Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the following boards, commissions, and task forces: Michigan Civil Service Commission; Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates; Central Michigan University Board of Trustees; Ferris State University Board of Trustees; Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees; Western Michigan University Board of Trustees; Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees; Michigan Technological University Board of Trustees; Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents; Michigan Civil Rights Commission; Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System Board; Michigan State Transportation Commission; Pre-K-12 Literacy Commission; School Safety and Mental Health Commission; Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect; Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission; Michigan Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers with Developmental Disabilities; Black Leadership Advisory Council; and the Michigan Workforce Development Board.
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 history.
Michigan Civil Service Commission
David Berridge, of Dimondale, is a retired transportation engineer, having retired from the Michigan Department of Transportation as a special projects coordinator in 2019. Berridge has also previously served on bargaining committees representing both labor and management. He is an outgoing member of the State of Michigan Retirement Board and volunteers both with the AARP Foundation as a tax aide and with the Tuesday Toolmen building handicap access ramps. Previously, he was director of the scientists’ and engineers’ unit of SEIU 517M and was the chief spokesperson for several rounds of negotiations between 2012 and 2019. Berridge holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in civil engineering from Michigan State University. David Berridge is appointed to represent Independents for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032. David Berridge succeeds Jase Bolger, whose term will expire on December 31, 2024.
The Civil Service Commission is empowered by Article XI, Section 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 to classify all positions in the classified service according to their respective duties and responsibilities, fix rates of compensation for all classes of positions, and approve or disapprove disbursements for all personal services. The Commission also determines by competitive examination and performance exclusively on the basis of merit, efficiency, and fitness the qualifications of all candidates for positions in the classified service, makes rules and regulations covering all personnel transactions, and regulates all conditions of employment in the classified service.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates
Lisa Woons, of Grand Rapids, is a magistrate with the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates and has been serving since 2013. Woons previously served as an attorney with Kluczynski, Girtz, and Vogelzang. She holds a Juris Doctorate and Bachelor of Arts in political science from Valparaiso University. Lisa Woons is reappointed to the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates for a term commencing January 27, 2025, and expiring January 26, 2029.
David Williams, of Grosse Pointe Woods, is a magistrate with the Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates and has been serving since 2013. He previously worked as an attorney with Kluczynski, Girtz & Vogelzang, P.C. Williams earned his Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University. David Williams is reappointed for a term commencing January 27, 2025, and expiring January 26, 2029.
Lenny Segel, of Farmington Hills, is a magistrate for the Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates. He was previously an attorney with Bernstein & Bernstein. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University. Lenny Segel is reappointed for a term commencing January 27, 2025, and expiring January 26, 2029.
Kevin Kales, of Allen Park, is the chief magistrate of the Board of Magistrates. He was previously an attorney with Legghio & Israel, P.C. Kales earned his Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University. Kevin Kales is reappointed to the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates for a term commencing January 27, 2025, and expiring January 26, 2029. He is also reappointed as Chief Magistrate.
Richard Ehrlich, of Commerce Township, is a magistrate for the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates. He previously was an attorney with Zamler, Shiffman & Karfis, P.C. Ehrlich earned a Bachelor of Arts in history, political science, and humanities from Wayne State University and a Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University. Richard Ehrlich is reappointed to the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates for a term commencing January 27, 2025, and expiring January 26, 2029.
John Chowning, of Linden, is an attorney at Chowning and Edgar, P.C. Chowning holds a Bachelor of Science in political science from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University. John Chowning is appointed to the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates for a term commencing January 27, 2025, and expiring January 26, 2029. Chowning succeeds John Housefield, whose term is expiring.
Kevin Davis, of Washington Township, is a principal at Kitch Attorneys & Counselors, P.C. He has previously been a senior staff trial attorney at Zurich North America. Davis received a Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit and a Bachelor of Science in medical technology from Eastern Michigan University. Kevin Davis is appointed to the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates for a term commencing January 27, 2025, and expiring January 26, 2029. Davis succeeds Keith Castora, whose term is expiring.
The Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates has been established as an autonomous entity within the Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency per Executive Order No. 2019-13. Only workers’ compensation magistrates can hear cases for which an application for hearing has been filed with the Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency. The Board of Magistrates currently consists of 14 members appointed by the Governor. All members of the board shall be members in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan and have been an attorney licensed to practice in the courts of this state for 5 years or more.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Central Michigan University Board of Trustees
Dr. Ashok Kondur, of West Bloomfield, is an interventional cardiologist at Dearborn Cardiology, the director of mechanical circulatory support and complex and high-risk coronary intervention at Henry Ford Health, and the chairman of the Garden City Hospital Division of Cardiology. Dr. Kondur received a Bachelor of Science and Biology from Sarvodaya College in India, a Doctor of Medicine from Osmania Medical College in India, and a Master of Business Administration in finance and marketing from Indiana University’s Kelly School of Business. He also completed residencies and specialty training in cardiology and internal medicine at Wayne State University. Dr. Ashok Kondur is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032. Kondur succeeds Isaiah Oliver, whose term is expiring.
Jeff Stoutenburg, of Midland, is the director of state government affairs at Dow. Stoutenburg is a two-time graduate of Central Michigan University, and he holds both a Bachelor of Science in political science and a Master of Public Administration. Stoutenberg also serves on the board of the Michigan Economic Development Foundation, where he serves as president, on the Executive Committee of the Michigan Manufacturers Association, and on the board of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. Jeff Stoutenberg is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032. Stoutenberg succeeds Michael Sandler, whose term is expiring.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees
Jason Trice, of Flint, is the CEO of Bedrock Apparel. Trice holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from Grand Valley State University. Trice is a 2017 Grand Valley State University Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee, former football player, and previously served on the GVSU Football Alumni Association as chair. Jason Trice is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032. Jason Trice succeeds Randy Damstra, whose term is expiring.
Brandon Hofmeister, of Ann Arbor, is the senior vice president of strategy, sustainability, and external affairs for Consumers Energy. He previously served as special counsel for energy and climate policy in the Executive Office of Governor Jennifer Granholm, was a visiting law professor at the University of Michigan Law School, and an assistant law professor at Wayne State Law School. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Harvard College and a Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School. Brandon Hofmeister is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032. Hofmeister succeeds Kate Pew Wolters, whose term Is expiring.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Ferris State University Board of Trustees
Matthew Evans, of Grosse Pointe Park, is the CEO of Invictus Builders and operating partner of Prospect Park LLC, a financial services firm. Previously, he was vice president of Rockford Construction, principal of University Preparatory Academy Middle School in Detroit, and executive director of E-Three Labs, an international organization focused on international education and development projects in Southeast Michigan and sub-Saharan Africa. Evans is also a former member of the Grosse Pointe Park Planning Commission and is a founding board member of the Grosse Pointe Park Public Safety Commission. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in education from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Education in educational leadership from Wayne State University. Matthew Evans is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032. Matthew Evans succeeds Amna Seibold, whose term is expiring.
Lashanda Thomas, of Grosse Pointe, is a certified public accountant and the founder and managing partner of The Clairmount Group. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Michigan State University. Thomas is active in her community and is a member on multiple boards, including The Family Center of Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods and Wolverine Human Services. Lashanda Thomas is reappointed for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Western Michigan University Board of Trustees
Kelly Burris, of Detroit, is the owner of Burris Law, PLLC, an intellectual property law firm in Detroit. Burris holds multiple degrees, including a Juris Doctorate from St. Louis University; a Master of Science in materials science and engineering from Washington University; and a Bachelor of Science in aeronautical engineering from Western Michigan University. Burris previously was a partner at several national IP boutique firms. Burris was recently selected by her peers for inclusion in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the area of Patent Law for the Detroit Region, and Burris Law was named a Best Women-Led Law firm by Michigan Lawyers Weekly in 2024. In 2021, Chambers recognized her as a “Highly Commended” honoree for pro bono work. Additionally, she is a member of the Michigan Aeronautics Commission and Commission and sits on the Board of Directors for the Detroit Athletic Club. She is also a licensed pilot with multiple ratings and flies her TBM 940 regularly for business and charitable work. Kelly Burris is reappointed for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032.
