Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

LANSING, MI - On December 19, 2024, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the following boards, commissions, and task forces: Michigan Civil Service Commission; Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates; Central Michigan University Board of Trustees; Ferris State University Board of Trustees; Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees; Western Michigan University Board of Trustees; Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees; Michigan Technological University Board of Trustees; Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents; Michigan Civil Rights Commission; Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System Board; Michigan State Transportation Commission; Pre-K-12 Literacy Commission; School Safety and Mental Health Commission; Governor's Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect; Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission; Michigan Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers with Developmental Disabilities; Black Leadership Advisory Council; and the Michigan Workforce Development Board.

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 Civil Service Commission

David Berridge, of Dimondale, is a retired transportation engineer, having retired from the Michigan Department of Transportation as a special projects coordinator in 2019. Berridge has also previously served on bargaining committees representing both labor and management. He is an outgoing member of the State of Michigan Retirement Board and volunteers both with the AARP Foundation as a tax aide and with the Tuesday Toolmen building handicap access ramps. Previously, he was director of the scientists’ and engineers’ unit of SEIU 517M and was the chief spokesperson for several rounds of negotiations between 2012 and 2019. Berridge holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in civil engineering from Michigan State University. David Berridge is appointed to represent Independents for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032. David Berridge succeeds Jase Bolger, whose term will expire on December 31, 2024. 

The Civil Service Commission is empowered by Article XI, Section 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 to classify all positions in the classified service according to their respective duties and responsibilities, fix rates of compensation for all classes of positions, and approve or disapprove disbursements for all personal services. The Commission also determines by competitive examination and performance exclusively on the basis of merit, efficiency, and fitness the qualifications of all candidates for positions in the classified service, makes rules and regulations covering all personnel transactions, and regulates all conditions of employment in the classified service.  

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

Workers' Compensation Board of Magistrates

Lisa Woons, of Grand Rapids, is a magistrate with the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates and has been serving since 2013. Woonspreviously served as an attorney with Kluczynski, Girtz, and Vogelzang. She holds a Juris Doctorate and Bachelor of Arts in political science from Valparaiso University. Lisa Woonsis reappointed to the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates for a term commencing January 27, 2025, and expiring January 26, 2029.

David Williams, of Grosse Pointe Woods, is a magistrate with the Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates and has been serving since 2013. He previously worked as an attorney with Kluczynski, Girtz & Vogelzang, P.C. Williams earned his Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University. David Williams is reappointed for a term commencing January 27, 2025, and expiring January 26, 2029.

Lenny Segel, of Farmington Hills, is a magistrate for the Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates. He was previously an attorney with Bernstein & Bernstein. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University. Lenny Segel is reappointed for a term commencing January 27, 2025, and expiring January 26, 2029.

Kevin Kales, of Allen Park, is the chief magistrate of the Board of Magistrates. He was previously an attorney with Legghio & Israel, P.C. Kales earned his Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University. Kevin Kales is reappointed to the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates for a term commencing January 27, 2025, and expiring January 26, 2029. He is also reappointed as Chief Magistrate. 

Richard Ehrlich, of Commerce Township, is a magistrate for the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates. He previously was an attorney with Zamler, Shiffman & Karfis, P.C. Ehrlich earned a Bachelor of Arts in history, political science, and humanities from Wayne State University and a Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University. Richard Ehrlich is reappointed to the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates for a term commencing January 27, 2025, and expiring January 26, 2029.

John Chowning, of Linden, is an attorney at Chowning and Edgar, P.C. Chowning holds a Bachelor of Science in political science from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University. John Chowning is appointed to the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates for a term commencing January 27, 2025, and expiring January 26, 2029. Chowning succeeds John Housefield, whose term is expiring.

