Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 23, 2026

Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the following boards and commissions: Michigan Indigent Defense Commission; Early Childhood Investment Corporation Executive Committee; Michigan Gaming Control Board; Governor's Educator Advisory Council; Michigan Strategic Fund Board of Directors; State Historic Preservation Review Board; State Historical Records Advisory Board; Michigan Board of Pharmacy; Elevator Safety Board; Governor's Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect; Michigan Interagency Council on Homelessness; Farm Produce Insurance Authority; Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice; and Michigan Opioids Task Force.

Michigan Indigent Defense Commission

Hon. James Maceroni, of Saint Clair Shores, is a judge on the 16th Circuit Court. Maceroni also serves on the State Bar of Michigan Prisons and Corrections Committee and the Criminal Law Committee of the Michigan Judges Association. Judge Maceroni holds a Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies in social science from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School. Hon. James Maceroni is appointed as a member submitted by the Michigan Judges Association for a term commencing July 23, 2026, and expiring April 1, 2030. Judge Maceroni succeeds James Fischer, whose term has expired.

Hon. Stacia Buchanan, of Lansing, serves as chief judge of the 54-A District Court. Judge Buchanan is also the secretary of the Michigan District Judges Association and serves on the Judicial Section of the State Bar of Michigan, the Ingham County Indigent Collaborative Committee, and the Community Corrections Advisory Board. Judge Buchanan holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Oakland University and a Juris Doctor from the Michigan State University College of Law. Hon. Stacia Buchanan is appointed as a member submitted by the Michigan District Judges Association for a term commencing July 23, 2026, and expiring April 1, 2030. Judge Buchanan succeeds Hon. Paula Mathes, whose term has expired.

The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission was created as a result of efforts to improve legal representation for indigent criminal defendants. The Commission develops and oversees the implementation, enforcement, and modification of minimum standards, rules, and procedures to ensure that indigent criminal defense services providing effective assistance of counsel are delivered to all indigent adults in this state consistent with the safeguards of the United States Constitution, the State Constitution of 1963, and with the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Act.

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

Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC) Executive Committee

Irene Watts, of Franklin, is the director of gift and estate planning for The Salvation Army. Watts is also the co-founder of All Things Michigan, a member of the Change Collective, and a former vice chair of the Dearborn Public School Board and Henry Ford College Board of Trustees. Watts holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Michigan. Irene Watts is reappointed as a member at-large for a term commencing July 23, 2026, and expiring July 22, 2030.

Chioke Borgelt-Mose, of Detroit, is the former director of improving practices and outcomes at the Corporation for a Skilled Workforce and the former director of systems alignment and policy in the City of Detroit Office of Workforce Development. Borgelt-Mose served as a member of the Detroit Continuum of Care board and as a management advisory board member at the Wayne State University Ilitch School of Business. Borgelt-Mose holds a Bachelor of Arts in African and African American studies from Stanford University. Chioke Borgelt-Mose is reappointed as a member at-large for a term commencing July 23, 2026, and expiring July 22, 2030.

The Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC) was created to be the state's focal point for information and investment in early childhood education in Michigan so that children can arrive at the kindergarten door safe, healthy, and eager for learning and life. The Investment Corporation was founded in 2005 and charged with implementing a Great Start system for Michigan both at the state and community level.

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

Michigan Gaming Control Board

Jim Townsend, of Royal Oak, is the director of the Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy at Wayne State University. Townsend also represented the 26th district in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2011 to 2017. Townsend holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan, and a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School. Jim Townsend will be appointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing August 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2028. Townsend will also be designated as Chair for at term commencing August 1, 2026, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. Townsend will succeed Jim Ananich, who is resigning.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board ensures the conduct of fair and honest gaming to protect the interests of the citizens of the state of Michigan. The Board provides Detroit commercial casinos gaming operations licensing and regulation, licenses and regulates online gaming and sports betting operators, platform providers and suppliers, regulates pari-mutuel horse racing and casino-style charitable gaming, and audits tribal gaming compact agreement compliance.

