Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Regional Transit Authority Board of Directors, Michigan State Housing Development Authority Board, Michigan School Safety Commission, Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs, Military Appeals Tribunal, Board of Law Examiners, Michigan Freedom Trail Commission, Michigan Board of Audiology, Michigan Apple Committee, and Advisory Council on Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing.
Regional Transit Authority Board of Directors
David Massaron, of Detroit, is the senior vice president for finance and administration at Wayne State University. Previously, he served as the State Budget Director and held several roles within Detroit city government. He holds a Bachelor of Art in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy from Michigan State University and received his Juris Doctorate from William and Mary School of Law. Mr. Massaron is appointed for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring March 31, 2025. He succeeds Paul Hillegonds whose term has expired.
Regional Transit Authority Board of Directors’ mission is to manage and secure transportation resources that enhance mobility options, improve quality of life for residents, and increase economic viability in the region.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan State Housing Development Authority Board
Jennifer Grau, of Lansing, is the president of Grau Interpersonal Communications. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal Communication from Oberlin College and a Master of Arts in Organizational Communication from Michigan State University. Ms. Grau is reappointed for a term commencing May 19, 2023, and expiring March 10, 2027.
Regina Bell, of Detroit, is the director of government relations and policy of the Council of Michigan Foundations. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Theory from Michigan State University and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from Spring Arbor University. Ms. Bell is reappointed for a term commencing May 19, 2023, and expiring March 10, 2027.
Tyrone Hamilton, of Belleville, is a musician and owner of Hamilton Productions. He attended O.W. Holmes School in Detroit. Mr. Hamilton is reappointed as the resident member for a term commencing May 19, 2023, and expiring March 10, 2026.
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.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan School Safety Commission
Kimberlee Bleicher is a School Psychologist in Holt Public Schools. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Central Michigan University, a Master of Arts in School Psychology from Central Michigan University, and a State of Michigan School Psychologist Certification. Mrs. Bleicher is appointed to represent health professionals for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring January 1, 2027. She succeeds Elizabeth Newell whose term has expired.
Larry Johnson is the Chief of Staff and Executive Director of Public Safety for Grand Rapids Public Schools. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Grand Valley State University and a Master of Science in Police Administration from Ferris State University. Mr. Johnson is reappointed to represent school administrators for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring January 1, 2027.
The school safety commission was created following the abolishment of the School Safety Task Force by Executive Order No. 2018-5. Its goal is to review and make recommendations to the Office of School Safety, including model practices for determining school safety measures.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs
Wafa Haddad, of Wyoming, is the Founder and CEO of Noor’s Heaven of West Michigan Services. She has worked to empower communities in West Michigan through developing life skills and by providing humanitarian, social, economic, and educational services. She holds an Associate of Art Degree from Grand Rapids Community College. Ms. Haddad is appointed for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring April 19th, 2027. She succeeds Fay Beydoun whose term has expired.
The Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs advises the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Governor on issues relating to the Arab and Chaldean communities in Michigan and promotes awareness of their culture and history. They also work to empower, promote, and advance the Middle Eastern American community in Michigan.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Military Appeals Tribunal
Deanne L. Bonner Simpson, of Green Oak Township, is the founding attorney of RCR Veterans Law, PLLC and a member of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Englist from California State University – San Marcos and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Ms. Bonner is reappointed to represent an individual licensed to practice law in the state, for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring April 16, 2027.
Terrence P. Bronson, of Monroe, is a retired U.S. Navy Captain, a faculty member at the Michigan Judicial Institute, and the founder and retired judge of the Monroe County Veteran’s Treatment Court. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley School of Law. Mr. Bronson is reappointed to represent an individual licensed to practice law in the state, for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring April 16, 2027.
Mr. Floyd Brown, of Idlewild, is an attorney advisor at the Social Security Administration. He is also a US Air Force Veteran who served both domestically and abroad throughout his military career, including in locations such as Bosnia, Croatia, and Cuba. He holds a associate degree in Paralegal Studies and Liberal Arts from The Community College of the Air Force, a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and a Juris Doctorate from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law. Mr. Brown is appointed to represent an individual licensed to practice law in this state, for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring April 16, 2027. He succeeds Kyle Dufrane whose term has expired.
The Military Appeals Tribunal has appellate jurisdiction, upon petition of an accused, to hear and review the record in all decisions of a court-martial after the review provided in the Michigan code of military justice.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Hon. Brian Sullivan, of Grosse Pointe Farms, is a Judge on the Wayne County Circuit Court, first elected in 1998. He holds a Bachelor of Philosophy from Wayne State University, his Master of Arts in Philosophy from Holy Apostles College and Seminary, and his Juris Doctorate from the Detroit College of Law. Judge Sullivan is reappointed for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2028.
