Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 10, 2021 Contact: [email protected]
Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Michigan Board of Audiology, Michigan Board of Counseling, Mackinac Island State Park Commission, Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, and the Ski Area Safety Board.
Michigan Board of Audiology
Christine E. Gower, of Howell, is an audiologist with Srinivas Mukkamala, M.D., PLC.
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.
Michigan Board of Counseling
Lesley E. D. Addison, of Marquette, is a school counselor for Marquette Area Public Schools. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Psychology and an education certificate from Albion College. Mrs. Addison is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. She succeeds Harold Koviak whose term expires June 30, 2021.
Charles L. Corley, II, of Westland, is an assembly line worker and alternate team lead for Ford Motor Company. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Eastern Michigan University. Mr. Corley is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing June 10, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2022. He succeeds Jana Simmons who has resigned.
Napoleon Harrington, of Auburn Hills, is a therapist and the founder of Ambassador Counseling and Resource Group, PLLC. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Development and a Master of Arts in Counseling in Community/Agency from Oakland University. Mr. Harrington is appointed to represent members engaged primarily in the administration of counseling services for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. He succeeds Harold Love whose term expires June 30, 2021.
Sheri Pickover, Ph.D., of Wixom, is an associate professor and program director with the Central Michigan University Department of Counseling and Special Education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Creative Writing, and Literature from the University of Michigan, a Master of Science in Education in Psychological Services from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Education in Counseling from Oakland University. Dr. Pickover is ap
The Michigan Board of Counseling was enacted as part of the Public Health Code to license counselors who render to individuals, groups, families, organizations, or the general public a service involving the application of clinical counseling principles, methods, or procedures in an educational, business, health, private practice, or human services setting. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board including promoting and protecting the public’s health, safety, and welfare.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Mackinac Island State Park Commission
Daniel J. Loepp, of Bloomfield Hills, is the president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Mr. Loepp is the vice chair of the Downtown Detroit Partnership and chair of the Partnership’s Executive Co
Hank Meijer, of Grand Rapids, is the executive chairman of Meijer, Inc. Mr. Meijer is the vice chairman of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and a member of the University of Michigan’s President’s Advisory Group and the Ford School of Public Policy board of advisors. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan. Mr. Meijer is appointed to represent Independents for a term commencing June 10, 2021 and expiring April 12, 2027. He succeeds Dick Posthumus whose term expired April 12, 2021.
The Mackinac Island State Park Commission was formed in 1895 and is responsible for all aspects of managing Mackinac State Historic Parks. The Commission retains and exercises its authority and responsibility for developing the mission, goals, policies, objectives and direction for the unique properties under its jurisdiction.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
Charlotte Y. Bradley, of Detroit, is the SAP Tenant project manager at GST
Jeffrey H. Frederick, D.P.M, of Franklin, is the executive vice president of Podiatry Risk Group, LLC. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Frederick is appointed to represent podiatrists for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. He succeeds Vicki Anton-Athens whose term expires June 30, 2021.
Jodie N. Sengstock, D.P.M., of Canton, is a podiatrist with Garden City Hospital and an independent contractor with Jo
The Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery was formed to license and regulate the practice of podiatric medicine and surgery, which is defined in the Public Health Code as the evaluation, diagnosis, management, and prevention of conditions of the lower extremities, including local manifestations of systemic disease in the human foot and ankle, by attending to and advising patients and through the use of devices, diagnostic tests, drugs and biologicals, surgical procedures, or other means.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Ski Area Safety Board
Samuel Bracket, of Kingsford, is the general manager of Pine Mountain Resort in Iron Mountain. Mr. Bracket is appointed to represent Upper Peninsula ski area managers for a term commencing June 10, 2021 and expiring June 8, 2024. He succeeds Andrew Farron who has resigned.
