Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions 

Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions 

by | Mar 14, 2024 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 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 Committee on Juvenile Justice, Public Health Advisory Council, Michigan Health Information Technology Commission, Human Trafficking Commission, Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board (Children’s Trust Fund), Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy, Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission, Michigan Tree Fruit Commission, The Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority, Council on Climate Solutions, Statewide Housing Partnership, and MI STEM Council.

 

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 Committee on Juvenile Justice

 

Nancy Bennett, of Okemos, is the division director of the grants and community services division for the Michigan Department of State Police. Bennett received her Bachelor of Arts in sociology from the University of Michigan and her Master of Science in justice from American University.  Nancy Bennett is reappointed to represent public agencies concerned with delinquency prevention or treatment for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring August 2, 2027.

 

The Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice was created by Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order No. 2022-7 which abolished the committee restructured by Executive Order No. 2017-12 and recreates this Committee in alignment with the requirements of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act. Under the executive order, the Committee is tasked with the development and review of the state’s juvenile justice plan.

 

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

 

Public Health Advisory Council

 

Nicholas Derusha, of Newberry, is the director and health officer of the Luce-Mackinac-Alger-Schoolcraft District Health Department. He also serves as the vice president of the Michigan Center for Rural Health Board of Directors, member of the Northern Health Foundation Board of Directors, and treasurer for the Helen Newberry Joy Hospital. Derusha received his Bachelor of Science in environmental health and safety management from Ferris State University and his Master of Public Administration from Northern Michigan University. Nicohlas Derusha is appointed to represent local public health officials for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring November 1, 2024. He succeeds Linda Vail who has resigned.

 

The Public Health Advisory Council was created within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services at the recommendation of the Public Health Advisory Commission. The Council will develop an action plan for implementing the recommendations of the Commission and is tasked with providing advice about emerging issues in public health, monitoring the effectiveness of Michigan’s public health response system, and reviewing multiagency efforts to support collaboration and a unified approach on public health responses.

 

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

 

Michigan Health Information Technology Commission

 

Ninah Sasy, of Okemos, is the policy and planning director with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.  She is responsible for leading the development and implementation of the Department’s Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) Strategy across state agencies and throughout Michigan. Previously, she served as executive director for the Michigan Department of Treasury and as the chief clean water public advocate for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Sasy received her Bachelor of Science in medical laboratory science from Michigan State University and her Master of Science in administration from Central Michigan University.  Ninah Sasy is designated to serve as the representative of the Department of Health and Human Services for a term commencing March 14, 2024, expiring August 3, 2027. She succeeds Beth Nagel.

 

The Michigan Health Information Technology (HIT) Commission’s mission is to facilitate and promote the design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of an interoperable health care information infrastructure in Michigan.

 

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

 

Human Trafficking Commission

 

Tiffany Martinez, of Okemos, is the project director for the victims’ services division for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Previously, she worked as the supervised parenting time program director for HAVEN and as a therapist for Ennis Center for Children in Flint. Martinez received her Bachelor of Social Work from Grand Valley State University and her Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan. Tiffany Martinez is designated to serve as the representative of the Department of Health and Human Services until a successor is appointed.

 

The Human Trafficking Commission is designed to identify sources for grants that will assist in examining and countering human trafficking, fund research programs to determine the extent and nature of human trafficking in this state, and provide information and training to police officers, prosecutors, court personnel, social services personnel, and other individuals.

 

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

 

Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board (Children’s Trust Fund)

 

Kristin Totten, of Kalamazoo, is an assistant prosecuting attorney for Kalamazoo County. Ms. Totten is reappointed to represent the legal community for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring December 19, 2026.

 

Angela Dudley, of Owosso, is the founder of Millstone Ministry, an organization that partners with local law enforcement across the county to provide world-class cyber resources and training to dismantle sex trafficking on the front lines. Dudley is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring December 19, 2026. Angela Dudley succeeds Sharif Hussein whose term has expired.

 

The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) 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.

