Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 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: Collection Practices Board; Advisory Council on the Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing; Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Monument Fund Commission; Human Trafficking Commission; Electrical Administrative Board; Agricultural Preservation Fund Board; Michigan Interagency Council on Homelessness; Michigan Truck Safety Commission; Gun Violence Prevention Task Force; Michigan State Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision; Michigan Education Trust Board of Directors; Michigan Workforce Development Board; Michigan Public Safety Communications Interoperability Board; Michigan Board of Real Estate Appraisers; Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists.

Collection Practices Board

John Garret Angelo, of Bloomfield Hills, is the chief executive officer of JJ Marshall & Associates. Angelo holds a Bachelor of Arts in business administration from Michigan State University. John Garrett Angelo is appointed to represent collection professionals for a term commencing on June 23, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2028. Angelo succeeds Dani Liblang, whose term has expired.

The Collection Practices Board works to license and regulate collection agencies operating in Michigan. The board works with the department to oversee the practice of approximately 713 collection agencies and 525 collection agency managers.

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

Advisory Council on Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing

Jessica Contreras, of Grand Blanc, is the head of school at the Michigan School for the Deaf. Contreras previously served as an assistant professor at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) Research Center on Culture and Language and as assistant director of the Deaf Health Hub at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Contreras holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in psychology, both from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Jessica Contreras is appointed to represent deaf or hard of hearing people for a term commencing June 23, 2026, and expiring January 18, 2029. Contreras succeeds Theresa Miracle, who has resigned.

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.

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

Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Monument Fund Commission

Curtis Caid, of Grayling, is a senior risk control consultant for the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority and the former police chief of the City of Livonia. Caid holds an associate degree in law enforcement from Schoolcraft College and a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice administration from Madonna University. Curtis Caid is appointed as a member nominated by the executive director of the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police who is a survivor of an officer killed while on duty who served with a municipal police department of a municipality with a population of 500,000 or less for a term commencing on June 23, 2026, and expiring on June 30, 2028. Caid succeeds Larry Garner, whose term has expired.

Rachael Starr, of Mason, is a training program coordinator for the Michigan State Police. Starr holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from Michigan State University. Rachael Starr is appointed as a member nominated by the State Troopers Association who is a survivor of an officer of the Michigan State Police killed while on duty for a term commencing on June 23, 2026, and expiring on June 30, 2028. Starr succeeds Lydia Bernard, whose term has expired.

The Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Monument Fund Commission, created by Public Act 177 of 2004, was established to oversee the financing, design, and construction of Michigan's Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

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

Electrical Administrative Board

Donald Iverson, of Eaton Rapids, is the manager of industry codes and external relations for Schneider Electric. Iverson is also a licensed electrical contractor. Donald Iverson is reappointed as a member who is a representative of manufacturers primarily and actively engaged in producing material fittings, devices, appliances, fixtures, apparatuses, and similar products, used as a part of, or in connection with, an electrical installation for a term commencing June 23, 2026, and expiring July 31, 2029.

The Electrical Administrative Board makes recommendations for electrical code rules, grants annual licenses and certificates to qualified applicants, and makes all orders, rules, and regulations necessary for the enforcement and carrying out of the provisions of the act.

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

Agricultural Preservation Fund Board

Remy Long, of Manchester, is the deputy manager of parks and recreation for the City of Ann Arbor. Long was previously a Midwest program associate at The Conservation Fund. Long holds a Bachelor of Arts in environmental studies and international relations from Western Michigan University and a Master of Science in environmental science from the University of Michigan. Remy Long is reappointed as a member at-large for a term commencing June 23, 2026, and expiring June 10, 2030.

The Agricultural Fund Board was created to manage the distribution of grants to preserve farmland and help conserve Michigan's agricultural heritage.

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

Michigan Interagency Council on Homelessness

Paula Kaiser Van Dam, of Lansing, is a bureau director at Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Kaiser Van Dam holds a Bachelor of Science in economics from De Pauw University. Paula Kaiser Van Dam is reappointed as the designee of the Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for a term commencing June 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.