Dana Carnevale, of Grawn, is the li
Timothy P. Meyer, of Cadillac, is the mountain oper
The Michigan Ski Area Safety Board was created to license and regulate ski areas and ski lifts in Michigan. The Board works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the operation of ski areas, surface and chair lifts, and rope tows. |
Package to Strengthen Guardianship Laws
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Media Contact: Lynsey Mukomel FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AG Nessel, State Legislators Announce Legislative Package to Strengthen Guardianship and Conservatorship LawsLANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel was joined today by Michigan Supreme Court Justice Megan Cavanagh, Representative Graham Filler, Senator Roger Victory and a bipartisan group of state legislators to announce legislation implementing fundamental reforms impacting guardians and conservators—individuals appointed by probate courts to act in the best interests of vulnerable individuals. The legislation – House Bills 4847, 4848, 4849, and 4850; and Senate Bills 503, 504, 505 and 506 – With bipartisan support, and if passed by the legislature, the bills will implement the remainder of the Task Force’s first initiatives. A probate court appoints a guardian when there is clear and convincing evidence that an individual is incapacitated and cannot make informed decisions about their welfare and safety and when there is no less restrictive alternative. A conservator is generally appointed in the same circumstances to handle the individual’s money. Although most people view guardianship as a benign protective device, when used inappropriately or without critical safeguards, guardianship itself can result in the abuse of older adults and strip individuals of their most basic rights. When a person has a full guardian, the guardian makes decisions about virtually every aspect of that person’s life—where the person will live, what medical care they will receive, what activities they can participate in, and sometimes even whether they can communicate with their own family, thus implicating sacred rights of liberty, bodily integrity, freedom of association, and the pursuit of happiness. Highlights of the legislation include a requirement for certification of guardians and conservators, including requirements for minimum training and professional standards. The legislation also requires courts to make findings of fact if a person with priority for appointment, such as a family member, is passed over in favor of a professional guardian or conservator. In addition, the legislation improves the protections for individuals under a guardianship before a professional guardian may remove them from their home. “The legislation goes to the heart of protecting Michigan’s most vulnerable and ensuring that their civil liberties, autonomy and dignity are protected,” said Attorney General Nessel. “These proposals help ensure our guardianship system provides vulnerable Michiganders with a true safety net, not a trap, and ensures our probate courts use guardianship only to combat, not enable, elder abuse.” “Thank you to the Task Force and the Attorney General for an ongoing, open and inclusive process and for working to educate the public about guardianships and the important work of probate courts,” said Supreme Court Justice Megan Cavanagh. “With these reforms, judges will have additional tools in the law to make sure that the rights of people with guardians are protected.” “I have always worked hard to enact legislation that protects our most vulnerable residents,” said Representativ “One of the most important roles we have in our society and in state government is to protect our most vulnerable citizens from harm – emotionally, physically and financially,” said Senator Roger Victory, R-Hudsonville. “As the chairman of the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, I look forward to working with the attorney general and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on this common goal of ensuring the best interests of our seniors is always the top priority.” Members of the Task Force are scheduled to testify this afternoon before the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee at a hearing in |
$250 Million Investment to Modernize State Parks
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Bill signed to help Veterans Continue their Careers
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 9, 2021 Contact: [email protected]
Governor Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bills Helping Veterans and their Families Continue their Careers in Michigan, Accelerating Michigan’s Economic Recovery
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Whitmer signed Senate Bill 157, Senate Bill 312, House Bill 4376, and
“I am proud to sign these bipartisan bills to clear the path for our military service members, veterans, and their dependents to enter a licensed profession,” said Governor Whitmer. “This legislation will help us attract and retain talent in Michigan and boosts our broader effort to put Michigan back to work. Our veterans and their families have made countless sacrifices, and it is time that we give back to those who have bravely served our nation.”
“Combined with tuition assistance, job training and leadership development, these bills demonstrate the commitment we have made to ensure state government recognizes the tremendous sacrifice made by our military members, veterans and their families,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veteran Affairs. “These new laws will eliminate a significant burden often faced by our military families.”
“As a veteran, the wife of a veteran and as a mother to a military spouse, I understand first hand many of the struggles veterans and military members face when they return home and seek employment, said Zaneta Adams, director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. “This is a huge step in the right direction of making Michigan more veteran friendly. I am proud to be a part of a mission to make our state a great place for veterans and their families, to live, work and call home.”
“The enactment of these new laws creates an expedited path for active and veteran personnel and their families to practice their licensed profession in Michigan, with their initial license and application fees waived,” said LARA Director, Orlene Hawks. “LARA will also prioritize completed licensing applications received from our military families and we are committed to process those applications within 48 hours.”
“With these bills, we are helping our veteran and military families by removing the government red tape preventing them from continuing their careers here in Michigan,” said Sen. John Bizon, R – Batt
“Our state has faced our fair share of challenges over the last year and a half, but our position as a pro-worker state has never faltered,” said Rep. Sarah Anthony, D – Lansing. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without the contributions and sacrifices of Michigan’s military families. I am proud to support them now by removing unnecessary and costly requirements to occupational licensing.”
Senate Bill 157 and Senate Bill 312 will amend different acts to ease the process through which an active duty service member, a veteran, or their qualifying dependents can obtain an initial health profession or occupational license or certification of registration in a profession or occupation for which they hold a license or registration in another state or country; waive the fee for the initial health profession license or registration; and redefine terms.
Senate Bill 157 was sponsored by Sen. John Bizon, R-Battle Creek, and a copy can be found here. Senate Bill 312 was sponsored by Sen. Marshall Bullock, D-Detroit, and a copy can be found here.
House Bill 4376 expands the waiver of an initial license or registration fee for an occupational license to active servicemembers in the Armed Forces or the uniformed services and dependents of any of those of veterans and active servicemembers. Under current law, fee waivers were available only to veterans.
House Bill 4376 was sponsored by Rep. Andrea Schroeder, R-
House Bill 4377 requires LARA to issue certain occupational licenses to members of the armed forces, veterans, and/or their dependents, without examination, as long as the individual is licensed or registered in that occupation in another state or country and certain conditions are met.
House Bill 4377 was sponsored by Rep. Sarah Anthony, D-Lansing, and a copy can be found here.
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Whitmer Establishes Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform
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