The Board of Law Examiners is responsible for investigating and examining all persons who initially apply for admission to the Michigan bar. The Board may adopt suitable regulations, subject to approval by the Supreme Court, concerning the performance of its functions and duties.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Freedom Trail Commission
Kimberly Holley is the first ever Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for the City of Battle Creek. Previously, she served as director of the Sojourner Truth Center for Liberation and Justice and co-coordinator of the Battle Creek Coalition for Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation. She is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. Ms. Holley is appointed to represent a local community in which the Underground Railroad had presence for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring February 1, 2024. She succeeds Vivian Ritter whose has passed away.
The Michigan Freedom Trail Commission preserves, protects, and promotes the rich legacy of the Underground Railroad and the antislavery movement in Michigan.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Audiology
Dr. Lauren Dadisho, of Commerce Township, is an audiologist for Henry Ford Health and a clinical external education coordinator at Wayne State University. She received her Bachelor of Arts in communication, sciences, and disorders and her Doctor of Audiology from Wayne State University. Dr. Dadisho is reappointed to represent audiologists, for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2027.
Dr. Stylianos Dokianakis, of Saugatuck, is owner and practicing audiologist at Holland Doctors of Audiology. He received a Bachelor of Science in mechanical and biomedical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, a Master of Science in communicative disorders from the University of Wisconsin, and a Doctor of Audiology from A.T. Still University of Health Sciences. Dr. Dokianakis is reappointed to represent audiologists, for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2027.
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 harmed the public’s health, safety, and welfare.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michael Dietrich, of Conklin, is a fifth-generation farmer with 26 years of experience. He farms 450 acres, 420 for apples and the remainder for cherries. He is the Vice Chair of the Michigan Apple Committee and a board member of the US Apple Association. Mr. Dietrich is reappointed to represent district 2 growers for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring April 1, 2026.
Gregory Kugel, of Berrien Springs, owns and operates Kugel Farms. He is a graduate of Michigan State University. Last year he was named to the Moody on the Market 40 under 40 list and is recognized as a rising star in the industry. Mr. Kugel is appointed to represent district 1 growers for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring April 1, 2026. He succeeds Jeremy Shank whose term has expired.
Eric Roossink, of Fremont, is a farmer with over 20 years of experience growing apples and tree fruit, as well as managing fruit storage and shipping operations. He graduated from Grand Valley State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Mr. Roossink is reappointed to represent district 3 growers for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring April 1, 2026.
The Michigan Apple Committee (MAC) is a quasi-governmental organization dedicated to improving the profitability of Michigan’s fresh and processed apple industries. MAC 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.
Advisory Council on Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing
Ms. Liliana Ospina Herbstreith, of Howell, is the creator, editor, and video journalist for Latinos En Michigan TV, and founder of Hispanic Marketing Solutions, LLC. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Communication from La Sabana University. Ms. Herbstreith is reappointed to represent individuals knowledgeable in the field of deafness, for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring January 18, 2026.
Ms. Ariel Pscheidl, of New Baltimore, is an Associate Optometrist at Sam’s Club. Pscheidl holds a Bachelor of Science from Central Michigan University and a Doctor of Optometry from Ferris State University. Ms. Pscheidl is appointed to represent individuals knowledgeable in the field of deafness, for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring January 18, 2026. She succeeds Shayla Griffin whose term has expired.
Ms. Karlee Wascher, of Wyandotte, is a DeafBlind Employment Specialist at Hellen Keller National Center. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language, Hearing Sciences from Northern Michigan University and a Master of Arts in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy from Western Michigan University. Ms. Wascher is appointed to represent individuals knowledgeable in the field of deafness, for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring January 18, 2026. She succeeds Kathleen Johnston-Calati whose term has expired.
Mrs. Theresa Miracle, of Swartz Creek, is Executive Director of Communication Access Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Madonna University, and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Gallaudet University. Mrs. Miracle is appointed to represent individuals knowledgeable in the field of deafness, for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring January 18, 2026. She succeeds Jumana Salamey whose term has expired.
Mr. Theodore Dorsette, of Detroit, is an Outreach Specialist at the National Association of the Deaf. He holds a Bachelor of Art in Screen Arts and Cultures from the University of Michigan. Mr. Dorsette is appointed to represent deaf or hard of hearing persons, for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring January 18, 2026. He succeeds Sarah Hein whose term has expired.
The Advisory Council on Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing serves to advise the Department of Civil Rights on matters pertaining to deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing persons.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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