Gov. Rick Snyder Makes Appointments, Reappointments

LANSING, Michigan, Oct. 26 -- Gov. Rick Snyder, R-Michigan, issued the following news release:

Gov. Rick Snyder today announced 47 appointments and reappointments to multiple boards and commissions.

"I thank these individuals for using their skills and experience to make our state better," Snyder said. "I am confident they will represent their fellow Michiganders well while serving on these boards, councils and commissions."

Saginaw Valley State University Board of Control

Appointment:

Lindsay Eggers of Linwood is the president and chief operating officer for Stevens Worldwide Van Lines. She serves as a board member for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, the READ Association of Saginaw, the Bay Area Community Foundation Women's Philanthropy Circle and on the Chemical Bank Advisory Board. Eggers earned her bachelor's degree in business and administration from the University of Colorado and master's from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. She will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Luis Canales.

Eggers will serve the remainder of an eight-year term expiring July 21, 2025. Her appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

State of Michigan Investment Board

Appointments:

Dina Richard of Northville is the senior vice president of treasury and the chief investment officer for Trinity Health and previously served as the vice president of investments for Taubman Ventures Management. She is chair of the investment committee for the Detroit Institute of Arts and serves on the investment committee for Bon Secours Mercy Health System, the Central Michigan University Advancement Board, and the Vista Maria Finance Advisory Board. Richard is a certified public accountant and holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Michigan. She also holds a master's degree in finance and international business from Wayne State University.

James Nicholson of Detroit is chairman of PVS Chemicals Inc. He is chairman of the board for the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan and chairman emeriti of the board for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, he serves on the emeritus board of Detroit Public Television, the Michigan Colleges Foundation Board of Trustees, the Detroit Economic Club Board of Directors and the DTE Energy Board of Directors. He holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Stanford University, a master's in business from the University of Chicago and a master's in economics from the London School of Economics.

Reginald Sanders of Portage is director of investments for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and is a chartered financial analyst and chartered alternative investment analyst. Sanders previously served as manager of pension investments at Eastman Kodak Co. He holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Florida A&M University and a master's in business administration from Harvard University.

Richard will serve an initial two-year term commencing Nov. 26, 2018 and expiring Nov. 26, 2020, Nicholson will serve an initial three-year term commencing Nov. 26, 2018 and expiring Nov. 26, 2021 and Sanders will serve an initial four-year term commencing Nov. 26, 2018 and expiring Nov. 26, 2022.

Michigan Veterans' Memorial Park Commission

Reappointments:

Lynn O'Brien of Milford is the director of district affairs for state Sen. Mike Kowall and previously was the planning aid for Charter Township of White Lake, a position she held for 17 years. She holds a bachelor's degree in public administration from Eastern Michigan University.

Jim Dunn of Petoskey retired as deputy director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency and previously served as the president of James Dunn, PLLC. He also was a captain in the United States Army, serving two tours in Vietnam. Dunn holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and a law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Dunn will continue to serve as chair at the pleasure of the Governor. Members will serve three-year terms expiring Dec.18, 2021. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Michigan Board of Medicine

Appointment:

John McGinnity of Attica is a professor and the founding director of a developing physicians' assistants program at the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He previously served as a clinical professor and the program director for the Physician Assistant Studies program in the Wayne State University Department of Healthcare Sciences. McGinnity holds a bachelor's degree in applied biology from Ferris State University and a master's in physician assistant studies from the University of Detroit Mercy. He will represent physicians' assistants and replace Michelle Gormas.

Reappointment:

Stacey Frankovich of Clawson is the owner of Frankovich Advisory, LLC consulting and is the North American lead for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Inclusive Innovation Challenge. She previously served as director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and a market development manager for Macomb Community College. Frankovich earned an associate degree in liberal arts from Oakland Community College and a bachelor's degree in health services administration from Baker College. She will continue to represent the general public.

Members will serve four-year terms expiring Dec. 31, 2022. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan

Reappointment:

Jeremiah Hernandez of Dewitt is a general manager for Best Buy and previously served as a staff sergeant in the United States Army.

Hernandez will serve a three-year term expiring Dec. 10, 2021. His appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

State Historical Records Advisory Board

Appointment:

Lindsay Hiltunen of Hancock is the university archivist for Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections. She was recently awarded the Charles Follo Award for excellence in preservation by the Historical Society of Michigan. She holds a bachelor's degree in social science from Michigan Technological University, a master's in library science from the Catholic University of America, a master's in U.S. history from Western Illinois University and is pursuing a doctorate in rhetoric, theory and culture at Michigan Technological University. She will replace Kevin Graffagnino.