Kevin Davis, of Washington Township, is a principal at Kitch Attorneys & Counselors, P.C. He has previously been a senior staff trial attorney at Zurich North America. Davis received a Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit and a Bachelor of Science in medical technology from Eastern Michigan University. Kevin Davis is appointed to the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates for a term commencing January 27, 2025, and expiring January 26, 2029. Davis succeeds Keith Castora, whose term is expiring.

The Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates has been established as an autonomous entity within the Workers' Disability Compensation Agency per Executive Order No. 2019-13. Only workers’ compensation magistrates can hear cases for which an application for hearing has been filed with the Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency. The Board of Magistrates currently consists of 14 members appointed by the Governor. All members of the board shall be members in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan and have been an attorney licensed to practice in the courts of this state for 5 years or more.  

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

Central Michigan University Board of Trustees

Dr. Ashok Kondur, of West Bloomfield, is an interventional cardiologist at Dearborn Cardiology, the director of mechanical circulatory support and complex and high-risk coronary intervention at Henry Ford Health, and the chairman of the Garden City Hospital Division of Cardiology. Dr. Kondur received a Bachelor of Science and Biology from Sarvodaya College in India, a Doctor of Medicine from Osmania Medical College in India, and a Master of Business Administration in finance and marketing from Indiana University’s Kelly School of Business. He also completed residencies and specialty training in cardiology and internal medicine at Wayne State University. Dr. Ashok Konduris appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032. Kondur succeeds Isaiah Oliver, whose term is expiring. 

Jeff Stoutenburg, of Midland, is the director of state government affairs at Dow. Stoutenburg is a two-time graduate of Central Michigan University, and he holds both aBachelor of Science in political science and a Master of Public Administration. Stoutenbergalso serves on theboard of the Michigan Economic Development Foundation, where he serves as president, on the Executive Committee of the Michigan Manufacturers Association, and on the board of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. Jeff Stoutenberg is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032. Stoutenberg succeeds Michael Sandler, whose term isexpiring.

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

Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees

Jason Trice, of Flint, is the CEO of Bedrock Apparel. Triceholds a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from Grand Valley State University. Trice is a 2017 Grand Valley State University Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee, former football player, and previously served on the GVSU Football Alumni Association as chair. Jason Trice is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032. Jason Trice succeeds Randy Damstra, whose term is expiring. 

Brandon Hofmeister, of Ann Arbor, is the senior vice president of strategy, sustainability, and external affairs for Consumers Energy. He previously served as special counsel for energy and climate policy in the Executive Office of Governor Jennifer Granholm, was a visiting law professor at the University of Michigan Law School, and an assistant law professor at Wayne State Law School. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Harvard College and a Juris Doctoratefrom Harvard Law School. Brandon Hofmeister is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032. Hofmeister succeeds Kate Pew Wolters, whose term Is expiring. 

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

Ferris State University Board of Trustees

Matthew Evans, of Grosse Pointe Park, is the CEO of Invictus Builders and operating partner of Prospect Park LLC, a financial services firm. Previously, he was vice president of Rockford Construction,principal of University Preparatory Academy Middle School in Detroit, and executive director of E-Three Labs,an international organization focused on international education and development projects in Southeast Michigan and sub-Saharan Africa. Evans is also a former member of the Grosse Pointe Park Planning Commission and is a founding board member of the Grosse Pointe Park Public Safety Commission. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in education from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Education in educational leadership from Wayne State University. Matthew Evans is appointed for a termcommencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032. Matthew Evans succeeds Amna Seibold, whose termis expiring. 

Lashanda Thomas, of Grosse Pointe, is a certified public accountant and the founder and managing partner of The Clairmount Group. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Michigan State University.Thomas is active in her community and is a member on multiple boards, including The Family Center of Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods and Wolverine Human Services. Lashanda Thomas is reappointed for a termcommencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032.

