Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the following boards and commissions: Central Michigan University Board of Trustees; Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board; Organized Retail Crime Advisory Board; Michigan Craft Beverage Council; Advisory Board for the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center for Homeland Security; Michigan Tax Tribunal; Michigan Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons; Michigan Aeronautics Commission; Michigan Workforce Development Board; Michigan Carrot Commission; Michigan Apple Committee; Underground Storage Tank Authority Board of Directors; Michigan Board of Nursing Home Administrators; Ski Area Safety Board; and the Michigan Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science.
Central Michigan University Board of Trustees
David McGhee, of Grand Blanc, is the executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint and an instructor in nonprofit management at Oakland University. McGhee was previously the chief executive officer of The Steve Fund, chief strategy and program officer for the Schultz Family Foundation, and vice president of organizational excellence and impact at The Skillman Foundation. McGhee is a board member for Learn Fresh, past president of the Flint Public Library Board of Trustees and previously served as co-chair of the Michigan Forum for African Americans in Philanthropy at the Council of Michigan Foundations. McGhee holds a Bachelor of Science in public administration and public policy from Oakland University and a Master of Science in administration leadership from Central Michigan University. David McGhee is appointed for a term commencing May 22, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2026. McGhee succeeds Todd Anson, who has resigned.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board
Aisha Farooqi, of Sterling Heights, is an attorney and former assistant prosecutor at the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. Farooqi is a lifelong public servant and has spent her legal career practicing family and immigration law in both the private and public sectors. Farooqi holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Michigan – Dearborn and a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Mercy Law School. Aisha Farooqi is appointed to represent the legal community for a term commencing May 22, 2025, and expiring December 19, 2027. Farooqi succeeds Stanley Hannah, whose term has expired.
The Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board, also known as Children Trust Michigan, was established by the Michigan Legislature in 1982 and serves as a voice for Michigan’s children and families and promotes their health, safety, and welfare by funding effective local programs and services that prevent child abuse and neglect.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Organized Retail Crime Advisory Board
Douglas Lloyd, of Lansing, is the prosecuting attorney for the Eaton County Prosecutors Office. Lloyd is a licensed attorney with the State Bar of Michigan and holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and psychology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and a Juris Doctor from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Douglas Lloyd is reappointed as a county prosecuting attorney for a term commencing May 22, 2025, and expiring March 30, 2029.
The Organized Retail Crime Advisory Board was created to develop a database of organized retail crimes, compile annual statistics on organized retail crime acts, recommend actions to be taken by the department and law enforcement to further combat organized retail crime, and to submit an annual report to the director of the department on the effectiveness of this act in reducing organized retail crime.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Craft Beverage Council
Rebecca Wauldron, of Ann Arbor, is the executive chef and category manager for beer, wine, and spirits at Busch’s Fresh Food Market. Wauldron was previously an instructor and bartender at Tammy’s Tastings. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Arts in history and education from the University of Michigan and a culinary arts degree from Schoolcraft College. Rebecca Wauldron is appointed to represent retail food establishments that hold a specially designated merchant license and sell Michigan wines or beer for a term commencing May 22, 2025, and expiring on September 30, 2026. Rebecca Wauldron succeeds Sean Black, who has resigned.
Sarah Anderson, of Thompsonville, is the co-founder of Iron Fish Distilleries. Anderson holds a Bachelor of Arts in art history and journalism from Michigan State University. Sarah Anderson is appointed to represent small distillers for a term commencing May 22, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2027. Anderson succeeds Richard Anderson, whose term has expired.
The Michigan Craft Beverage Council replaced the Grape and Wine Industry Council. The Council will award grants for research into winemaking, hops, barley, beer, and spirits; conduct market surveys and analysis; and offer other programs that encourage the agricultural elements related to Michigan’s craft beverage industries. The Council’s activities are funded exclusively by non-retail, non-wholesale liquor license fees.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Advisory Board for the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center for Homeland Security
Jacqueline Wyse, of Jasper, is the Lenawee County prosecutor. Wyse holds a Juris Doctor from Thomas Cooley Law School. Jacqueline Wyse is appointed as a representative of the office of a county prosecutor for a term commencing May 22, 2025, and expiring April 11, 2029.