 

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

 

Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy

 

Jacob Moon, of Grand Rapids, is the founder and clinical director at Clarity Therapy and Consulting. Moon earned his Bachelor of Science in human services and a Master of Science in marriage and family therapy from the University of Phoenix. Jacob Moon is appointed to represent marriage and family therapists for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2027. Jacob Moon succeeds Silvia Leija whose term has expired.

 

Dr. Gavin Beckford, of Canton, is an economic development manager and DDA manager for the Charter Township of Canton. Beckford earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and Marketing at Howard University, a Master of Business Administration at Babson College, and a Doctor of Philosophy at the Instituto de Empresa in Madrid, Spain.  Dr. Gavin Beckford is appointed to represent general public for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2027. Dr. Gavin Beckford succeeds Karol Ross whose term has expired.

 

Dr. Siedah Spencer-Ardis, of Detroit, is a practicing marriage and family therapist and owner of the Focus Therapy Clinic. She works with minority individuals, blended families, and groups. Spencer-Ardis has earned a Master of Arts in marriage and family therapy, as well as a Doctor of Philosophy in marriage and family therapy at Northcentral University in Scottsdale, Arizona. Dr. Siedah Spencer-Ardis is appointed to represent marriage and family therapists for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2027. Dr. Siedah Spencer-Ardis succeeds Amy Campbell whose term has expired.

 

The Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy was created to license and regulate the practice of marriage and family therapy in Michigan, which is the provision of guidance, testing, discussions, therapy, instruction, or advice that is intended to avoid, eliminate, relieve, manage, or resolve marital or family conflict or discord, to create, improve, or restore marital or family harmony, or to prepare couples for marriage. 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.

 

Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission

 

Courtney Pendleton, of St. Johns, is the deputy director for the Michigan Department Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Courtney Pendleton has over 25 years of experience with the department and has also served as assistant director, investigator, and departmental specialist. Pendleton received her associate degree in business from Lansing Community College and her Bachelor of Science in management from the University of Phoenix. Courtney Pendleton is appointed to represent the designee of the director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring December 14, 2026.

 

Angela Hood, of Flint, is the executive director of Educare Flint and the Flint Early Childhood Collaborative at the Flint Center for Education Excellence.  She is also a Ph.D. student studying Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education. Hood received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration in accounting from Northwood University. Angela Hood is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring December 14, 2027.

 

The Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission focuses on implementing the recommendations of the former Child Lead Poisoning Elimination Board and monitoring the state’s efforts to eliminate lead exposure in children. The Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the Governor and department director to coordinate and collaborate with all levels of government and stakeholders regarding programs and policies related to the elimination of child lead exposure.

 

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

 

Michigan Tree Fruit Commission

 

Mark Evans, of Beluah, is the manager of the Evans Brothers Fruit Company in Frankfort. Evans holds an associate degree from Northwestern Michigan Community College and a bachelor’s degree from Washington State University.  Mark Evans is reappointed to represent district 1 growers for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring March 1, 2027.

 

The Michigan Tree Fruit Commission was created pursuant to the Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act for the purpose of improving the economic position and competitiveness of the Michigan tree fruit industry.

 

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

 

The Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority

 

Krista Flynn, of Grand Rapids, is a sales executive for the Midwest region of commercial banking at PNC Bank. Flynn holds a Bachelor of Business from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science in finance from Walsh College. Krista Flynn is appointed to represent a resident of the qualified county appointed by the governor for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring February 28, 2028. Krista Flynn succeeds Scott Bowen who has resigned.

 

The Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority (CAA) is the seven-member board that administers Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place, and DeVos Performance Hall. The mission of the CAA is to encourage economic development within the West Michigan region, create jobs, and provide facilities for the entertainment, enjoyment, and/or benefit of the citizens in an economical manner by developing and operating convention, entertainment, and sports facilities within Kent County.

 

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

 

Council on Climate Solutions

 

William F. Beaver, of Manistee, is the director of the natural resources department for the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. Beaver holds a Bachelor of Science in economics from Michigan Technological University. William F. Beaver is reappointed for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring February 3, 2028.

 

Marnese Jackson, of Pontiac, is the executive director of Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Science in public relations and African American Studies from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Arts in social justice from Marygrove College. Marnese Jackson is reappointed for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring February 3, 2028.