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

Western Michigan University Board of Trustees

Kelly Burris, of Detroit, is the owner of Burris Law, PLLC, an intellectual property law firm in Detroit. Burris holds multiple degrees, including a Juris Doctorate from St. Louis University; a Master of Science in materials science and engineering from Washington University; and a Bachelor of Science in aeronautical engineering from Western Michigan University. Burris previously was a partner at several national IP boutique firms. Burris was recently selected by her peers for inclusion in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the area of Patent Law for the Detroit Region, and Burris Law was named a Best Women-Led Law firm by Michigan Lawyers Weekly in 2024. In 2021, Chambers recognized her as a "Highly Commended" honoree for pro bono work. Additionally, she is a member of the Michigan Aeronautics Commission and Commission and sits on the Board of Directors for the Detroit Athletic Club. She is also a licensed pilot with multiple ratings and flies her TBM 940 regularly for business and charitable work. Kelly Burris is reappointed for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032.

James Liggins, of Kalamazoo, is senior counsel at Warner Norcross + Judd, LLP. Previously, he was a partner at Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone, PLC, and an in-house litigation associate at Consumers Energy. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctorate from Michigan State University College of Law. Liggins serves on numerous boards, including  Bronson Healthcare Group, where he is the incoming board chair, the American Hospital Association Committee on Governance, where he currently serves as chair; United Way of Southcentral Michigan, where he previously served as chairman of the board of directors; The Harold and Grace Upjohn Foundation; the State Bar of Michigan Judicial Qualifications Committee, where he serves as co-chair; the State Bar of Michigan Board of Commissioners; the Greenleaf Trust; and the State of Michigan Board of Ethics. James Liggins is reappointed for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032.

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

Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees

Venus Joy Brown, of Detroit, is the vice president of human resources, organizational effectiveness, and employee experience for Assembly Global. Brown is also an adjunct instructor of business at Henry Ford Community College and previously worked in human resources and talent development at General Motors and Trinity Health. She holds a Bachelor of Science in communications from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Education in instructional technology from Wayne State University. Venus Joy Brown is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032. Brown succeeds Alexis Hart, whose term is expiring. 

Lisa Fittante, of Kingsford, is the owner of Fittante and Colenso, CPA, P.C. She holds a Bachelor of Science in elementary education and is a certified public accountant. Fittante serves as treasurer of the Dickinson County Industrial Development Corporation. Lisa Fittante is reappointed for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032.

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

Michigan Technological University Board of Trustees

Steven Tomaszewski, of Fenton, is the global director of environmental strategies and operations at General Motors. Tomaszewski holds a Bachelor of Science in environmental engineering from Michigan Technological University and a Master of Science in chemical engineering and hazardous waste management from Wayne State University. Tomaszewski currently serves as chair of the Michigan Technological University Board of Trustees, and he is one of the founders and the past vice president of the Michigan Tech chapter of the Society of Environmental Engineers. He has also previously served on the College of Engineering Advisory Board and the Civil and Environmental Engineering Professional Advisory Committee at Michigan Tech, and he received the Michigan Tech Young Alumni Award in 1999. Steven Tomaszewski is reappointed for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032.

Dr. Shannon Dare Wayne, of Milan, is a global quality manager at Ford Motor Company, the City Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Milan, and an Adjunct Professor at Lawrence Technological University. Wayne holds a Bachelor of Science in industrial management from Lawrence Technological University; a Master of Science in industrial operations from Lawrence Technological University; a Master of Science in manufacturing engineering from Wayne State University; and a Doctor of Philosophy in industrial engineering from Wayne State University. Dr. Shannon Dare Wayne is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032. Wayne succeeds Derhun Sanders, whose term is expiring.  

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

Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents

Sean Gray, of Detroit, is the vice president of small business services at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. Gray has previously served as an economic development specialist at the U.S. Small Business Administration. Gray holds a Bachelor of Arts in management from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Education in educational leadership from Eastern Michigan University. Sean Gray is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032. Gray succeeds Eunice Jeffries, whose term is expiring. 