Michigan Truck Safety Commission

Pete Torola, of Chassell, is a research engineer at Michigan Technological University. Torola holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Michigan Technological University. Peter Torola is appointed to represent four-year colleges and universities for a term commencing June 23, 2026, and expiring August 4, 2027. Torola succeeds Dr. Colin Brooks, who has resigned.

The Michigan Truck Safety Commission (MTSC) is the only organization in the nation dedicated to commercial truck driver education and training supported solely by the industry it serves. The Commission is committed to enhancing truck and truck driver safety by providing truck driver education and training, heightening all drivers' awareness of the operational characteristics and limitations of trucks, initiating data collection and research, and supporting enforcement of motor carrier safety laws.

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

Gun Violence Prevention Task Force

Dr. April Zeoli, of Ann Arbor, is an associate professor in health management and policy in the School of Public Health and the director of the policy core in the Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention at the University of Michigan. Dr. Zeoli holds a Bachelor of Arts in women's studies from the University of Michigan, a Master of Public Health in health policy from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, and a Doctor of Philosophy in health policy from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Dr. April Zeoli is appointed as an individual associated with a research institution that studies gun violence for a term commencing June 23, 2026, and expiring June 22, 2030.

Marianne Huff, of Livonia, is the president and chief executive officer of the Mental Health Association in Michigan. Huff was previously the executive director of Allegan County Community Mental Health Services. Huff is a licensed social worker and holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from The University of Michigan - Dearborn and a Master of Social Work from Eastern Michigan University. Marianne Huff is appointed as an individual with experience doing clinical work specializing in suicide prevention for a term commencing June 23, 2026, and expiring June 22, 2030.

Danielle Hagaman-Clark, of Brighton, is the criminal bureau chief at the Michigan Department of Attorney General. Previously, Hagaman-Clark served as a Michigan assistant attorney general and as director of the Violence Against Women Program at the Prosecuting Attorney's Association of Michigan. Hagaman-Clark holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Danielle Hagaman-Clark is appointed as an individual with experience working with survivors of domestic violence and abuse for a term commencing June 23, 2026, and expiring June 22, 2030.

Shawn Borowicz, of Saint Ignace, is a member of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians Board of Directors. Borowicz is licensed to practice as a paramedic and firefighter. Shawn Borowicz is appointed as an individual with experience working within a tribal government for a term commencing June 23, 2026, and expiring June 22, 2030.

Moses Bingham, of Flint, is the director of strategic initiatives at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint and serves as senior pastor at Damascus-Upper Room Fellowship. Bingham was previously a senior program director at the YMCA of Greater Flint and an associate administrator at Mott Community College. Bingham holds an associate degree in general studies from Mott Community College and a Bachelor of Science in strategic leadership from Rochester University. Moses Bingham is appointed as an individual with experience working with the community and faith-based organizations for a term commencing June 23, 2026, and expiring June 22, 2030.

Michael McKissic, of Lansing, is the founder of the Mikey 23 Foundation, which provides hands-on training in the skilled trades and was founded in memory of Michael's son, Mikey, who was killed by gun violence. McKissic is also the owner of and project manager at McKissic Construction. McKissic earned a certificate in building and construction trades from Lansing Community College. Michael McKissic is appointed to represent victims of gun violence for a term commencing June 23, 2026, and expiring June 22, 2030.

Prosecutor Kym Worthy, of Detroit, serves as the Wayne County Prosecutor. Worthy has the distinction of being the longest serving elected prosecutor of color in the United States and the longest serving elected prosecutor in Michigan. Across her time in office, Prosecutor Worthy has been responsible for implementing over fourteen diversion programs that have taken over 25,000 adults and juveniles out of the criminal justice system. Prosecutor Worthy earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and economics from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from the University of Notre Dame School of Law. Prosecutor Worthy also serves as vice-chair of the Joyful Heart Foundation; co-chair of the Joyful Heart Foundation National Council of Leadership and Innovation (NCLI); is a member of the National Black Prosecutors Association and Prosecutors Against Gun Violence; and is the past president of the Boards of Directors for both the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan and the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys. Prosecutor Kym Worthy is appointed as a prosecutor for a term commencing June 23, 2026, and expiring June 22, 2030.