The Advisory Board for the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center for Homeland Security collects, evaluates, collates, and analyzes information and intelligence and then, as appropriate, disseminates this information and intelligence to the proper public safety agencies so that any threat of terrorism or criminal activity will be successfully identified and addressed.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michael Bannasch is a certified public accountant and current Michigan Tax Tribunal Judge. Bannasch holds a Bachelor of Arts in accounting and business administration from Spring Arbor University and a Master of Science in taxation from Grand Valley State University. Michael Bannasch will be reappointed to represent certified public accountants for a term commencing July 1, 2025, and expiring June 30th, 2029.
The Michigan Tax Tribunal is an administrative court that hears tax appeals for all Michigan taxes. Most of the Tribunal’s appeals involve property tax; however, the Tribunal also hears business and individual tax disputes.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons
Christopher Germain, of Escanaba, is a realtor with Premier Real Estate. Germain holds an Institute One certification from Holloway’s Real Estate Institute and is the president of Michigan Realtors. Christopher Germain will be reappointed to represent real estate brokers and salespersons for a term commencing July 1, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2029.
The Michigan Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons was created under Article 25 of Public Act 299 of 1980, as amended, to license and regulate the practice of real estate brokers and salespersons in Michigan. The Board works with the Department to oversee the practice of real estate salespersons, associate real estate brokers, real estate brokers, and branch offices.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Aeronautics Commission
Russ Kavalhuna, of Dearborn, was recently named president of Western Michigan University and currently serves as president of Henry Ford College. Kavalhuna was previously a commercial airline pilot, assistant U.S. attorney, and executive director of Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation. Kavalhuna holds a Bachelor of Science in aviation science from Western Michigan University and a Juris Doctor from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Russ Kavalhuna will be reappointed for a term commencing May 28, 2025, and expiring May 27, 2029.
Rick Fiddler, of Ada, is the owner of Rick Fiddler Aviation Consulting, LLC and has been a licensed pilot for over fifty years. Fiddler is retired from Amway Aviation where he served as the vice president of aviation. Fiddler holds a Bachelor of Science in pre-law from Ferris State University and is an inductee to the Living Legends of Aviation Hall of Fame. Rick Fiddler will be reappointed for a term commencing May 28, 2025, and expiring May 27, 2029.
The Michigan Aeronautics Commission is responsible for the general supervision of all aeronautics within the state. The Commission is empowered by state law to make rules and regulations governing all airports, flight schools, and other aeronautical activities.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Workforce Development Board
Bilal Hammoud, of Dearborn Heights, is the executive director of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce and CEO of Tejara, an incubator and accelerator for first- and second-generation immigrant entrepreneurs. Prior to this, he was the public engagement director at the Michigan Department of State, project manager for the City of Cheboygan, and Chair of Michigan’s Language Access Task Force. Hammoud holds a Bachelor of Science in public health and neuropsychology from Wayne State University, as well as master’s in public administration. Hammoud also holds a certificate in Political Leadership from Michigan State University and certificates in Strategy Execution and Leadership Management from Harvard Business School. Hammoud currently serves on multiple boards, including the Wayne State University Alumni Board, the United Humanitarian Foundation, Don’t Be Shai, the Islamic House of Wisdom, APIA Vote MI, and the Dearborn Heights Libraries Board. Hammoud also acts as the advisor for the Dearborn and Dearborn Heights Model United Nations Club. Bilal Hammoud will be reappointed to represent business for a term commencing May 30, 2025, and expiring May 29, 2029.