 

Cynthia Williams, of Farmington Hills, is the global director of sustainability, homologation, and compliance for Ford Motor Company. Williams holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Detroit Mercy. Williams is reappointed for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring February 3, 2028.

 

Grace Michienzi, of Grand Rapids, is the senior director of policy at the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council and Institute for Energy Innovation. Previously she served as a policy advisor to Governor Whitmer. Michienzi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Relations and Policy from Michigan State University. Grace Michienzi is reappointed for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring February 3, 2028.

 

The Council on Climate Solutions was created by Executive Order 182 of 2020 and acts in an advisory capacity to the governor and the department’s Office of Climate and Energy in formulating and overseeing the implementation of the MI Healthy Climate Plan, which will serve as the action plan for this state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition toward economywide carbon neutrality.

 

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

 

Statewide Housing Partnership

 

Stephan Currie, of East Lansing, is currently the executive director of the Michigan Association of Counties. He serves as a member of the Horizon Bank Advisory Board of Directors, Citizens Research Council of Michigan Board of Directors, and is a member of the Michigan State University Green and White PAC Board of Directors. Currie earned his Bachelor of Arts in business administration from Hope College and a Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University. Currie is appointed to represent local government, which might include representatives from county or municipal government associations, for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring September 6, 2024.

 

Kaitlynn Lamie, of Shelby Township, is the interim president and CEO of the Michigan Association of United Ways. Lamie holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Social Relations and Policy from Michigan State University. Kaitlynn Lamie is appointed to represent organizations that advocate in support of access to resources and services for marginalized individuals and families, for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring September 6, 2024. Kaitlynn Lamie succeeds Nancy Lindeman.

 

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority Statewide Housing Partnership addresses Michigan’s complex housing challenges that require coordinated action and new approaches. The Statewide Housing Plan presents opportunities for organizations to partner on common goals, including housing rehabilitation and stabilization, reducing equity gaps, reducing homelessness, and increas
States Urge FTC to Strengthen Protections for Children

States Urge FTC to Strengthen Protections for Children

by | Mar 13, 2024 | Regional News

Nessel Email Header
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

March 12, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel, Coalition of 43 States Urge FTC to Strengthen Online Privacy and Safety Protections for Children

LANSING – In a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a bipartisan coalition of 43 state attorneys general to urge the federal government to update and strengthen the rules technology companies must follow under the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

The rules governing online privacy protections for children up to age 13 have not been updated in over a decade. At the same time, the digital world has evolved rapidly — with smartphones, social networks, and connected devices becoming an even greater part of our lives.

Congress enacted COPPA in 1998 for the purpose of giving parents more control over information collected online from their children. The legislation directed the FTC to establish regulations for operators of websites or online services regarding how they collect, use, and share personal information of children under 13 years of age.

The FTC is proposing changes to the COPPA Rule that would place new restrictions on the use and disclosure of children’s personal information and further limit the ability of companies to condition access to services on monetizing children’s data.

Among other things, the attorneys general are urging the FTC to expand the definition of “personal information” to include biometric identifiers such as fingerprints, retina and iris patterns, a DNA sequence, and data derived from voice data, gait data, and facial data, as well as avatars generated from a child’s image and likeness.

The attorneys general also ask the FTC to adopt a comprehensive framework for determining whether services qualify for a proposed parental consent exception and to prohibit operators from abusing the multiple-contact exception in COPPA with engagement-maximizing push notifications.

“I remain committed to doing all we can to protect the online safety and privacy of children,” Nessel said. “We must have more robust rules under the COPPA to ensure that technology companies comply with stringent data protection standards to safeguard the well-being of children. I wholeheartedly join with my colleagues in urging the FTC to take decisive action to enhance COPPA regulations.”

By statute, both the FTC and state attorneys general are empowered to enforce COPPA. Since the COPPA Rule became effective, state attorneys general, on their own and in partnership with the FTC, have pursued multiple actions for violations of the COPPA Rule.