Sheriff Richard Fuller, of Mattawan, is currently serving his fifth term as the elected sheriff of Kalamazoo County. Previously, Sheriff Fuller served in the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office in roles ranging from deputy, to sergeant, to detective. Sheriff Fuller holds an associate's degree in law enforcement from Kellogg Community College and a Bachelor of Science in organizational management from Spring Arbor University. Sheriff Richard Fuller is appointed as an individual currently working in local law enforcement for a term commencing June 23, 2026, and expiring June 22, 2030.

Alia Harvey-Quinn, of Detroit, is the founder and former Executive Director of FORCE Detroit. Harvey-Quinn has led statewide advocacy efforts for community-level violence intervention and overseeing the development of Force Detroit's nationally recognized programming that reduced violence by 80% in Detroit's Cody Rouge Neighborhood. Harvey-Quinn holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Marygrove College. Alia Harvey-Quinn is appointed as an individual associated with an organization that provides community-level conflict mediation or violence intervention services for a term commencing June 23, 2026, and expiring June 22, 2030.

Dr. Matthew Denenberg, of Birmingham, is a vice president and the chief of pediatrics at Corewell Health, where he also serves as the executive sponsor and co-lead of Corewell Health's systemwide Firearm Safety Committee. Dr. Denenberg also serves as the chair of pediatrics at Oakland University's William Beaumont School of Medicine. Dr. Denenberg holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and biology from the University of Michigan, a Master of Science in applied physiology and Doctor of Medicine from Rosilind Franklin University/Chicago Medical School, a Master of Arts in bioethics from the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, a Master of Science in health, quality and safety from the Thomas Jefferson School of Public Health, and a Master of Health Administration from the University of Providence. Dr. Matthew Denenberg is appointed as an individual who is a healthcare provider and has a demonstrated commitment to reducing gun violence for a term commencing June 23, 2026, and expiring June 22, 2030.

The Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force was originally created by Executive Order 2024-4 and re-established by Executive Order 2026-13. The Task Force is housed within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and is charged with identifying the root causes of gun violence, compiling and reports relevant data, maximizing existing resources, soliciting perspectives from diverse stakeholders, and recommending policy to save lives. The group is comprised of members reflecting a wide range of stakeholders including state department directors, medical experts, law enforcement professionals, tribal representatives, and more.

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

Michigan State Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision

Deborah McNabb, of Grand Rapids, is the chief circuit court judge in the 17th Circuit Court. McNabb holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and Spanish from Alma College and a Juris Doctor from the DePaul University College of Law. Deborah McNabb is reappointed as a member representing the judiciary for a term commencing June 23, 2026, and expiring February 12, 2030.

The Michigan State Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision is a formal agreement between member states with the goal of preserving child welfare and promoting public safety interests of citizens, including victims of juvenile offenders. The Michigan State Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision provides a mechanism for empowerment of the compact process, and serves as an advocate when improving operations, resolving disputes between states, and conducting training.

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

Michigan Education Trust Board of Directors

Andy Meisner, of Huntington Woods, is the community market president for Oakland County at Huntington National Bank. Previously, Meisner was the president and founder of Community Unity Bank, the Oakland County treasurer, and as a State Representative. Meisner's parents set up MET accounts for him during one of the first years of the program. Meisner earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Andy Meisner is reappointed as the nominee of the senate majority leader for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2029.

The Michigan Education Trust (MET) is a qualified tuition program which provides tax exemption for the trust and tax exemption of earnings for contract participants who use MET funds to pay for qualified higher education expenses. The MET Board of Directors are responsible for policy development, investment initiatives, program development and implementation. The MET Board of Directors also serve as an advisory board for the Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP).