Stephanie Schoenherr, of Grand Rapids, is the director of human resources operations at Cascade Engineering and additionally serves as the governing board secretary for The SOURCE, a nonprofit organization focused on workforce development and retention. Schoenherr holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and family studies from Central Michigan University and a professional certification from the Society for Human Resource Management. Stephanie Schoenherr will be reappointed to represent manufacturing business enterprises for a term commencing May 30, 2025, and expiring May 29, 2029.
Martha Zehnder Kaczynski, of Frankenmuth, is the vice president of the Bavarian Inn Lodge, and president of the Frankenmuth Cheese Haus. Kaczynski attended the Culinary Institute of America and holds a Bachelor of Arts in hospitality business from Michigan State University. Martha Zehnder Kaczynski will be reappointed to represent business for a term commencing May 30, 2025, and expiring May 29, 2029.
The Michigan Workforce Development Board is responsible for the development and continuous improvement of the workforce development system in Michigan. The Board acts as an advisory body to assist the Governor with the development, implementation, and modification of Michigan’s four-year state plan pursuant to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and advance the Governor’s 60 by 30 goal of helping 60% of our workforce achieve a post-secondary degree or certification by 2030.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Carrot Commission
Craig Brandt, of Imlay City, is the owner of Valley Farms, LLC. Brandt holds both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in business administration from Baker College. Craig Brandt is reappointed to represent growers for a term commencing May 22, 2025, and expiring October 31, 2027.
The Michigan Carrot Commission promotes the production and consumption of carrots grown in Michigan and assists in the agricultural research and development of carrot farming.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Caleb Coulter, of New Era, is the owner of New Era’s American Apple and Asparagus and the West Michigan sales representative for Reister’s Grower Services. Coulter attended Baker College. Caleb Coulter is reappointed to represent district 3 growers for a term commencing May 22, 2025, and expiring April 1, 2028.
Kimberly Kropf, of Lowell, is the vice president of Hart Farm, LLC. Kropf sits on the board of directors for the U.S. Apple Association and is a member of the Michigan Farm Bureau. Kimberly Kropf is reappointed to represent district 2 growers for a term commencing May 22, 2025, and expiring April 1, 2028.
The Michigan Apple Committee is dedicated to improving the profitability of Michigan’s fresh and processed apple industries. The Committee coordinates market development, educational activities, and research that benefits the 1000 family apple growers in Michigan through improved profitability, ensuring the continued success of this sector of Michigan agriculture.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Underground Storage Tank Authority Board of Directors
Richard Bratschi, of Williamston, is the owner and operator of Lake Lansing Road Mobil Service, Inc. Richard Bratschi will be reappointed to represent independent petroleum marketers for a term commencing May 26, 2025, and expiring May 25, 2028.
Jennifer McKay, of Alto, is an at-large representative on the Michigan Environmental Council Board of Directors and the former chief policy and governmental affairs director for Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council. McKay holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Bachelor of Science in environmental studies from Michigan State University. Jennifer McKay will be reappointed as an individual from a statewide environmental organization for a term commencing May 26, 2025, and expiring May 25, 2028.
The Michigan Underground Storage Tank Authority Board of Directors governs the Michigan Underground Storage Tank Authority (MUSTA). The Authority serves Michigan’s petroleum underground storage tank owners and operators, local units of government, and country road commissions by managing the Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund, Legacy Release Program, and Public Highway Cleanup Program on a sound fiscal basis.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Nursing Home Administrators
Dr. Dana Prince, of Byron Center, is the executive director for St. Ann’s Home in Grand Rapids. Prince holds a Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences and Master of Health Administration from Florida Atlantic University, and a Ph.D. in interdisciplinary health sciences from Western Michigan University. Dana Prince will be reappointed to represent nursing home administrators for a term commencing July 1, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2029.
The Michigan Board of Nursing Home Administrators was created to license nursing home administrators who plan, organize, direct, and control the total operation of nursing homes on behalf of the governing board or owner of a nursing home. The Board promotes and protects the public’s health, safety, and welfare by ascertaining minimal entry-level competency of nursing home administrators.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Ski Area Safety Board
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