Late last year, state attorneys general sued Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, for violations of state consumer protection laws and COPPA. The complaint alleges Meta knowingly designed and deployed harmful features on Instagram and its other social media platforms that purposefully addict children and teens. All the while, Meta falsely assured the public that these features are safe and suitable for young users. The case is ongoing.

Led by the attorneys general of Oregon, Illinois, Mississippi, and Tennessee, with assistance from Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and North Carolina, the comment letter to the FTC regarding amendments to COPPA was joined by the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Whitmer Proclaims March 12, 2024 as Equal Pay Day

Whitmer Proclaims March 12, 2024 as Equal Pay Day

by | Mar 12, 2024 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 12, 2024

Contact: [email protected]   

 

Governor Whitmer Proclaims March 12, 2024 as Equal Pay Day

March 12th marks the number of days into the year that women would need to work to match what men made last year

 

LANSING, Mich.  – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed March 12th as Equal Pay Day to bring attention to the Michigan women who experience unequal pay at all levels of work.

 

“Women in Michigan and across the nation deserve equal pay for equal work,” said Governor Whitmer. “Women who work full-time are paid 84 cents on the dollar compared to their male counterparts, and women of color make even less. This discrepancy has ripple effects across our economy and impacts nearly every Michigan family. Fair pay is about making sure Michigan is place where anyone can work hard and build a good life. I’m proud of every Michigan woman working hard to provide for themselves and their families. I want you to know that I’m going to keep fighting for you.”

 

Women in the U.S. who work full-time, year-round are typically paid only 84 cents for every dollar paid to their male counterparts. Based on today’s wage gap, a woman who works full-time, year-round could lose $399,600 over a 40-year career, a gap that only grows when examined by race and ethnicity. Nationally, for every dollar paid to their white, non-Hispanic male counterparts, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander women are paid only 93 cents, Black women are paid only 69 cents, Native women are paid only 59 cents, and Latinas are paid only 57 cents. This wage gap typically means an annual loss of $22,120 for Black women, $30,450 for Latinas, $28,747 for Native women, and $4,690 for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander women.

 

Governor Whitmer’s Record to Support Women

In 2023, Governor Whitmer increased the Working Families Tax Credit to put an average of $3,150 into Michiganders’ pockets and assisting more than 700,000 Michigan households. She has also proposed statewide paid family and medical leave to help workers, especially women, care for loved ones, bond with newborns, and recover when they’re sick. During her first term, Governor Whitmer awarded grants to community-based organizations that help women understand and exercise their rights and benefits in the workplace. Governor Whitmer has appointed more than 1,280 women to boards, commissions, and full-time positions.

 

Last year, Governor Whitmer signed the Reproductive Health Act to decriminalize abortions and ensure access to reproductive healthcare. This helped to build on the momentum in expanding abortion access across the state. Through Governor Whitmer’s Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Initiative, Michigan became one of the first states to support expecting mothers by covering doula services, so that they receive the care they need for a healthy pregnancy and support for interventions that are proven to increase health outcomes for women and their children.

 

To view the full proclamation, click here.
“Slam the Scam” During National Consumer Protection Week

“Slam the Scam” During National Consumer Protection Week

by | Mar 7, 2024 | Regional News

Nessel Email Header
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

March 7, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Advises Consumers To “Slam the Scam” During National Consumer Protection Week

LANSING – As part of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) National Consumer Protection Week, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is encouraging residents to “Slam the Scam” on March 7.

“Slam the Scam” Day was initiated five years ago by the Social Security Administration and its Office of the Inspector General to educate the public on how to recognize government imposter scams, especially Social Security-related imposter scams, which are the most common type of imposter scams reported to the FTC.

According to the FTC, government imposter scams resulted in over $617 million in consumer losses in 2023 alone. To combat this alarming trend, Nessel urges residents to join the effort on March 7 by sharing information about scams on social media platforms using #SlamTheScam.

Scammers know that calls, emails, text messages, social media posts, and U.S. mail from government officials are more likely to be opened, read, and obeyed, helping them achieve their number one goal: to steal money from unsuspecting consumers. When bad actors impersonate government entities, they typically offer grants and special medication prices, or request updated personal information. In more confrontational forms of the scam, the imposter will demand money and threaten arrest for nonpayment.

