LANSING, MI - On June 28, 2024, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Michigan Strategic Fund Board of Directors, the MEDC Executive Committee, Michigan Board of Dentistry, Michigan Board of Physical Therapy, Michigan Board of Social Work, Michigan Employment Relations Commission, Michigan Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers with Developmental Disabilities, and the Michigan Early-Stage Venture Investment Corporation Board of Directors.  

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 Strategic Fund Board of Directors

Dr. Britany Affolter-Caine, of Pinckney, is the executive director for Michigan's University Research Corridor. Dr. Affolter-Caine received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Wittenberg University, a Masters of Secondary Education from Wright State University, and a Ph. D in higher education policy and Organizational Behavior from the University of Michigan. Dr. Britany Affolter-Caine is reappointed to represent a member with experience in commercialization of technology for a term commencing August 1, 2024, and expiring July 31, 2028.   

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.  

MEDC Executive Committee

Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, of Grand Rapids, is the mayor of Grand Rapids. She was elected in 2016 as the first woman mayor in Grand Rapids history. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and criminal justice from the University of South Alabama and a Master of Social Work from Michigan State University. Before being elected mayor, Bliss was Director at DA Blodgett-St. John’s and worked as a medical social worker at DeVos Children’s Hospital. Mayor Rosalynn Bliss is appointed to represent public entities for a term commencing June 28, 2024, and expiring April 5, 2027. Mayor Rosalynn Bliss succeeds Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, who has resigned.  

The MEDC Executive Committee provides policy direction and guidance to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation regarding economic development program and initiatives, approves the MEDC corporate budget, and appoints the chief executive officer who administers all programs, funds, personnel, and all other administrative transactions of the MEDC. The MEDC Executive Committee supports the MEDC through governance, support to enable results-based action, and advocacy for the organization and economic development in Michigan.     

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

Michigan Board of Dentistry

Cynthia McCants, of Lansing, has recently retired from her position as a Fund Development Manager at Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan. McCants received an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Lansing Community College. Cynthia McCants is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing July 1, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028.    

Dr. Melissa Keil, of Ann Arbor, is a dental director at Grace Health, and adjunct clinical faculty at University of Michigan and University of Detroit Mercy. Dr. Keil has also worked as a dental consultant at NextGen Healthcare and a professional figure skating coach at the Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club. Dr. Keil received a Bachelor of Science in general biology from the University of Michigan and her Doctor of Dental Surgery in general dentistry from University of Michigan-School of Dentistry. Dr. Melissa Keil is appointed to represent dentists for a term commencing July 1, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028. Melissa Keil succeeds Vaijanthi Oza whose term expired.   

Janet Kinney, of Ypsilanti, is a clinical professor at the University of Michigan. She is a licensed registered dental hygienist. Kinney received a Master of Science degree in Dental Hygiene Clinical Research Design and Statistical Analysis from the University of Michigan. Janet Kinney is reappointed to represent dental hygienists for a term commencing July 1, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028.  

Dr. John DeCarolis, of Bloomfield Hills, is an independent contractor at Jamestown South. Dr. Decarolis was previously the President of DeCarolis Dental Association. Dr. DeCarolis is a licensed Doctor of Dental Surgery. Dr. DeCarolis received a Doctor of Dental Sugery from University of Detroit – Mercy. Dr. John DeCarolis is appointed to represent dentists for a term commencing July 1, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2024. John DeCarolis succeeds Edward Sarkisian whose term has expired.  

Dr. Mamnoon Siddiqui, of Northville, is an orthodontist at Siddiqui Orthodontics, PC. Dr. Siddiqui is a licensed dentist and holds a certificate in orthodontics. Dr. Siddiqui received a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from the University of Michigan – Dearborn, his Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, and his Master Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Detroit – Mercy. Dr. Mamnoon Siddiqui is reappointed to represent dentists with health profession specialty certification for a term commencing July 1, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028.    

Sahar Farhat, of Dearborn, is a senior dental hygienist and office manager at Parkwest Dental. Farhat received an Associate of Science in dental hygiene at Wayne County Community College and her Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene from the University of Detroit Mercy. Sahar Farhat is appointed to represent dental hygienists for a term commencing July 1, 2024, and expiring June 20, 2028. Sahar Farhat succeeds Cheryl Bentley whose term has expired.   

The Michigan Board of Dentistry was formed to regulate the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene, authorize dental assistants, and certify specialists in the fields of orthodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and oral pathology.  

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

Michigan Board of Physical Therapy

Inder Thawani, of Canton, is a licensed physical therapist and CEO and owner of Home Health Care. Thawani received a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from India Paul Henry (IPH). Inder Thawani is appointed to represent physical therapists for a term commencing June 28, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2027. Dr. Inder Thawani succeeds Jeffrey Clark whose term has expired.  

The Michigan Board of Physical Therapy was originally formed with the enactment of Public Act 164 of 1965. 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 responsibility is implemented by the Board by ascertaining minimal entry level competency of health practitioners. The Board also has the obligation to take disciplinary action against licensees who have adversely affected the public's health, safety, and welfare.   

