Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

LANSING, MI - On December 23, 2024, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the Human Trafficking Commission, Michigan Veterans’ Facility Authority Board of Directors, and Michigan Citizen-Community Emergency Response Coordinating Council. 

Human Trafficking Commission

Dr. Jennifer Shih, of Northville, is a board-certified family physician at Trinity Health. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Jennifer Shih is appointed as a nominee of the Speaker of the House for a term commencing December 23, 2024, and expiring March 1, 2025. Dr. Shih succeeds Elizabeth Moon Carter, whose term has expired.   

Kimberly Hurst, of Royal Oak, is the founder and executive director of The Avalon Healing Center, a 24-hour facility for assault victims. Hurst is a certified physician assistant and forensic examiner, and she holds a Bachelor of Science in exercise physiology from Michigan State University, a Master of Arts in kinesiology from the University of Minnesota, and a Master of Science in physician assistant studies from Wayne State University. Kimberly Hurst is appointed as a nominee of the Speaker of the House for a term commencing December 23, 2024, and expiring March 1, 2025. Hurst succeeds Hassan Beydoun, whose term has expired.   

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.      

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

Veterans’ Facility Authority Board of Directors 

Nancy Susick, of Rochester, is the president of Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital. A registered nurse since 1986, Susick has held numerous leadership, staff, and administrative positions throughout her career at Corewell Health. Susick holds a Master of Science in nursing from Oakland University and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from The University of Detroit Mercy. Nancy Susick is appointed as a nominee of the Speaker of the House of Representatives with experience in long-term care, health care licensure or finance, or medicine for a term commencing December 23, 2024, and expiring April 15, 2027. Susick succeeds Henry Boutros, whose term has expired.  

The Michigan Veterans’ Facility Authority Board of Directors governs the Michigan Veterans’ Facility Authority and consists of the Director of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and eight members appointed by the Governor who have professional knowledge, skill, or experience in long-term care, health care licensure or finance, or medicine.    

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

Michigan Citizen-Community Emergency Response Coordinating Council

Jon Cool, of Grand Rapids, is the president of the Michigan Railroads Association. He previously served as a legislative liaison for the Michigan Department of Transportation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Central Michigan University. Jon Cool is appointed as an individual with technical expertise related to emergency response for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2028. Cool succeeds Steve Gorman, whose term is expiring.  

Abigail Watkins, of Reed City, is the director of emergency services for the County of Newaygo and a medical first responder for Hersey Township Fire Department. She holds a professional emergency management certification from the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division and a critical incident stress management certification from The International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. Abigail Watkins is reappointed as anindividual with technical expertise related to emergency response for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2028.   

The MCCERCC assists in developing, maintaining, implementing and supporting and promoting emergency response principles, strategies, and practices within governmental agencies and private sector organizations in Michigan.    

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