The Attorney General’s Government Imposter Scams alert advises consumers who have received communications from imposters to protect themselves from these scams by:

  • Blocking the text, email, or calls;
  • Not clicking links or opening attachments;
  • Reporting the text or email as spam; and
  • Deleting the text or email from their device.

“I encourage everyone to ‘Slam the Scam’ and hang up if you think you are on the phone with a scam caller,” said Nessel. “My department has resources online that everyone should avail themselves to so that they can identify a scam before they become a victim.”

The Attorney General’s alert also reminds consumers that government agencies will not:

  • Promise to increase benefits or fix an issue if a fee is paid;
  • Threaten arrest or legal action unless money is sent immediately; or
  • Demand payment in the form of gift cards, wire transfers, prepaid debit cards, cryptocurrency, or cash sent by mail.

Scammers may also attempt to win trust by presenting fictitious documents or by using the name of a real government official. Just last month, Nessel issued a warning about an IRS scam being perpetrated in her name using a similar tactic.

Consumers can Slam the Scam by simply hanging up the phone on predators and deleting suspicious emails or text messages without responding. A response only lets the scammers know their information is accurate and they may try again.

The Department of Attorney General provides a library of resources for consumers to review anytime on a variety of topics.

To file a complaint with the Attorney General, or get additional information, contact:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form
Beware of Obituary Pirates after Death of Loved One

Beware of Obituary Pirates after Death of Loved One

by | Mar 6, 2024 | Regional News

Nessel Email Header
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

March 6, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Warns Residents to Beware of Obituary Pirates after Death of Loved One

LANSING – During National Consumer Protection Week, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning Michigan residents of the latest frontier for scammers: death. As a recent article on the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) website cautions, posting online death notices heavy with personal information about the deceased could put that person, as well as their survivors, on the radar of fraudsters and opportunists.

In an obituary scam, the victim is targeted by scammers because they are either deceased or emotionally vulnerable from the grief of losing a loved one. In either case, the individuals are unlikely to be monitoring their accounts for unauthorized activity.

The details about a lost loved one that family and friends share online can be easily gathered by criminals to purchase even more personal data – like the deceased person’s address and social security number – from the dark web. Armed with that information, criminals can open bank accounts, obtain loans, secure health insurance, or file false tax returns in the deceased person’s name.

“It is almost beyond belief that there are people who are so unethical that they would exploit another’s loss for profit,” Nessel said. “Because these individuals do exist, we need to be mindful that the impulse to share special traits about a deceased loved one online can open up avenues for deception and scams. My office is prepared to prosecute fraudsters and offer helpful resources to their victims.”

Additionally, a grieving person can be more susceptible to manipulation from scammers masquerading as representatives of government agencies, collection agencies, or insurance companies. Scammers may also pose as long-lost friends, relatives, or romantic partners who contact the deceased’s survivors out of the blue to reminisce. But this is yet another tactic to acquire personal information to use for nefarious purposes. Some criminals might call the funeral home to stealthily obtain financial information about the deceased person or their family.

As the AARP article advises, to avoid a loved one becoming the subject of a scam, or becoming a victim of an obituary scam yourself, survivors should be on the lookout for red flags like:

  • Bills or credit card activity for expenses accrued after your loved one’s death.
  • Calls from government agency imposters, debt collectors, or insurance brokers about outstanding taxes, unpaid bills, or unfinished business supposedly left by the deceased.
  • Callers who pressure you to pay immediately by wire transfer, gift card, or reloadable cash card.

Family members may be contacted by the deceased person’s legitimate creditors, subject to limitations on who and for what purpose. Loved ones should look to the Federal Trade Commission’s article, Debts and Deceased Relatives, for advice on responding to these queries.