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

Michigan Board of Social Work

Dr. Maria Beam, of Orion Township, is a licensed master’s social worker, faculty member and chair of the social work program at Oakland University. Dr. Beam received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and Master of Social Work from Michigan State University, and a Ph.D. of educational leadership from Oakland University. Dr. Maria Beam is appointed to represent individuals engaged primarily in the practice of social work for a term commencing June 28, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2027. Dr. Maria Beam succeeds Janet Joiner whose term has expired.   

The Michigan Board of Social Worker registers social workers in Michigan. Social Work is the professional application of social work values, principles, and techniques to counseling or to helping an individual, family, group, or community to enhance or restore the capacity for social functioning and/or provide, obtain, or improve tangible social and health services.    

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

Michigan Employment Relations Commission

Robert Chiaravalli, of Waterford, is a practicing labor and employment attorney. He is also president of Strategic Labor and Human Resources that he has operated for almost 25 years. He is a recognized expert in labor relations, combining experience in union and nonunion environments, in addition to experience in large businesses and government. Chiaravalli received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, a Master of Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University, and his Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School. Robert Chiaravalli is reappointed to represent independents for a term commencing June 28, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2027.  

The Michigan Employment Relations Commission (MERC) resolves labor disputes involving public and private sector employees by appointing mediators, arbitrators, and fact finders, conducting union representation elections, determining appropriate bargaining units, and adjudicating unfair labor practice cases. The Commission, supported by the staff of the Bureau of Employment Relations, administers The Public Employment Relations Act (PERA), The Labor Relations and Mediation Act (LMA), and The Compulsory Arbitration Act (312).      

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

Michigan Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers with Developmental Disabilities

Dr. LaShorage Shaffer, of White Lake, is an associate professor at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. She was previously a teacher at Champaign Early Childhood Education Center. Dr. Shaffer received a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education, a Master of Education in early childhood special education and a Doctor of Philosophy in education from the University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign. Dr. LaShorage Shaffer is appointed to represent individuals involved in personnel preparation for a term commencing June 28, 2024, and expiring October 30, 2027. Dr. LaShorage Shaffer succeeds Judy Goth-Owens whose term has expired.  

Dr. Nicole Hamp, of Ann Arbor, is a developmental behavioral pediatrician and adjunct faculty member at Michigan Medicine Mott Children’s Hospital. Additionally, she is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Section on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, the Council on Early Childhood, and a member of the Society of Developmental Pediatrics. Dr. Hamp received a Bachelor of Science, Master of Public Affairs, and Doctor of Medicine from the University of Michigan. Dr. Nicole Hamp is appointed to represent other individuals selected by the Governor for a term commencing June 28, 2024, and expiring October 30, 2027. Dr. Hamp succeeds Prachi Shah whose term has expired.    

Lisa Perugi, of Trenton, is the early on coordinator and early childhood special education consultant for Wayne County RESA. Prior to this role, she was supervisor of Special Education Woodhaven Brownstown School District. Perugi received a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and received her Master of Arts in special education from Wayne State University. Lisa Perugi is reappointed to represent public or private providers of early intervention services for a term commencing June 28, 2024, and expiring October 30, 2027.  

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. 

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

Michigan Early-Stage Venture Investment Corporation Board of Directors  

Dr. Dawn Batts, of Bloomfield, is the CEO of Milestone Growth Capital Institute, an angel investing firm based in Detroit. Dr. Batts received a Bachelor of Arts in accounting from Michigan State University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan, and a PhD in anthropology from Wayne State University. Dr. Batts is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing June 28, 2024, and expiring on June 13, 2027.    

Tim Easterwood, of Birmingham, is the founder and CEO of BizFleets, a fleet management company to help businesses and governments manage their vehicles. Easterwood received a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from Northern Michigan University and a master’s degree in security administration from the University of Detroit Mercy. Tim Easterwood is reappointed to represent the nominee of the Senate Majority Leader for a term commencing June 28, 2024, and expiring June 13, 2027.   

Josh Scott, of Kewadin, is currently an angel investor. He serves on the board of Havenly and Artifact Uprising. He was previously president of Guild Education and was co-founder and chief operating officer of Craftsy. He previously served as vice-chair on the Colorado Commission on Higher Education. Scott received a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan and a Master of Business Administration from the University of California Berkley. Josh Scott is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing June 28, 2024, and expiring June 13, 2027. Josh Scott succeeds Brandon Way whose term has expired.  

Natalie King, of Southfield, is the founder and CEO of Dunamis Clean Energy Partners, LLC, and Dunamis Charge. King received a Bachelor of Arts in English language and literature from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University. Natalie King is appointed to represent the nominee of the Speaker of the House for a term commencing June 28, 2024, and expiring June 13, 2026. Natalie King succeeds Scott Idle whose term has expired.  

The Michigan Early Stage Venture Investment Corporation Board of Directors works to promote a healthy economic climate by fostering job creation, retention, and expansion through the promotion of investment in venture capital businesses specializing in early stage and seed investments. The Venture Michigan Fund invests only in venture capital companies that have a significant presence in Michigan and focuses on companies that will invest in Michigan-based, start-up companies that are engaged in research, technology, and new product development.    

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