Jenita Moore, of Lansing, is currently the director of the office of community engagement for the Executive Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer. She will be taking on a new leadership position in state government in the near future. She has previously served as chief of staff for State Senator Sarah Anthony; legislative liaison for the Michigan Department of State; and the senior advisor for policy and legislation for the Department of Insurance and Financial Services. Moore holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Law and Government from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Public Administration in public management and agency administration from Western Michigan University. Jenita Moore will succeed Alexander Simpson, whose term is expiring.

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

Michigan Civil Rights Commission

Gloria Lara, of Walker, currently serves as a Commissioner and is the outgoing Chair of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission. Lara previously served as the chief executive officer of the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore, and the Executive Director of Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance. Lara holds a Bachelor of Arts in business administration from California State University, Fullerton, and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School. Gloria Lara is reappointed to the Michigan Civil Rights Commission for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2028.  

Richard White III, of Detroit, is a pastor at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Detroit and also serves as the president of the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity. He also serves as the 3rd vice moderator for the Metropolitan Missionary Baptist District Association. Pastor White has served in multiple organizational capacities for a number of groups, including: multiple leadership roles within the Fellowship District Congress of Christian Education; as general secretary for the Baptist, Missionary and Educational State Convention of Michigan; as treasurer and financial secretary for the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity; and as the financial secretary for Kingdom Building Pastors and People International. Pastor White holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in theology from the Tennessee School of Religion. Richard White III is appointed as a member who represents Democrats for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2028. White succeeds Richard Corriveau, whose term is expiring.  

The Michigan Civil Rights Commission was created by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 to safeguard constitutional and legal guarantees against discrimination. The Commission is charged with investigating alleged discrimination against any person on the basis of that person’s inclusion in a protected class.   

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

Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System Board

Glenda Booker, of Detroit, is an English and language arts teacher at John R. King Academic and Performing Arts Academy. Booker represents Region 1 on the Executive Board of the Detroit Federation of Teachers, where she currently serves as vice president, and she is also a GED instructor at Wayne County Community College District. Booker holds a Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education with an emphasis in child development from Mercy College of Detroit and a Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction from the University of Detroit Mercy.  Glenda Booker is appointed as a classroom teacher who is an employee of the largest school district in the state for a term commencing December 19, 2025, and expiring March 30, 2028. 

The Michigan Public School Employees' Retirement System Board is responsible for general oversight of retirement, survivor, and disability benefits to employees in public school districts, intermediate school districts, community colleges and certain universities.   

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

Michigan State Transportation Commission

Suzanne Schulz, of Grand Rapids, is the Urban Planning Practice Leader at Progressive AE, an architecture firm. She has previously worked in various planning roles with the city of Grand Rapids, including on several road and transportation projects. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban and regional planning from Michigan State University. She has also previously served on the Complete Streets Advisory Council. Suzanne Schulz is reappointed as a Democrat for a term commencing December 22, 2025, and expiring December 21, 2027.  

Heath Salisbury, of Gaines, is the financial secretary, infrastructure director, trustee, and construction accident director for the International Union of Operating Engineers 324. He also serves as a Wayne County Sheriff Reserve C.E.R.T. Officer and attended Mott Community College. Heath Salisbury is reappointed as an Independent for a term commencing December 22, 2025 and expiring December 21, 2027. 

The Commission establishes policy for the Michigan Department of Transportation in relation to transportation programs and facilities and other such works as related to transportation development, as provided by law. Responsibilities of the Commission include the development and implementation of comprehensive transportation plans for the entire state, including aeronautics, bus and rail transit, providing professional and technical assistance, and overseeing the administration of state and federal funds allocated for these programs. 

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

Michigan PreK-12 Literacy Commission

Dr. Raven Jones, of Detroit is an associate professor of education at the Michigan State University College of Education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Michigan State University, a Master of Education in elementary education and teaching from Marygrove College, a certificate in linguistics from Harvard University, and Doctor of Philosophy in curriculum, instruction, and teacher education at Michigan State University. Raven Jones is appointed as a member submitted by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Raven Jones succeeds Amanda Price, whose term has expired.

