Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Michigan State Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision, Correctional Officers’ Training Council, State Board of Ethics, Michigan Trails Advisory Council, Michigan Task Force on Physician’s Assistants, Michigan Board of Massage Therapy, Michigan Board of Barber Examiners, Michigan Board of Audiology and Michigan Board of Behavior Analysts.
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 State Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision
Algeria Wilson, of East Lansing, is the health and equity policy advisor in the Executive Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Previously, she served as the director of public policy for the National Association of Social Workers Michigan Chapter. Wilson received her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Cincinnati and Master of Social Work from Michigan State University. Algeria Wilson is reappointed to represent designee of the executive branch for a term commencing March 21, 2024, and expiring February 12, 2028.
The Michigan State Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision is a formal agreement between member states with the goal of preserving child welfare and promoting public safety interests of citizens, including victims of juvenile offenders. The Michigan State Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision provides a mechanism for empowerment of the compact process, and serves as an advocate when improving operations, resolving disputes between states, and conducting training.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Correctional Officers’ Training Council
Kelly Manning, of Grand Ledge, is the director of the office of performance and management at the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB). Previously, she worked as an account manager at DTMB, and as an auditor at Plante Moran PLLC. Kelly Manning received her Bachelor of Science in business and accountancy from Ferris State University. Kelly Manning is reappointed to represent designee of the Director of DTMB for a term commencing March 30, 2024, and expiring March 29, 2027.
Robert Davis, of Saginaw, is a pastor at the Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Saginaw. He is also the special assistant to the Bishop of Kingdom Alliance Covenant Fellowship (KACF) with 23 churches represented and was appointed their Executive Council. Davis also serves as the chaplain for the Saginaw Police Department. Robert Davis is reappointed to represent general public member for a term commencing March 30, 2024, and expiring March 29, 2027.
Matthew Larson, of Detroit, is an associate professor at the school of social work at Wayne State University, and the director of implementation at the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice. Larson received his Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from Siena Heights University, his Master of Science in criminal justice from Wayne State University, and his Ph.D. in criminology and criminal justice from Arizona State University. Matthew Larson is reappointed to represent the academic community for a term commencing March 29, 2024, and expiring March 30, 2027.
Tamara McDiarmid, of Ionia, is the program director of public service careers for Lansing Community College. Previously, she worked as a corrections officer and sergeant for the Kent County Sheriff Office and as a road patrol officer for the Walker Police Department and Ottawa County Sheriff Office. McDiarmid received her Bachelor of Science in law enforcement from Ferris State University and her Master of Science in criminal justice from Grand Valley State University. Tamara McDiarmid is reappointed to represent the academic community at the community college level for a term commencing March 20, 2024, and expiring March 29, 2027.
The Correctional Officers’ Training Council establishes standards regarding training and education as prescribed in the Correctional Officer’s Training Act. The Council develops, approves, and updates course content for the vocational certificate program, minimum requirements for recruitment and selection for new state corrections officers, and standards for the certification, recertification, and decertification of state corrections officers.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
James Liggins Jr., of Kalamazoo, is senior counsel at Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, and has been with the firm since 2018. Previously, he was a partner at Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone, PLC, and an in-house litigation associate at Consumers Energy. He also serves on the executive committee and as vice chair of the board of directors for Bronson Healthcare Group, as a member of the American Hospital Association Committee on Governance, as past chair on the board of directors for the United Way of Southcentral Michigan, and as co-chair of the State Bar of Michigan Judicial Qualifications Committee. He also serves on the on the board of directors for the Greanleaf Trust and the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees. Liggins received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Michigan and his Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law. James Liggins is reappointed for a term commencing March 21, 2024, and expiring February 7, 2028.
Anne Mervenne, of Royal Oak, is the president and founder of Mervenne and Company, a consulting firm. She serves on the Board of Directors Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. She previously served in the administration for Governor Engler and as co-director of the Michigan Political Leadership Program. Mervenne received her Bachelor of Arts in urban studies from Michigan State University. Anne Mervenne is appointed for a term commencing March 21, 2024, and expiring February 7, 2028. She succeeds Anne Nancy Strole whose term has expired.
Taharah Saad, of Dearborn, is the incoming senior director of small business services of TechTown Detroit. She previously served as a global DEI manager, and as an executive director and president of the Arab American Women’s Business Council. Saad received a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering and Master of Engineering Management from Lawrence Technological University. Taharah Saad is appointed for a term commencing March 21, 2024, and expiring February 7, 2028. She succeeds Maha Freij whose term has expired.
The State Board of Ethics is authorized to determine the ethical conduct of classified or unclassified state employees, and public officers of the executive branch of Michigan state government who are appointed by the Governor or another executive department official.
These appointments are subject to advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Trails Advisory Council
Kenneth Hopper, of Brimley, is the owner and manager of Bird’s Eye Outfitters and the director of Outhouse Conservation, a non-profit to promote non-motorized use of trails. Hopper received a Master of Science in field biology and outdoor recreation from Central Michigan University. Kenneth Hopper is reappointed to represent non-motorized trail users and also represents UP residents for a term commencing March 21, 2024, and expiring January 17. 2027.
