FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 14, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Michigan Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, Early Childhood Investment Corporation, Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System Board, Michigan State Housing Development Authority Board, Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission, State Teacher Tenure Commission, Michigan Board of Behavior Analysts, and the MSU-CIBER Advisory 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 Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee

Kaitlin Liroff, of Birmingham, is an infectious disease physician at Hurley Medical Center and assistant professor of clinical medicine at Michigan State College of Human Medicine. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of Michigan and a Doctor of Medicine from Oakland University’s William Beaumont School of Medicine. Kaitlin Liroff is appointed as a physician whose practice includes patients who are eligible for Medicaid for a term commencing November 14, 2024, and expiring October 1, 2026. She succeeds Prakash Sanghvi, who has resigned.

Katie Axford, of Rockford, is a licensed pharmacist and professor at Ferris State University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Hope College, a Master of Public Health from Ferris State University, and a Doctor of Pharmacy from Ferris State University. Katie Axford is reappointed as a pharmacist whose business includes prescriptions from individuals who are eligible for Medicaid for a term commencing November 14, 2024, and expiring October 1, 2026.

Nora Orow, of Sterling Heights, is a clinical pharmacist at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. She holds a Doctor of Pharmacy from Ohio Northern University Raabe College of Pharmacy. Nora Orow is reappointed as a pharmacist whose business includes prescriptions from individuals who are eligible for Medicaid for a term commencing November 14, 2024, and expiring October 1, 2026.

The Michigan Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee advises the Department of Health and Human Services on issues affecting prescription drug coverage for its various health care programs. The Committee shall recommend to the Department guidelines for prescription drugs covered in its various health care programs.

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

Early Childhood Investment Corporation

Jana Dean, of East Lansing, is the chief financial officer of the Michigan Public Health Institute. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in accounting and Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University. She has served on the Early Childhood Investment Corporation Executive Committee since 2020. Jana Dean is reappointed to the Early Childhood Investment Corporation for a term commencing October 10, 2024, and expiring July 22, 2028.

Ja’Nel Jamerson, of Ann Arbor, is the president of the Flint Center for Educational Excellence and director of the Ruth Mott Foundation. Previously, he was vice president of policy and P-20 partnerships for the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, Master of Arts in secondary urban education, and Doctor of Education in education leadership from the University of Michigan-Flint. Ja’Nel Jamerson is reappointed to the Early Childhood Investment Corporation for a term commencing October 10, 2024, and expiring July 22, 2028.

Kevin Stotts, of Ada, is the president of Talent First, formerly known as Talent 2025. He serves on the boards of Children’s Leadership Council of Michigan, the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance Advisory Council, the St. Stephen Church Board and school board, and the West Michigan Prosperity Alliance. He holds an Associate of Arts from Northwestern Michigan College and a Bachelor of Arts in international relations from Michigan State University. Kevin Stotts is reappointed to the Early Childhood Investment Corporation for a term commencing October 10, 2024, and expiring July 22, 2028.

Dr. Steve Tunnicliff, of Flushing, is the superintendent of Genesee Intermediate School District. Dr. Tunnicliff obtained a Bachelor of Science in secondary education from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, a Master of Arts in educational leadership from Central Michigan University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in educational leadership and education specialist-educational leadership from Oakland University. He is also the president-elect of the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators and serves on the Autism Council. Dr. Steve Tunnicliff is appointed to the Early Childhood Investment Corporation for a term commencing October 10, 2024, and expiring July 22, 2025. Dr. Tunnicliff succeeds John Severson, who has resigned.

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 Public School Employees Retirement System Board

Michelle Dollis-Brady, of Van Buren Township, is the senior director of health and welfare strategy at Corewell Health. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in business administration and marketing at Louisiana State University. Michelle Dollis-Brady is appointed as a member of the general public with experience in actuarial science or health insurance for a term commencing November 14, 2024, and expiring March 30, 2026. Dollis-Brady succeeds Alan Sonnanstine, 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.

Michigan State Housing Development Authority Board

Evangelina Hernandez, of Lansing, was recently a health and wellness specialist and a human resources retirement specialist for the City of Lansing. She also was the secretary for the Michigan American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Senior Community Service Employment Program. Evangelina Hernandez is appointed as a resident member for a term commencing November 14, 2024, and expiring March 10, 2026. Hernandez succeeds Tyrone Hamilton, who has resigned.

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority, established in 1966, was created to provide financial and technical assistance through public and private partnerships to create and preserve safe and decent affordable housing, engage in community economic development activities, develop vibrant cities, towns and villages, and address homeless issues.