Another twist on the obituary scam has “obituary pirates” scouring newspapers and websites for details about the deaths of strangers, fabricating additional details, and posting the fake obituaries as clickbait on blogs or video sites to generate views and ad revenue. In some cases, the pirates simply record themselves reading a summary of the obituary and then upload it to their chosen social media platform. Each click earns income for the poster. If the online obituary site has a donation link, those funds may not reach their intended destination but could end up in the hands of a fraudster.

Obituary pirates prey on the vulnerability of grieving families, exploiting personal information for their own gain. Though generally not illegal, obituary piracy can lead to the frauds and scams mentioned above. Michigan residents are advised to share loved ones’ obituaries as soon as possible to avoid having a fake one confused with the real thing. Families are also urged to remain wary of suspicious online activities related to a loved one’s passing.

By remaining vigilant and verifying the legitimacy of online obituaries and donation requests, individuals can protect themselves and their families from falling victim to these scams.

Michigan residents whose deceased loved one has been the target of obituary pirates or fraud can contact the Department of Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form
New Members of Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class for 2024

New Members of Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class for 2024

by | Mar 6, 2024 | Regional News

County Executive Coulter Hails the New Members of Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class for 2024

Post Date:03/05/2024 10:17 AM
  • This is the 12th class spotlighting talented young professionals living and working in Oakland County.
  • Their work and service to the community align with County Executive Dave Coulter’s Oakland Together vision for the future.
  • Information about the Class of 2024 is available at oakgov.com/40Under40.

Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter announced today the new members of the Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2024, which includes a Michigan Supreme Court justice and the star of Bassquatch Hunter, a popular fishing and adventure show which airs on Discovery Channel.

The 12th Oakland Together 40 Under 40 class honors young professionals who live and/or work in Oakland County. These individuals exemplify Oakland Together, Coulter’s vision for a community working together to leverage its strengths, address its challenges, and find value in working with regional partners.

“I am thrilled to announce the exceptional individuals selected for the 2024 class of the Oakland Together 40 Under 40,” Coulter said. “This diverse group of young leaders embodies the spirit of innovation, resilience, and community engagement. Their contributions are shaping the future of our region, and I am proud to celebrate their accomplishments and commitment to making a positive difference in our county.”

More than 290 candidates, born after Dec. 31, 1983, applied for the recognition. A panel of independent judges selected the new class which includes a teacher, mental health professionals, physicians, non-profit leaders, university professors, lawyers, diversity consultants, and automotive supplier employees:

Among the members are:

Kyra Harris Bolden

Bolden, 35, of Farmington Hills, is the first woman of color to serve as a Michigan Supreme Court justice. Prior to her appointment to the high court, she served as a state representative in the Michigan House of Representatives where she advocated for criminal justice reform and crafted and passed bipartisan legislation to protect survivors of sexual violence. She is an active member of the Oakland County Bar Association, Wolverine Bar Association, Straker Bar Association, the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, National Congress of Black Women-Oakland County, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Mike McKinstry

McKinstry, a 39-year-old West Bloomfield resident, produces and hosts Bassquatch Hunter on Discovery Channel. His website says he quit his career seven years ago to follow his passion for fishing and inspiring others to take a risk and try new things to find a career that makes them happy. In each episode, he takes out guests that usually are brand new to kayaks and fishing. The only thing the guests and he have in common is that they both do what makes them happy for a career and want to inspire others to do new things and take risks to find their happiness.

Donovan Jackson

Jackson, 29, of Royal Oak Township, is the director of parks and recreation for his hometown and coach of the Ferndale High School football team, his alma mater. A former Division 1 football player at Morgan State University, he serves as vice president of the Semaj Morgan Foundation, which connects players at University of Michigan to kids in the community who look up to them. The non-profit has a variety of programs which include reading literacy, math development, and sport camps.

Yuliya Malayev

Malayev, 37, of West Bloomfield, is no ordinary obstetrician-gynecologist. She has improved access to lifesaving procedures to improve the quality of life of women suffering from chronic pain and endometriosis. She advocates for maternal health before and after pregnancy, pushing for better support within the community for breastfeeding, anxiety, depression, and child well-being. She also engages in projects and initiatives to reduce maternal death rates.