Hiltunen will serve a four-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2022.

Michigan Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers with Developmental Disabilities

Appointments:

Melissa Epstein of Ann Arbor will serve as chair of the Michigan Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers with Developmental Disabilities, which she was appointed to in October 2018. She currently represents parents of an infant or toddler with a disability or a child with a disability less than 7 years old at the time of appointment.

Andrea Caron of Negaunee is a natural resources consultant for Thompson and Associates Wetlands Services. She holds a bachelor's degree in forestry management from the University of Wisconsin and a master's in community services from Michigan State University. She will replace Clare Brick and represent parents of infants or toddlers with disabilities or children with disabilities less than 13 years old at the time of appointment with knowledge of, or experience with, programs for infants and toddlers with disabilities.

Caron will serve a four-year term expiring Oct. 31, 2022.

Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine

Appointment:

Nancy Frank of Haslett recently retired as assistant state veterinarian for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and currently serves as a chief veterinary staff consultant for the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association. She holds a bachelor's degree in biology from Mount Holyoke College, a master's in epidemiology from the University of Michigan, and a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Michigan State University. She will represent veterinarians and replace Colleen Thorp-Stout.

Reappointment:

Amy Hicswa of Middleville is a small animal veterinarian and owner of Bull Creek Veterinary Service. She holds a bachelor's degree in veterinary science and a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Michigan State University. She will continue to represent veterinarians.

Frank will serve the remainder of a four-year term expiring Dec.31, 2018, followed by a four-year term commencing Jan. 1, 2019, and expiring Dec. 31, 2022. Hicswa will serve a four-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2022. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Michigan Film Office Advisory Committee

Appointment:

Larry Fouts of Flint is a pastor for Sweet Savour Ministries and holds a bachelor's degree in theater education from Michigan State University. He will serve as the nominee of the speaker of the house and replace Jennifer Fischer.

Fouts will serve a four-year term expiring Sept. 30, 2022.

Electronic Recording Commission

Reappointment:

Patricia (Patty) Niepoth of Central Lake is the Antrim County register of deeds. She worked in the Antrim County Register of Deeds office for 13 years before being elected as the register in 2001. Niepoth studied word processing at Northwestern Michigan College and will continue to represent county registers of deeds.

Niepoth will serve a two-year term expiring Jan. 1, 2021.

Michigan State Transportation Commission

Appointments:

Chris Yatooma of Bloomfield Hills is the principal of OCG Companies, a multidimensional construction and industrial services company. He also is the principal of MSY Capital Partners, a real estate acquisition and development company. Yatooma is active in the community through Yatooma's Foundation for the Kids, the New Foster Care and Oakland County Sherriff's Advisory Council. He will represent Republicans and fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Ron Boji.

Reappointments:

Helen Zeerip of Allegan is the president of the trucking company, Teddy's Transport, and is the founder and board president of Grant Me Hope, an organization that encourages and assists with the adoption of older children in the foster care system. Zeerip also serves on Davenport University's Maine College of Business Board of Advisors and the West Michigan Policy Forum Board of Directors. She will continue to represent Independents.

George Heartwell of Newago retired in 2015 as the mayor of Grand Rapids and previously served as the president and CEO of Pilgrim Manor Retirement Community. He earned a bachelor's degree from Albion College and a master's in divinity from Western Theological Seminary. He will continue to represent Independents.

Yatooma will serve the remainder of a three-year term expiring Dec. 21, 2020. Zeerip and Heartwell will serve three-year terms expiring Dec. 21, 2021. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports

Appointment:

Edwin Kornoelje of Grand Rapids is the director of Metro Health Sports Medicine and the Metro Health Hospital Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship. He is the medical director for several local sporting events and is the head team physician for Calvin College, Grand Rapids Community College, R Athletics Gymnastics and Grand Rapids Drive. He is a team physician for the Grand Rapids Griffins, former head team physician for the West Michigan Whitecaps and serves on the advisory council for West Michigan Sports. Kornoelje holds a bachelor's degree in physical education from Calvin College and a doctorate in osteopathy from Michigan State University - College of Osteopathic Medicine. He will replace Doreen Bolhuis.

Kornoelje will serve the remainder of a two-year term expiring April 30, 2019.

