FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 18, 2023 Contact: [email protected]
Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to State Transportation Commission Ms. Brown and Ms. Welburn are the first women of color in state history appointed to the commission
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointments of Ms. Rhonda Welburn and Ms. Rita Brown to the State Transportation Commission.
State Transportation Commission
Rhonda Welburn, of Detroit, is a retired member of Dickinson Wright, PLLC, where she began practicing of law in 1995. Her primary practice areas were public finance and municipal law, but she is also experienced in the areas of banking and financial services, real estate and education law. During her 25-year legal career, she was consistently ranked by her peers as one of the Best Lawyers in America®, Michigan Super Lawyers and recognized as a Top Lawyer by DBusiness Magazine. Before joining Dickinson Wright, Ms. Welburn had a distinguished 13-year career at General Motors, beginning her automotive career as a mathematician developing computer aided design technology and ultimately serving in a managerial position at GM’s financial staff.
Ms. Welburn serves on the board of the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation, and the DMC Foundation. She attended Howard University in Washington, D.C. where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. She earned her Master of Business Administration from the University of Detroit-Mercy and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Michigan. Ms. Welburn is appointed to represent Independents for a term commencing April 18, 2023 and expiring December 21, 2025. She replaces Todd Wyett, whose term has expired.
Rita Brown, of Birmingham, is a V.P. of Development, Innovation & Infrastructure at JMC Electrical Contractor, as well as being the CEO of Brown Construction Collective +. She is an outspoken advocate for increasing representation in her industry after her own experience and struggles to be given a fair shot as a working mom. She founded Project Accelerate, a seven-week intensive program to introduce women to the design and building trades industry. Her recruiting efforts have earned her several awards from National Association of Women in Construction, and in 2017 she was invited to discuss Project Accelerate at a White House policy briefing focused on expanding careers for women in the construction industry.
Ms. Brown holds an associate’s degree from Schoolcraft College and has earned professional certificates from Michigan State University and Dartmouth. Ms. Brown is appointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing April 18, 2023 and expiring December 21, 2025. She replaces Stephen Adamini, whose term has expired.
The Commission establishes policy for the Michigan Department of Transportation in relation to transportation programs and facilities and other such works as related to transportation development, as provided by law. Responsibilities of the Commission include the development and implementation of comprehensive transportation plans for the entire state, including aeronautics, bus and rail transit, providing professional and technical assistance, and overseeing the administration of state and federal funds allocated for these programs.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Left: Ms. Rhonda Welburn Right: Ms. Rita Brown |
Whitmer Makes Appointments to Transportation Commission