Below is a complete list of the members of the Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2024. They will be honored at a reception preceding Coulter’s State of the County address on April 4. For more information, click on oakgov.com/40Under40:

  • William Aldridge Jr, 35, of Wixom, detective for the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office
  • Joe Bamberger, 36, of Bloomfield Hills, managing partner of Emerge
  • Jared M Barnett, 31, of Auburn Hills, community health worker at Honor Community Health
  • Kyra Harris Bolden, 35, of Farmington Hills, Michigan Supreme Court justice
  • Tequion M. Brookins, 33, of Southfield, CEO and founder of TeQuionBrookins LLC
  • Myka S. Burley, 34, of Southfield, associate director, skills at Michigan Central
  • Ernesto Chavez, 38, of Waterford, CEO and co-founder of Founder of Bright Loritos
  • Jun Chen, 38, of Novi, assistant professor at Oakland University
  • Jessica Cortez, 36, of Bloomfield Hills, licensed Master of Social Work and founder of Bloomfield Child & Family
  • Mike Cousins, 38, of Farmington Hills, partner & GIS practice leader for OHM Advisors
  • Caress A. Dean, 35, of Clinton Township, associate professor, Master of Public Health program director, and chair of the Department of Public and
  • Environmental Wellness at Oakland University
  • Peggy Du, 35, of Farmington Hills, executive director and accounting manager of the Association of Chinese Americans
  • Na’Jeray Elam, 29, of Pontiac, lead fourth grade teacher at University Prep Academy-Ellen Thompson Campus
  • Jose L. Flores, 34, of Rochester Hills, CEO of Ancor Automotive
  • Michelle Foster, 39, of Ferndale, executive director of National Association of State and Local Equity Funds
  • Sairy Garcia, 35, of Royal Oak, business forward consultant at Oakland Thrive
  • Angela Gill, 34, of Oxford, emergency foods program manager at Lighthouse
  • Eric W. Gregory, 37, of Troy, partner at Dickinson Wright PLLC
  • Alan Hejl, 33, of Ferndale, founder of Spark Access
  • Ashley A. Hinton, 32, of Southfield, eligibility coordinator for Oakland County
  • Donovan Jackson, 29, of Royal Oak Township, director of parks & recreation at Royal Oak Township
  • Emily Karlichek, 36, of Farmington Hills, senior product marketing manager for Snap One
  • Joshua Lumsden, 29, of Waterford, investigator for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
  • Yuliya Malayev, 37, of West Bloomfield, physician for Metro OB-GYN
  • Randall Mansour, 38, of Troy, partner at Disability Law Group
  • Mike McKinstry, 39, of West Bloomfield, executive producer and host of Bassquatch Productions LLC
  • Lydia Michael, 36, of West Bloomfield, founder and owner of Blended Collective
  • Jon Ong, 38, of Bloomfield Township, director of transportation operations at RXO
  • Dev M. Oza, 34, of West Bloomfield, associate dentist at Royal Dental Center
  • Tim Paré, 38, of Southfield, CEO and artistic director of Michigan Stage
  • Jeffrey Polkowski, 34, of Waterford, director of development services for Waterford Township
  • Erin Quetell, 33, of Farmington Hills, chief sustainability officer for Oakland County
  • Ashley Sansom 30, of Waterford, licensed Master of Social Work and youth mental health liaison for Oakland Community Health Network
  • Brooke Scott, 25, of Oxford, analyst for compliance and economic development at Magna
  • Christopher Sim, 33, of Auburn Hills, program manager, diversity supplier development at Stellantis
  • Jaclyn Sivers, 36, of Clarkston, senior assistant prosecuting attorney, Juvenile Justice Division of the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office
  • Daniel Snyder, 32, of Royal Oak, senior strategic buyer for AGC Automotive Americas
  • Hemanth Tadepalli, 22, of Troy, cybersecurity compliance engineer at May Mobility
  • Marissa Antonio Wiesen, 37, of Birmingham, assistant attorney general at Michigan Department of Attorney General
  • Christian J. Williams, 31, of Farmington Hills, owner of CJW Consulting Group LLC and professional development consultant & supplier diversity consultant at Henry Ford Health