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

State Teacher Tenure Commission

Terae King, Jr., of Flint, is a field operations consultant with McDonald’s Corporation. He is also a trustee on the Flint Community Schools Board of Education, a role he has held since 2022. King earned a Bachelor of Science in political science and government from the University of Michigan-Flint. Terae King, Jr. is appointed to the State Teacher Tenure Commission for a term commencing November 14, 2024, and expiring August 31, 2029. King succeeds Nicole McKinney, whose term has expired.

The State Teacher Tenure Commission acts as a board of review for all cases appealed from the decision of a controlling board.

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission

Wolfgang Mueller, of Northville, is a boxing manager and third-degree black belt in Tang Soo Do and the owner of Mueller Law Firm. Mueller holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University, a Master of Science in mechanical engineering from University of Michigan – Dearborn, and a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University – Detroit College of Law. Wolfgang Mueller is reappointed to represent mixed martial artists for a term commencing November 14, 2024, and expiring June 5, 2028.

Sharon Kelly-Person, of Southfield, is the career development facilitators coordinator and Department of Health and Human Services coordinator for Educational Data Systems, Inc. (EDSI). She holds a Bachelor of Arts in business administration from Siena Heights University. Kelly-Person is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing November 14, 2024, and expiring June 4, 2028.

Anne Morrell, of Rochester Hills, is a real estate agent for Signature Sotheby’s International Realty. She also serves as a licensed Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) professional judge. Morrell holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in operations management from the University of Michigan. Morrell is reappointed to represent mixed martial arts, for a term commencing November 14, 2024, and expiring June 4, 2028.

Josh Bocks, of Macomb, is the planning director of Macomb Township. He is also an assistant wrestling coach at Livonia Stevenson High School and a former MMA fighter, trainer, and judge. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Kaplan University. Josh Bocks is reappointed to represent mixed martial arts for a term commencing November 14, 2024, and expiring June 5, 2028.

Tarick Salmaci, of Dearborn, is the owner of the Tarick Salmaci Group at ARG Real Estate as well as a former professional boxer and North American Boxing Organization Middleweight Champion. Across his boxing career, Tarick won six state championships, four Midwest championships, three U.S. national championships, and was an Olympic trials finalist. Michael Tarick Salmaci is appointed to represent boxing for a term commencing November 14, 2024, and expiring June 5, 2028. He succeeds Donald Weatherspoon, whose term has expired.

Tammy Timlin, of Dewitt, is co-owner and president of the Mid-Michigan Academy of Martial Arts. She is a ninth-degree black belt in AACS and a martial arts instructor. Tammy Timlin is reappointed to represent mixed martial arts for a term commencing November 14, 2024, and expiring June 5, 2028.

The Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission is the successor to the Michigan Boxing Commission and is responsible for the regulation of professional boxing and mixed martial arts. The Commission and the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs are vested with management, control, and jurisdiction over all professional boxing, professional or amateur mixed martial arts, or unarmed combat contests or events conducted in this state.

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Michigan Board of Behavior Analysts

Margaret Moore, of Ada, is the executive director of Hope Network Centers for Autism and the president of the Board of Directors of the Michigan Behavior Analyst Providers Association. She also holds an active Behavior Analyst license.  Moore earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Western Michigan University and a Master of Science in applied behavior analysis from Northeastern University. Margaret Moore is appointed as a behavior analyst engaged in providing clinical services for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2028. Margaret Moore succeeds Samantha Hancock, whose term will have expired.

Dr. Jeana Koerber, of Mattawan, is the executive director of Autism Services at the Great Lakes Center (GLC) for Autism Treatment and Research and the treasurer of the Michigan Behavior Analysis Provider Association (MiBAP). She is a board-certified behavior analyst. Dr. Koerber earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology, a Master of Arts in industrial organizational behavior management, and a Doctorate in behavior analysis from Western Michigan University. Dr. Jeana Koerber is appointed as a behavior analyst engaged in providing behavior analysis services to the Medicaid population in addition to providing clinical services for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2028. Dr. Jeana Koerber succeeds Conny Raaymakers, whose term will have expired.

The Michigan Board of Behavior Analysts was created to assist the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs with the regulating and licensing of behavior analysts who utilize applied behavior analysis interventions that are based on scientific research and the direct observation and measurement of behavior and the environment.

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

MSU CIBER Advisory Board

Alyssa Tracey, of Royal Oak, is the director of international trade at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. She received her Bachelor of Arts in international relations from Michigan State University and her Master of Arts in modern Middle Eastern studies from the University of Michigan. Alyssa Tracey is appointed for a term commencing November 14, 2024, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. Tracey succeeds Natalie Chmiko.

In order for MSU to be eligible for a Centers for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) grant through the U.S. Department of Education, MSU shall establish a center advisory council which will conduct extensive planning prior to the establishment of a center concerning the scope of the center’s activities and the design of its programs and advise the center on activities going forward. One member of the Board is appointed by the Governor.

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.