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

Michigan Workforce Development Board

Shana Lewis-Washington, of Caledonia, is the Vice President of Talent and Organizational Effectiveness for Emplify Health, a not-for-profit, patient-centered, community-focused healthcare network with 11 hospitals and more than 100 clinic locations in the Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. . Previously, Washington served as Executive Lead, for Workforce Development Programs and Innovative Talent Supply for Trinity Health, where she led national workforce initiatives and talent pipeline strategies.

Washington also serves on the Michigan Works! Association Board of Trustees. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Cornerstone University. Washington is reappointed to represent enterprises employing veterans, returning citizens, and persons with disabilities for a term commencing June 23, 2026, and expiring May 29, 2030

Anthony Cacaj, of Shelby Township, is the vice president of operations for Red E, a Detroit-based EV charging network, software and infrastructure company. Cacaj is also a founder of Motor City Car Cafe and Motor City Car Club, organizations dedicated to fostering automotive enthusiasm, community engagement, and mobility innovation. Cacaj serves on the American Center for Mobility EV Charging and Interoperability Advisory Council and has played a key role in advancing EV charging deployments, network operations, and software integrations across North America. Cacaj attended The University of Olivet. Anthony Cacaj is appointed to represent mobility business enterprises for a term commencing June 23, 2026, and expiring May 29, 2030. Cacaj succeeds Deeana Ahmed, 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 will act as an advisory body and will 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.

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

Michigan Public Safety Communications Interoperability Board

Bryce Tracy, of St. Ignace, is the director of 911 and emergency management for Mackinac County. Tracy is a member of the state 9-1-1 committee and holds a certification as a professional emergency manager. Bryce Tracy is appointed as a representative of local emergency medical services departments for a term commencing June 23, 2026, and expiring April 30, 2027.

Sean McCarthy, of Warren, is the technical services manager for Macomb County Emergency Management and Communications. McCarthy was previously a technician leader II at the Macomb County Radio Department and holds a general radio operator license. Sean McCarthy is appointed as a representative of local emergency medical services departments for a term commencing June 23, 2026, and expiring April 30, 2028.

John Unruh, of Brighton, is the fire chief at the Farmington Hills fire department, and was previously the fire chief of the Livonia fire department. Unruh holds a bachelor's degree in public safety studies from Sienna Heights University and a master's degree in homeland security from Eastern Michigan University, where he also attended the school of fire staff and command, earning a certification in fire service leadership. John Unruh is appointed as a representative of fire chiefs for a term commencing June 23, 2026, and expiring April 30, 2028.

The Michigan Public Safety Communications Interoperability Board oversees the Michigan's Public Safety Communications System (MPSCS), an 800/700 MHz radio system and telecommunications network that also provides public safety specific applications integrated into the network. The Board is responsible for advising the governor on all interoperability aspects of current and future technology in the state to ensure the public safety community is well prepared today and in the future with the emergency communications ecosystem.

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

Michigan Board of Real Estate Appraisers

Joyletha Goodwin, of Detroit, is a retired AmeriCorps member, community advocate, and the owner of Simply Joy catering. Joyletha Goodwin is appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing June 23, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2028. Goodwin succeeds David Mook, whose term has expired.

The Michigan Board of Real Estate Appraisers works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of approximately 6,011 limited real estate appraisers, state licensed appraisers, certified general appraisers, and certified residential appraisers.

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

Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists

Chanel Raddatz, of Comstock Park, is an occupational therapist at Mary Free Bed Hospital. Raddatz holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Michigan State University and a Master of Science in occupational therapy from Western Michigan University. Chanel Raddatz is appointed as an occupational therapist for a term commencing June 23, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029. Raddatz succeeds Don Frega, whose term has expired.

The Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to promulgate rules for licensing occupational therapists and ascertaining minimal entry level competency of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the Board to promote and protect the public's health, safety, and welfare.

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

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