The Michigan PreK-12 Literacy Commission is housed within the Michigan Department of Education. The Commission advises and assists in matters relating to the assessment, professional development, education programming, socioeconomic challenges, best practices, collaboration, parental engagement, and teaching of literacy.  

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

School Safety and Mental Health Commission

Dana Evans, of Grand Rapids, is a psychotherapist with Nurtured Path in Grand Rapids, a former school social worker, and the parent of a student at Forest Hills Northern Middle School in Grand Rapids. Evans received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Michigan State University and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan. Dana Evans is appointed to represent one member from a list of three or more names submitted by the Speaker of the House of Representatives who is a parent, for a term commencing December 19, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2028. Evans succeeds Patrick Green, whose term has expired. 

Jason Schmitz, of Durand, is currently assigned to the Owosso Public Schools as a resource/liaison officer during the school year and has worked in law enforcement for 23 years. Schmitz holds an Associate of Arts in criminal justice from Lansing Community College. Jason Schmitz is appointed to represent one member from a list of three or more names submitted by the Speaker of the House of Representatives who has a background in law enforcement, for a term commencing December 19, 2025, and expiring October 1,2028. Schmitz succeeds Jason Russell, whose term has expired.

The School Safety and Mental Health Commission was established in the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 State School Aid Act to provide recommendations to reduce youth suicides and strengthen the mental health of school-age children, adolescents, and their families through a comprehensive, statewide approach.  Commissioners were appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

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

Governor's Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect

Kyleen Gee, of Whitehall, is the executive director of the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon County, a non-profit organization that provides court-appointed special advocate services. Gee holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Baker College and a Master of Business Administration from Capella University. Kyleen Gee is reappointed to represent child advocates, including both attorneys for children and, where such programs are in operation, court-appointed special advocates, for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.

Suzanna Shkreli, of Birmingham, currently serves as Michigan State Lottery Commissioner. Previously, she was the Director of Juvenile Justice Reform for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Shkreli holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Oakland University and a Juris Doctorate from Cooley Law School. Suzanna Shkreli is reappointed to the Governor's Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.  

Lynda McGhee, of St. Clair Shores, is an attorney at Level Up Legacy Planning, PLLC, and a co-executive director at Michigan Children’s Law Center. McGhee has previously worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney at Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office in the Criminal and Juvenile Court Divisions. McGhee holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication from University of Michigan and a Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University Law School. Lynda McGhee is reappointed to represent child advocates, including both attorneys for children and, where such programs are in operation, court-appointed special advocates, for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.

Created by Executive Order 2013-4, rescinding Executive Order 2010-18, the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect is established within the Department of Human Services and is designed as a multidisciplinary task force for the purposes of the federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. The Task Force shall consist of 18 members appointed by the Governor for three-year terms who are professionals with knowledge and experience relating to the criminal justice system and issues of child physical abuse, child neglect, child sexual abuse and exploitation, and child maltreatment related fatalities. 

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

Michigan Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers with Developmental Disabilities

Nancy Green, of Lasing, is the deputy chief of staff for Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks. Nancy Green is appointed to represent the Michigan Legislature for a term commencing December 19, 2025, and expiring October 31, 2028. Green succeeds Joseph Clark, whose term has expired.  

The Michigan Interagency Coordinating Council (MICC) is authorized and required by Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as amended by Public Law 105-17. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is designated as the lead agency for the state of Michigan. The MICC is charged with advising and assisting MDE in the development and implementation of a statewide, comprehensive, coordinated, multidisciplinary, interagency system that provides early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.    