Public Health Advisory Council

Reappointment:

James Averill of Webberville is deputy director for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. He also serves as adjunct faculty for the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at Michigan State University. He holds a bachelor's degree in veterinary science, a doctorate in veterinary medicine and a doctorate in large animal clinical sciences from Michigan State University. He will continue to represent veterinarians.

Averill will serve a four-year term expiring Nov. 1, 2022.

Michigan Board of Respiratory Care

Reappointment:

John Byrd of Marshall is the interim manager of constituent relations in the Executive Office of Gov. Rick Snyder and serves as the secretary for the Calhoun County Hospital Finance Authority. Byrd attended Spring Arbor College and holds an associate degree in electronic technology from Kellogg Community College. He will continue to represent the general public.

Veena Erinjeri of Flint retired as the director of respiratory and neurology services at Hurley Medical Center. She earned a bachelor's degree in physics from Karnatak University and a master's in business administration from the University of Phoenix. She will continue to represent respiratory therapists.

Shari Heydenburg of Jackson is director of Pulmonary Services at Sparrow Hospital, where she previously served as manager of In-patient Respiratory Therapy. Heydenburg earned an associate degree in respiratory therapy from Lansing Community College, a bachelor's in management and project management from Baker College and a master's in leadership from Western Governors University. She will continue to represent respiratory therapists.

Andrew Weirauch of Plymouth is a respiratory therapist clinical specialist at the University of Michigan Hospital. He holds a bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy from The Ohio State University. He will continue to represent respiratory therapists.

Members will serve four-year terms expiring Dec.31, 2022. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers

Appointment:

Thye Fischman of Jackson is an appointment's associate in the Executive Office of Gov. Rick Snyder and earned his bachelor's degree in political science from Western Michigan University. He will represent the general public and fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Amber Dopp.

Fischman will serve the remainder of a three-year term expiring June 30, 2019. His appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Michigan Board of Psychology

Reappointment:

Mindy Fernandes of Walled Lake is the director of marketing, social media and research at Strategic Communication Solutions. She is a member of the Lakes Area Rotary and chairs the PTA Reflections Art Program at Walled Lake Elementary. She will continue to represent the general public.

Fernandes will serve a four-year term expiring Dec.31, 2022. Her appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Self-Insurers' Security, Second Injury Fund, Silicosis, Dust Disease, and Logging Industry Compensation Fund Board of Trustees

Reappointment:

Lee Anne Fontaine of Kalamazoo is the managing assistant general counsel for Accident Fund Holding, Inc., a position she has held since 2012. She earned a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and a law degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. She will continue to represent the insurance industry.

Fontaine will serve a four-year term expiring April 30, 2022.

Barrier Free Design Board

Reappointments:

Chris MacKay of Farmington Hills is a senior manager of the advanced technology development center at American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. He earned a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Michigan and will continue to represent the general public that may be physically limited and may be a wheelchair user.

Jamie Spore of Ludington was Ms. Wheelchair Michigan of 2016 with the platform, "To Empower Others to Persevere with Hope through Life's Challenges." She actively volunteers with the Lakeshore Parrothead Club, the Mason County Relay for Life Planning Committee and the Walk to End Alzheimer's Disease Planning Committee. Spore holds an associate degree in medical office information systems from West Shore Community College and will continue to represent wheelchair users.

Members will serve three-year terms expiring Oct. 31, 2021.Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Elevator Safety Board

Appointment:

Michael Janca of Roscommon is the business manager at IUEC Local 85. He previously served as mechanic and advisor for Advance Elevator and mechanic and advisor for Kone Elevator. He will represent elevator constructors' unions and replace David Kuras.

Janca will serve a four-year term expiring July 22, 2022. His appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Electrical Administrative Board

Appointment:

Aaron Cooper of Middleville is a master electrician with 23 years of experience in the electrical field. He is a graduate of Michigan State University's electrical technology program. He will represent master electricians serving as supervisor and replace Corey Hannahs.

Matthew Wolterstorff of Ada is the director of marketing at Consolidated Electrical Distributors, All-Phase Electric Supply in Grand Rapids. He earned his bachelor's degree in communication studies from the University of Michigan and master's in business administration from Grand Valley State University. He will represent electrical parts distributors and replace Thomas Erdman.

Members will serve four-year terms expiring July 31, 2022. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Michigan Blueberry Commission

Appointment:

Eric Jawor of Muskegon is the horticulture manager at Jawor Brothers Blueberries Inc and earned his bachelor's degree in management from Grand Valley State University. He will represent District 1 and replace Jacob Clemons.