James Liggins, of Kalamazoo, is senior counsel at Warner Norcross + Judd, LLP. Previously, he was a partner at Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone, PLC, and an in-house litigation associate at Consumers Energy. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctorate from Michigan State University College of Law. Liggins serves on numerous boards, including Bronson Healthcare Group, where he is the incoming board chair, the American Hospital Association Committee on Governance, where he currently serves as chair; United Way of Southcentral Michigan, where he previously served as chairman of the board of directors; The Harold and Grace Upjohn Foundation; the State Bar of Michigan Judicial Qualifications Committee, where he serves as co-chair; the State Bar of Michigan Board of Commissioners; the Greenleaf Trust; and the State of Michigan Board of Ethics. James Liggins is reappointed for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees
Venus Joy Brown, of Detroit, is the vice president of human resources, organizational effectiveness, and employee experience for Assembly Global. Brown is also an adjunct instructor of business at Henry Ford Community College and previously worked in human resources and talent development at General Motors and Trinity Health. She holds a Bachelor of Science in communications from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Education in instructional technology from Wayne State University. Venus Joy Brown is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032. Brown succeeds Alexis Hart, whose term is expiring.
Lisa Fittante, of Kingsford, is the owner of Fittante and Colenso, CPA, P.C. She holds a Bachelor of Science in elementary education and is a certified public accountant. Fittante serves as treasurer of the Dickinson County Industrial Development Corporation. Lisa Fittante is reappointed for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Technological University Board of Trustees
Steven Tomaszewski, of Fenton, is the global director of environmental strategies and operations at General Motors. Tomaszewski holds a Bachelor of Science in environmental engineering from Michigan Technological University and a Master of Science in chemical engineering and hazardous waste management from Wayne State University. Tomaszewski currently serves as chair of the Michigan Technological University Board of Trustees, and he is one of the founders and the past vice president of the Michigan Tech chapter of the Society of Environmental Engineers. He has also previously served on the College of Engineering Advisory Board and the Civil and Environmental Engineering Professional Advisory Committee at Michigan Tech, and he received the Michigan Tech Young Alumni Award in 1999. Steven Tomaszewski is reappointed for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032.
Dr. Shannon Dare Wayne, of Milan, is a global quality manager at Ford Motor Company, the City Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Milan, and an Adjunct Professor at Lawrence Technological University. Wayne holds a Bachelor of Science in industrial management from Lawrence Technological University; a Master of Science in industrial operations from Lawrence Technological University; a Master of Science in manufacturing engineering from Wayne State University; and a Doctor of Philosophy in industrial engineering from Wayne State University. Dr. Shannon Dare Wayne is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032. Wayne succeeds Derhun Sanders, whose term is expiring.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents
Sean Gray, of Detroit, is the vice president of small business services at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. Gray has previously served as an economic development specialist at the U.S. Small Business Administration. Gray holds a Bachelor of Arts in management from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Education in educational leadership from Eastern Michigan University. Sean Gray is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032. Gray succeeds Eunice Jeffries, whose term is expiring. Ne
Jenita Moore, of Lansing, is currently the director of the office of community engagement for the Executive Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer. She will be taking on a new leadership position in state government in the near future. She has previously served as chief of staff for State Senator Sarah Anthony; legislative liaison for the Michigan Department of State; and the senior advisor for policy and legislation for the Department of Insurance and Financial Services. Moore holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Law and Government from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Public Administration in public management and agency administration from Western Michigan University. Jenita Moore will succeed Alexander Simpson, whose term is expiring.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate
Michigan Civil Rights Commission
Gloria Lara, of Walker, currently serves as a Commissioner and is the outgoing Chair of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission. Lara previously served as the chief executive officer of the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore, and the Executive Director of Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance. Lara holds a Bachelor of Arts in business administration from California State University, Fullerton, and a Master of Business Administration from Harva
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