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

Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission

Aimee Jachym, of Kalamazoo, is a partner at Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey, P.L.C. She is the co-founder and former board president of the Korean Kids and Orphanage Outreach Mission, a board member of Southwest Michigan First, and a board member of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. Jachym earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in general business and Bachelor of Arts in English from Western Michigan University and a Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University Law School. Aimee Jachym is appointed to the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission for a term commencing December 19, 2025, and expiring November 30, 2028. Jachym succeeds Roland Coloma, whose term has expired.  

The Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission (MAPAAC)’s vision is to be an exemplary commission by adding public value to the State of Michigan and the Asian Pacific American community by fully engaging Asian Pacific Americans across the state.

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

Black Leadership Advisory Council

Kevin Jones, of Saginaw, is the founder of Blactiquing and the president of A Museum of Black Experiences. Jones was previously a senior associate for Morino Ventures. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan, a Master of Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and a Master of Public Health from the University of Pennsylvania. Kevin Jones is reappointed to the Black Leadership Advisory Council to represent Black leadership in arts and culture for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.  

Dr. Kathy Purnell, of Kalamazoo, is an adjunct instructor-part-time at Western Michigan University and the director and managing attorney at Human/Civil Rights Law Center. Purnell was previously the manager, advocacy and intake at the Fair Housing Center of Southwest Michigan and a staff attorney at Justice For Our Neighbors-Michigan. Kathy received a Bachelor of Arts in government from Harvard University, a Juris Doctorate from DePaul University College of Law, and a Doctor of Philosophy in government from Cornell University. Dr. Kathy Purnell is reappointed as a member to represent Black leadership in law and as a member who is an immigrant or individual with expertise in immigration policy for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.

Byron Brooks, of Detroit, is the founder of Hood Black & Educated Consulting Group. He was previously an anti-racist programming facilitator at the University of Michigan and a social justice programing coordinator at Ferris State University. Brooks received his Bachelor of Science music entertainment business from Ferris State University. Byron received his Master of Social Work in community change pathway and his Master of Arts in high education with a concentration in diversity and social justice in higher education from the University of Michigan. Byron Brooks is appointed to represent Black leadership in community safety and preparedness for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027. Brooks succeeds Jerry Clayton, whose term is expiring. 

Latrice McClendon, of Detroit, is the community Detroit director of the Knight Foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and communications from Eastern Michigan University. Latrice has previously been appointed to be the district manager for the Detroit Mayor’s Office and appointed t the Detroit Public Schools Community District as a school board member. Mrs. McClendon is reappointed to reappointed to represent Black leadership in economics for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.

Brian White, of Detroit, is the chief of staff for Detroit City Council. White holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics and African American studies with a minor in accounting from the University of Michigan. Brian White is appointed to represent Black leadership in public policy from a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027. Brian succeeds Deirdre Waterman, whose term is expiring.

The Black Leadership Advisory Council is housed in the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and will act in an advisory capacity to the Governor and develop, review, and recommend policies and actions designed to eradicate and prevent discrimination and racial inequity in this state. The Council will also work to identify state laws, or gaps in state law, that create or perpetuate inequities, collaborate to promote legislation and regulation that ensures equitable treatment of all Michiganders, serve as a resource for community groups, and promote the cultural arts in the Black community.   

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

Workforce Development Board

Representative Jason Hoskins, of Southfield, is serving his first term in the 18th House District. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and Master of Public Administration from Eastern Michigan University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit Mercy Law School. Representative Jason Hoskins is appointed as a nominee of the Speaker of the House of Representatives for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring January 1, 2027. Hoskins succeeds succeeding David Martin, whose term has expired.

The Michigan Workforce Development Board is responsible for the development and continuous improvement of the workforce development system in Michigan. The Board acts as an advisory body to assist the Governor with the development, implementation, and modification of Michigan's four-year state plan pursuant to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and advance the Governor's 60 by 30 goal of helping 60% of our workforce achieve a post-secondary degree or certification by 2030.   

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