Reappointments:

Shelly Hartmann of South Haven is the owner, operator and member of True Blue Farms, LLC and all subsidiary True Blue Companies. Hartmann previously served as chairperson of the Michigan Blueberry Advisory Committee and on the board of the Michigan National Blueberry Festival Committee. She will continue to represent District 1.

Cheryl Sullins of Grand Junction is the manager of Jubilee Blueberry Pancake House and manager of Jubilee Blueberry Farms, LLC, an operation established by her and her husband in 1984. She contributed to the PA 232 process by serving on the working committee that helped form the current blueberry commodity group. She will continue to represent District 2.

Members will serve three-year terms expiring Dec. 31, 2021. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Ski Area Safety Board

Appointment:

Jeff Cranson of Grand Rapids is the director of communications for the Michigan Department of Transportation and previously served as the deputy metro editor/ columnist for the Grand Rapids Press. He earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Ohio University. Cranson will represent public members from the Lower Peninsula with ski experience and replace David Kubiske.

Cranson will serve a four-year term to expire June 8, 2022. His appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Michigan Compensation Appellate Commission

Appointments:

Bill Runco of Dearborn is the special assistant attorney general for William J. Runco, PLLC. He previously served as a judge with the 19th district court and a state representative for the 31st district. Runco earned a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Michigan - Dearborn and a law degree from the University Michigan. He will replace Jack Wheatley.

Jack Wheatley of Royal Oak served as an attorney specializing in workers compensation, utility regulation and labor law with Lacey & Jones, LLP. He also worked as a special assistant to former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, representing the state in workers' compensation second injury fund cases. Additionally, he served as director of the Michigan Unemployment Agency and director of the Bureau of Workers' Disability Compensation. Wheatley earned a bachelor's degree and a law degree from Wayne State University and will fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Danielle Brown.

Reappointments:

George Wyatt III of East Lansing has more than 30 years of experience in workers' compensation litigation, serving in private practice in Saginaw, East Lansing, Flint and Eastpointe. Wyatt earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and a law degree from Vanderbilt University. Wyatt will continue to serve as chair at the pleasure of the governor.

Lester Owczarski of West Bloomfield has served on the Workers' Compensation Board of Magistrates as a legal assistant, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission as an administrative law judge and as a member of the Michigan Employment Security Board of Review. Owczarski earned a bachelor's degree and a law degree from the University of Detroit.

Wheatley will serve the remainder of a four-year term expiring July 31, 2021.Runco, Wyatt and Owczarski will serve a four-year term expiring July 31, 2022. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Michigan Women's Commission

Appointments:

Nicole DeMarco of East Lansing is an office advisor for CBRE, a full service commercial real estate firm. She also serves as the assistant coach for the Michigan State University cheerleading and dance team. DeMarco earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Michigan State University and is a licensed real estate salesperson in the state of Michigan. She will fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Darlene Lee.

Alisha Meneely of Byron Center is the director of community outreach for the Michigan Child Protector Registry. She previously served as director of outreach for the Education Action Group. Meneely earned her bachelor's degree in political science from Michigan State University and will replace Rose Brandow.

Kelli Saunders of Byron Center is the chief of staff for Lt. Gov. Brian Calley and previously served as the director of public affairs for former Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land. She also serves as the Gerald R. Ford Republican Women's Club President in Grand Rapids. Saunders earned her bachelor's degree in political science from Aquinas College and will replace Janice Nearon.

Reappointments:

Cathleen Knauf of St. Joseph is the founder of Southwest Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force, an organization dedicated to educating and raising awareness of human trafficking in today's society. She earned a bachelor's degree in group social studies from Grand Valley State University and a master's degree in special education from Western Michigan University.

Deidre Lambert-Bounds of Troy is the chief operating officer and partner of Ignite Social Media. Lambert-Bounds also serves on the executive board for the Sphinx Organization, is an advisor to MI Education Trust and works on the Detroit Regional Chamber's Mackinac Policy Conference planning committee.

Renee Haley of Harrison has been the director of veterans' services in Clare County for 10 years. She served in the United States Army, where she was deployed and served in Desert Storm.

DeMarco will serve the remainder of a three-year term expiring July 15, 2019. Meneely, Saunders, Knauf, Lambert-Bounds and Haley will serve three-year terms expiring July 15, 2021. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.