Kingsford, is the director at the Dickinson County Library. Rose holds a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences from Michigan Technological University and a Master of Library and Information Science from Wayne State University. Megan Rose is reappointed for a term commencing October 14, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2028.
The Library of Michigan Board of Trustees makes recommendations to the Michigan Department of Education regarding the Library’s services, budget, and proposed governing rules. The Board of Trustees also makes recommendations regarding the employment of other administrative and general assistants and employees of the Library as are necessary for the care and management of the Library, including the Law Library Branch of the Library.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Finance Authority Board of Directors Wafa Dinaro, of Livonia, is the executive director of the New Economy Initiative. Previously, Dinaro served as executive director of the Wayne County Economic Development Corporation and the Wayne County Brownfield Redevelopment Corporation. Dinaro serves as a member of the City of Livonia Planning Commission, as a member of the Advisory Board of the Michigan Founders Fund, and a member of the Foundation Board for Samaritas. Dinaro holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications and political science from the University of Michigan – Dearborn and a Master of Arts in social and public policy from Georgetown University. Wafa Dinaro is reappointed to represent Democrats and residents of the state with experience in economic development issues or relating to public finance for a term commencing October 14, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2029.
William Beekman, of East Lansing, is the vice president for strategic initiatives at Michigan State University, where he also serves as a senior advisor to the president. Beekman chairs the Reseda Board of Managers and serves on the board of directors of MSU Federal Credit Union and the University Club of Michigan State University. Beekman holds a Bachelor of Arts in justice, morality and constitutional democracy from Michigan State University, a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University, and a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University. William Beekman is reappointed to represent Independents and residents of the state with experience in issues relating to hospitals or other health facilities or relating to public finance for a term commencing October 14, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2029.
The Michigan Finance Authority provides effective, low-cost options to finance the acquisition, construction, improvement, or alteration of land, facilities, equipment, the payment of project costs, or to refinance existing debt. The Authority accomplishes this by working with municipalities, schools, healthcare providers, colleges and universities, and college students.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Audiology Dr. Kristen Angster, of Troy, is the division vice president of operations for the department of otolaryngology and the head of otology and neurotology at Henry Ford Health as well as an assistant professor at Michigan State University and Wayne State University. Dr. Angster holds a Bachelor of Science in biology from James Madison University as well as a Medical Degree from the University of Maryland Medical School and completed her fellowship in Neurotology at the University of Michigan. Dr. Kristen Angster is appointed to represent licensed practitioners certified by the American Board of otolaryngology for a term commencing October 14, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2028. Angster succeeds Paul Judge, whose term has expired.
The Michigan Board of Audiology was enacted as part of the Public Health Code to license audiologists who apply nonmedical and nonsurgical principles, methods, and procedures related to disorders of hearing. The Board promotes and protects the public’s health, safety, and welfare, and has the obligation to take 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.
State Construction Code Commission Laurie Catey, of Royal Oak, is the director of engineering and consulting services at Energy Sciences Resource Partners, LLC. Catey holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Michigan Technological University and a Master of Business Administration from Baker College. Laurie Catey is reappointed as a professional engineer for a term commencing October 14, 2025, and expiring January 31, 2028.
The State Construction Code Commission was created to improve the quality of housing for Michigan residents while assisting the housing industry. The Commission may study the effect of the code, and other related laws, to ascertain their effect on the cost of building construction and maintenance, and the effectiveness of their provisions for insuring the health, safety, and welfare of the people of this state. The Commission may take testimony and hold hearings relating to any aspect or matter relative to the administration or enforcement of this act.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Physical Therapy Dr. Priti George, of Northville, is the supervisor for rehabilitation services at Henry Ford Health. Dr. George holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from Nagpur University, a Master of Orthopedic Physical Therapy from Mumbai University, and a Doctor of Science in physical therapy from Andrews University. Dr. Priti George will be reappointed as a physical therapist for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029.
The Michigan Board of Physical Therapy was originally formed with the enactment of Public Act 164 of 1965. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the board to promote and protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare. This responsibility is implemented by the Board by ascertaining minimal entry level competency of health practitioners. The Board also has the obligation to take 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.
Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists Camron Moorehead, of Saline, is an occupational therapist at Michigan Medicine. Moorehead holds a Bachelor of Science in clinical exercise science from Grand Valley State University and a Master of Science in occupational therapy from Eastern Michigan University. Camron Moorehead will be reappointed as an occupational therapist for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029.
The Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to promulgate rules for licensing occupational therapists and ascertaining minimal entry level competency of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the Board to promote and protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Massage Therapy Dana Calhoun, of Troy, is the owner of Small Leaf Massage and an instructor at Irene’s Myomassology Institute. Calhoun holds a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of Kansas. Dana Calhoun is appointed as a massage therapist for a term commencing October 14, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027. Calhoun succeeds AnneMarie Hazzard-Pryor, who has resigned.
The Michigan Board of Massage Therapy was created to regulate the application of a system of structured touch, pressure, movement, and holding to the soft tissue of the human body in which the primary intent is to enhance or restore the health and well-being of the client. The Board of Massage Therapy consists of 11 members: 7 massage therapists and 4 public members. Each member serves 4-year terms.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the senate.
Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine Lauren Walker, of Southfield, is the owner of Colonial Veterinary Clinic. Walker holds a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry and molecular biology from Michigan State University and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Purdue University. Lauren Walker will be reappointed as a veterinarian for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029.
The Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine was originally formed with the enactment of Public Act 156 of 1956. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the Board to promote and protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare. This responsibility is implemented by the Board by ascertaining minimal entry level competency of health practitioners. The Board also has the obligation to take disciplinary action against licensees who have adversely affected the public’s health, safety, and welfare. The Board works with the Department to oversee Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers Gretchen Goodman, of Rockford, is the athletics healthcare administrator and associate athletic director at Grand Valley State University. Goodman holds a Bachelor of Science in physical education from Grand Valley State University and a Master of Arts in athletic training from Western Michigan University. Gretchen Goodman is appointed as an athletic trainer for a term commencing October 14, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2029. Goodman succeeds Kimberly Collier, whose term has expired.
The Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of approximately 1,028 athletic trainers. The practice of athletic training, as defined in the Public Health Code, means the treatment of an individual for risk management and injury prevention, the clinical evaluation and assessment of an individual for an injury or illness, the immediate care and treatment of an individual for an injury or illness, and the rehabilitation and reconditioning of an individual’s injury or illness.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Elevator Safety Board Scott Soupal, of Chesaning, is the national operations and safety manager at Elevated Technologies, Inc. Soupal holds a Bachelor of Science in environmental health and safety from Oakland University. Scott Soupal is appointed as a member of the elevator constructors’ union for a term commencing October 14, 2025, and expiring July 22, 2029. Soupal succeeds Sean Walker, whose term has expired.
The Elevator Safety Board promulgates rules and prepares examinations in relation to contractor licenses. The Board also conducts hearings to determine whether an elevator contractor license or certificate of competency or commission should be suspended or revoked.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Community Service Commission Douglas Ferrick, of Northville, is the regional vice president of philanthropy for Trinity Health Southeast Michigan. Ferrick additionally serves on the Trinity Health Detroit Ministry Board. Ferrick holds a Bachelor of Science in public relations and marketing from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Nonprofit Organizations from Case Western Reserve University. Douglas Ferrick is reappointed as a Democrat and a representative of business for a term commencing October 14, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2028.
Earle Higgins, of Farmington Hills, is a retired senior managing director and founder of Pro-Tech Group, LLC. Higgins serves on the board of directors for Athletes Learning Educational Resources Training (ALERT) and as president of the Eastern Michigan E-Hoops Group Alumni organization. Higgins is also a former Trustee of Eastern Michigan University. Higgins holds a Bachelor of Science in human behavior and language arts from Eastern Michigan University. Earle Higgins is reappointed to represent Democrats and as an individual with expertise in the education, training and developmental needs of youth, particularly disadvantaged youth, for a term commencing October 14, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2028.
Daniel McKernan, of Grosse Pointe Woods, is the communications director at the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 324. Daniel assists with adult learning and pre-apprenticeship programs like Access for All and Detroit Workforce of the Future, as well as Helmets to Hardhats, which benefits returning veterans. McKernan holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Daniel McKernan is reappointed as a Democrat and to represent local labor organizations for a term commencing October 14, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2028.
Daniel Schoonmaker, of Grand Rapids, is the executive director of the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum. Previously, Schoonmaker served as director of member services for West Michigan Environmental Action Council. Schoonmaker holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Aquinas College and is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. Daniel Schoonmaker is reappointed as an Independent and as an expert in the delivery of human, educational, environmental, or public safety services to communities and persons for a term commencing October 14, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2028.
Temeca Simpson, of Detroit, is a senior portfolio manager for Southeast Michigan at Ballmer Group. Simpson previously served as the director of grantmaking for The Forbes Funds and as a program manager at both Pivot Learning Partners and IBM. Simpson holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan, a Master of Early Childhood Education from Pace University, and a Master of Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University. Temeca Simpson is appointed as a Democrat and as an expert in the delivery of human, educational, environmental, or public safety services to communities and persons for a term commencing October 14, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2028. Simpson succeeds Linda Little, whose term has expired.
The Michigan Community Service Commission strives to build a culture of service by providing vision and resources to strengthen communities through volunteerism. The Commission develops a three-year comprehensive national and community service plan for the state that shall be updated annually, oversees and submits the state’s applications to AmeriCorps and other public and private funding sources, establishes policies and procedures for the use of federal funds, and develops initiatives to promote community service in coordination with existing programs.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Certificate of Need Commission Joseph Egan, of Huntington Woods, is the Chief of Staff at the Detroit Medical Center. Prior to his current role, Egan was the senior director of value-based care programs for Tenet Health, accelerating care continuity efforts across the country. Egan holds a Bachelor of Science in human biology from Michigan State University and a Master of Health Administration in public health from the University of Pittsburgh. Joseph Egan is appointed as a member representing hospitals for a term commencing October 14, 2025, and expiring April 4, 2028. Egan succeeds Archie Drake, who has resigned.
The Certificate of Need (CON) Commission has the responsibility to develop, approve, disapprove, or revise CON Review Standards that are used by the CON Program Section to issue decisions on CON applications. The Commission evaluates the Review Standar |
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission on Thursday enacted regulation changes on several inland trout lakes in the Upper Peninsula, effective Oct. 10, 2025. Four lakes have changed regulation types and four others have been removed from the list of designated trout lakes and no longer have a type designation. These changes will expand fishing opportunities for other species and better reflect the fish communities present in those waters.