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

Governor's Educator Advisory Council

Erik Meerschaert, of Lake Orion, is a special education teacher at Lake Orion High School. Meerschaert is actively involved in several educational organizations and leadership roles, serving as an adult advisor for Sources of Strength, coaching Unified Basketball and Unified Robotics, and serving as the varsity girls flag football coach. Additionally, Meerschaert contributes to district-level development as a member of the Lake Orion Educational Careers Advisory Committee. Meerschaert holds a Bachelor of Science in education from Western Michigan University. Erik Meerschaert will be appointed as the Michigan Teacher of the Year for a term commencing September 1st, 2026, and expiring August 31, 2027. Meerschaert will succeed Corey Rosser, whose term will expire.

The Governor's Educator Advisory Council was created by Governor Whitmer's Executive Order No. 2019-9. The Council reviews and make recommendations regarding legislation relevant to this state's public education system, identifies and analyzes issues impacting the effectiveness of Michigan's public education system, identifies best practices in public education and recommends corresponding changes and improvements to Michigan's public education system, and provides other information or advice relevant to public education.

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

Michigan Strategic Fund Board of Directors

Jeffrey Dokho, of Huntington Woods, is the director of special projects for the United Auto Workers of America. Dokho holds a Bachelor of Arts in accounting from Michigan State University. Jeffrey Dokho will be appointed as a member submitted by the Senate Majority Leader representing individuals within the private sector with experience in private equity or venture capital investments, commercial lending, or commercialization of technology for a term commencing August 1, 2026, and expiring July 31, 2030. Dokho will succeed Randy Thelen, whose term will expire.

The Michigan Strategic Fund Board of Directors was created by Executive Order No. 2019-13. The Board's responsibilities include approval of the use of private activity bonds, authorizing the submittal by local governments of Community Development Block Grant applications, and approval of Tool and Die Renaissance Recovery Zones.

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

State Historic Preservation Review Board

Dr. Lane Demas, of Mount Pleasant, is a professor of U.S. History at Central Michigan University. Dr. Demas holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Northwestern University and both a Master of Arts in history and a Doctor of Philosophy in history from the University of California, Irvine. Dr. Lane Demas will be reappointed as a member meeting the Secretary's historic preservation qualifications standards for history for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2030.

Dr. Mary Ann Heidemann, of Rogers City, is a former Presque Ile County Commissioner, a former regional planner at the Eastern Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Commission, and a former associate professor of architecture at Ball State University. Dr. Heidemann holds a Bachelor of Arts in art history from Reed College, a Master of Public Policy and a Doctor of Philosophy in land resources from the University of Wisconsin, and a Master of Science in historic preservation from Eastern Michigan University. In 2018, Heidemann was inducted into the American Institute of Certified Planners College of Fellows and was also the recipient of the Governor's Award for Historic Preservation in 2025 for the Rogers City Theater Project. Dr. Mary Ann Heidemann will be appointed as a member meeting the Secretary's historic preservation qualifications standards for other professional disciplines for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2030. Dr. Heidemann will succeed Ronald Staley, whose term will have expired.

The Michigan State Historic Preservation Review Board reviews and approves each national register nomination prior to submission to the Keeper of the National Register, has appellate jurisdiction under the Local Historic Districts Act, as amended, and provides general advice, guidance and professional recommendations to the State Historic Preservation Office on matters related to historic preservation.

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

State Historical Records Advisory Board

Annika Peterson, of Ishpeming, is the incoming university archivist for Northern Michigan University, where she currently serves as the UPLINK digital project manager. Peterson holds a Bachelor of Science in history and mathematics from Northern Michigan University, a Master of Arts in history from the University of Rochester, and a Master of Library Sciences with a focus in archives from Wayne State University. Annika Peterson will be appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2030. Peterson will succeed Lindsey Hiltunen, whose term will have expired.

The State Historical Records Advisory Board serves as a central advisory body for historical records planning and for National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC)-funded projects in the state. The Board acts as a coordinating body to facilitate cooperation and communication among historical records repositories and information agencies within the state and as a state-level review body for grant proposals that meet NHPRC grant program guidelines.

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

Michigan Board of Pharmacy

Roy Smotherman II, of Ortonville, is a senior engineering systems coordinator for Oakland County. Smotherman is appointed as a member of the public for a term commencing July 23, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2029. Roy Smotherman succeeds Kyle McCree, whose term has expired.