Richard Williamson, of White Lake, is the executive director and chief of staff of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights. Richard Williamson is reappointed to represent snowmobile owners for a term commencing March 21, 2024, and expiring January 17, 2027.
The Michigan Trails Advisory Council was formed with the enactment of Public Act 451 of 1994. The purpose of the council is to advise the Department of Natural Resources and The Governor on the creation, development, operation, and maintenance of motorized and nonmotorized trails in the state, including snowmobile, biking, equestrian, hiking, offroad vehicle and skiing trails.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Task Force on Physician’s Assistants
Michael White, of Marquette, is an emergency medicine physician’s assistant at UP Health System in Marquette. He has served as the Region 1 representative for the Michigan Academy of Physician Associates for six years. White received a Bachelor of Science in physician assistant studies at the University of Texas Southwestern at Dallas and his Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering at the University of Notre Dame. Michael White is appointed to present physician’s assistants for a term commencing March 21, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2027. He succeeds Jill Hasen whose term has expired.
Eryn Smith, of Saline, is a practicing physician assistant at the University of Michigan Hospital. Previously, he has worked as an assistant professor, helping to create the Physician Assistant Program at Eastern Michigan University. Before furthering his career in medicine, Smith worked as a paramedic and firefighter. Smith received his Bachelor of Arts in sociology at University of Michigan and his Master of Science in medicine at Western Michigan University. Eryn Smith is appointed to represent physician’s assistants for a term commencing March 21, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2027. He succeeds Lara Davis whose term has expired.
The Michigan Task Force on Physician’s Assistants works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory affairs to oversee the practice of physician’s assistants in this state. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the Board to promote and protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Massage Therapy
Elise Wheelock, of Pinckney, is a creative marketing manager at Constructive Eating in Ann Arbor. She is also currently in training to earn her yoga teacher training certification, with an expected certification date in April. Wheelock received a Bachelor of Arts in creative writing and Bachelor of Science in biopsychology, cognition, and neuroscience from the University of Michigan. Elise Wheelock is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing March 21, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2025. She succeeds Dionne Hardiman who has resigned.
AnneMarie Hazzard-Pryor, of Grand Rapids, is a practicing massage therapist and owner of Simple Wellness Solutions and Simply Natural Massage in Grand Rapids. Hazzard-Pryor received her massage therapy certification from the Blue Heron Academy of Healing Arts. Anne Marie Hazzard-Pryor is appointed to represent massage therapists for a term commencing March 21, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2027. She succeeds Jamel Randall who has resigned.
The Michigan Board of Massage Therapy was created to regulate the application of a system of structured touch, pressure, movement, and holding to the soft tissue of the human body in which the primary intent is to enhance or restore the health and well-being of the client. The Board of Massage Therapy consists of 11 members: 7 massage therapists and 4 public members. Each member serves 4-year terms.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the senate.
Michigan Board of Barber Examiners
Ronald Farmer, of Saginaw, is a senior process executive at Cognizant and the owner and operator of RMC Printing & More. Ronald Farmer is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing March 21, 2024, and expiring September 30, 2027. He succeeds Grant Thelen whose term has expired.
The Michigan Board of Barber Examiners was created to regulate the services of barbers, barber students, barber colleges, barber instructors, student instructors, and barbershops in Michigan. The statute defines a barber as a person who shaves or trims the beard of a person; cuts, trims, shampoos, relaxes, curls, permanently waves, dresses, tints, bleaches, colors, arranges, or styles the hair of a person; massages the face and head of a person; or renders personal services of a similar nature customarily done by a barber.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Audiology
Dr. Erica Bennett, of Detroit, is a site coordinator, research coordinator, and senior staff audiologist at the Henry Ford Health System. She is also the audiology graduate clinic director at Wayne State University. Bennett earned a Bachelor of Science, Doctor of Audiology, and Doctor of Philosophy in hearing science and communicative disorders from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Erica Bennett is appointed to represents audiologists for a term commencing March 21, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2025. She succeeds Mary Kassa who has resigned.
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 Behavior Analysts
Luchara R. Wallace, Ph.D., of Portage, is an associate professor for the Department of Special Education and Literacy Studies and director of the Lewis Walker Institute for Race and Ethnic Relations at Western Michigan University. Wallace received a Ph.D. in special education from the University of Kansas. Luchara R. Wallace is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing March 21, 2024, and expiring December 30, 2027.
Randi Mae Ames, of West Branch, is the assistant clinical director at ABA Pathways. He is a board-certified and licensed behavior analyst. Ames received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Central Michigan University and a Master of Arts in applied behavior analysis with an emphasis on autism spectrum disorder from Ball State University. Randi Mae Ames is appointed to represent behavior analysts engaged in providing clinical services for a term commencing March 21, 2024, and expiring December 30, 2027. He succeeds Jessa Love whose term has 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.