The Michigan Board of Pharmacy was enacted as part of the Public Health Code to oversee the practice of pharmacy as a health service, the clinical application of which includes the encouragement of safety and efficacy in the prescribing, dispensing, administering and use of drugs and related articles for the prevention of illness and the maintenance and management of health. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board including promoting and protecting the public's health, safety, and welfare.

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

Elevator Safety Board

Richard Day, of Allegan, is a State Fire Marshal Supervisor for the State of Michigan. Day holds an associate of applied science from Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Richard Day is appointed as the designee of the State Fire Marshal for a term commencing July 23, 2026, and expiring July 22, 2027. Day fills a seat that was newly created via Executive Order No. 2025-9.

The Elevator Safety Board promulgates rules and prepares examinations in relation to contractor licenses. The Board also conducts hearings to determine whether an elevator contractor license or certificate of competency or commission should be suspended or revoked.

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

Governor's Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect

Timothy Pinto, of Ann Arbor, is a clinical professor of law at the University of Michigan Law School. Pinto previously served as general counsel for the United States Soccer Federation. Pinto holds a Bachelor of Arts in political economy from Williams College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. Timothy Pinto is appointed to represent attorneys involved in both civil and criminal court proceedings related to child abuse and neglect, including individuals involved with the defense as well as the prosecution of such cases, for a term commencing July 23, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029. Pinto succeeds Nicole Smithson, who has resigned.

Ursula Ahart, of Detroit, is the executive director at the Federation of Youth Services. Ahart holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from Wayne State University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan. Ursula Ahart is reappointed to represent individuals experienced in working with homeless children and youths for a term commencing July 23, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029.

Created by Executive Order 2017-4, rescinding Executive Order 2013-4 and originally created by 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 consists 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 Council on Homelessness

Elizabeth Rios-Jones, of Lansing, is a deputy state court administrator in the Michigan State Court Administrative Office. Rios-Jones holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and sociology and a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan. Elizabeth Rios-Jones is reappointed to represent courts for a term commencing July 23, 2026, and expiring January 30, 2030.

The Michigan Interagency Council on Homelessness was designed to develop, adopt and update a 10-year plan to end homelessness. The 10-year plan includes evidence-based improvements to programs and policies that will ensure services and housing are provided in an efficient, cost-effective, and productive manner. The plan is also coordinated with and tailored to the Federal Strategic Plan, "Opening Doors," to meet the needs of this state's homeless population.

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

Farm Produce Insurance Authority

Luke Lindsey, of Coldwater, is the owner of Lindsey Farms. Lindsey holds a Bachelor of Science in agriculture business management from Michigan State University. Luke Lindsey is appointed as a member nominated by the largest Michigan organization representing general farm interests for a term commencing July 23, 2026, and expiring June 20, 2029. Lindsey succeeds Terry Page, whose term has expired.

The Michigan Farm Produce Insurance Authority is a ten-member board representing farmers, grain industry, and banking interests. The Authority has the responsibility of establishing, administering, and promoting the Farm Produce Insurance Fund.

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

Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice

Ebony Hemphill, of Kalamazoo, is the founder and executive director of Bent Not Broken. Hemphill holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Western Michigan University. Ebony Hemphill will be appointed as a member with lived experience with the juvenile justice system for a term commencing August 3, 2026, and expiring August 2, 2030. Hemphill will succeed Colbert Williams, whose term will expire.

The mission of the Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice is to advise the Governor on matters related to juvenile justice legislation and administration, mobilize communities to develop and implement comprehensive, data driven prevention services, and create a strategic plan that sets standards, determines priorities, and allocates funds for successful delinquency prevention and rehabilitative programs that promote stronger families, healthier youth, and safer communities.

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

Michigan Opioids Task Force

Greg Toutant, of Negaunee, is the chief executive officer of Great Lakes Recovery Centers, Inc. Toutant holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Northern Michigan University and a Master of Arts in clinical counseling from the University of Wisconsin at River Falls. Greg Toutant is reappointed as a representative of PIHP region 1 for a term commencing July 23, 2026, and expiring June 14, 2029.

The Michigan Opioids Task Force was created as an advisory body within the Department of Health and Human Services and consists of 12 members of the executive branch of state government. Members of the Task Force are ex officio members and serve at the pleasure of the governor. The director of the Department shall designate the chairperson of the Task Force.

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

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