LANSING, MI - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Liquor Control Commission, Judicial Tenure Commission, Detroit Financial Review Commission, Michigan State Housing Development Authority Statewide Housing Partnership, Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council,  Michigan Citizen-Community Emergency Response Coordinating Council, Michigan Board of Licensed Midwifery, Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention Treatment Board,  Michigan Apple Committee, Michigan Corn Marketing Program Committee, State 9-1-1 Committee, and Board of Health and Safety Compliance and Appeals.

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.

Liquor Control Commission

Lee Gonzales, of Fenton, serves as a commissioner on the Liquor Control Commission. Previously, he served as deputy director of legislative and external affairs for the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and as a representative for the 49th district in Michigan’s House of Representatives. Gonzales received a Bachelor of Arts in urban studies and his Master of Public Administration from the University of Michigan-Flint. Lee Gonzales is reappointed for a term commencing June 13, 2024, and expiring June 12, 2028. 

Edward Toma, of Bloomfield Hills, serves as a commissioner on the Liquor Control Commission. Previously, he served as an investigator and regulation agent for the enforcement division of the Liquor Control Commission. Toma received a Bachelor of Arts in integrative studies with concentrations in mechanical engineering and biological science from Oakland University.  Edward Toma is reappointed for a term commencing June 13, 2024, and expiring June 12, 2028.

The Liquor Control Commission is responsible for being the sole wholesaler for all spirit products in the state and the licensing of the manufacture and sale of all beer, wine, distilled spirits, and mixed spirit drinks in Michigan. They are responsible for the enforcement of the state's liquor laws and the rules of the Commission and the collection of excise and specific taxes on beer, wine, distilled spirits, and mixed spirit drinks.  

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

Judicial Tenure Commission

Dr. Maxine Hankins Cain, of Lansing, is retired and serving as president of Lansing Regional Sister Cities Commission. Additionally, she is an active member of AARP, vice president of the Detroit Chapter of Black Storytellers, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and a member of Lucidas Toastmasters. Cain received a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Norfolk State University, and a doctoral degree in K-12 education administration from Union Institute University. Dr. Maxine Cain is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing May 2, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2026. Dr. Maxine Cain succeeds Danielle Chaney whose term has expired. 

The Judicial Tenure Commission serves to promote the integrity of the judicial process and preserve public confidence in the courts. The Commission strives to hold state judges, magistrates, and referees accountable for their misconduct without jeopardizing or compromising the essential independence of the judiciary. The basis for Commission action is a violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct or Rules of Professional Conduct, which are published with the Michigan Rules of Court. 

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

Detroit Financial Review Commission

David Blaszkiewicz, of Novi, is the president and CEO at Invest Detroit. Previously, he was the CEO of the Downtown Detroit Partnership. He currently serves as vice chair of the Downtown Detroit Development Authority Board, Detroit Future City, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, M-1 Rail. Blaskiewicz received a Bachelor of Arts in business, management, and marketing from Wayne State University, and a Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University. David Blaskiewicz is appointed to represent the nominee of the Speaker of the House for a term commencing May 2, 2024, and expiring November 9, 2024. David Blaskiewicz succeeds David Nicholson whose term has expired. 

The Detroit Financial Review Commission is responsible for oversight of the City of Detroit and the Detroit Public Schools Community District. It ensures both are meeting statutory requirements, reviews and approves their budgets, and establishes programs and requirements for prudent fiscal management, among other roles and responsibilities.  

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

Michigan State Housing Development Authority Statewide Housing Partnership 

Dana Linnane, of Okemos, is the director of research and planning at Governor’s Office of Foundation Liaison.Previously, she served as a policy and communications officer for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Linnane received a bachelor's degree in communication studies and design and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan. Dana Linnane is appointed to represent philanthropic or nonprofit organizations for a term commencing May 2, 2024, and expiring September 6, 2024. Dana Linnane succeeds Faye Nelson who has resigned.  

The Statewide Housing Partnership serves as an advisory body within the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. Members include leaders from state, local, and tribal governments, advocates from nonprofit and community organizations, and representatives from the business advocacy world and finance industry.   

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

Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council

Amaya Abdullah, of Free Soil, is a community coordinator for the non-profit Miigwech Inc., and a cashier at Lowes. She has also participated in the Leaders for Inclusion yearlong cohort of the Michigan Disabilities Rights Coalition.Amaya Abdullah is appointed to represent individuals with a developmental disability for a term commencingMay 2,2024, and expiring September 30, 2026.

Areeba Nadeem, of Rochester, is a development assistant intern for the Arab American National Museum. She has previously served as a development intern for the ACLU.Additionally, she is a member of the Michigan Student Power Network. Nadeem received a Bachelor of Arts in social relations and public policy from Michigan State University. Areeba Nadeem is appointed to represent individuals with developmental disabilities a development assistant for a term commencingMay 2, 2024, and expiring September 30, 2026.

The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council (MiDDC) is an advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. MiDDC channels federal funds to support programmatic activities and grants to improve systems and services to help people with I/DD live self-determined and self-directed lives in a diverse and inclusive community. MiDDC also supports a statewide self-advocacy system, led by individuals with I/DD, known as the “Self-Advocates of Michigan,” or SAM. SAM receives staff support and funding from MiDDC to help people with lived experiences in their advocacy journey.

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

Michigan Board of Licensed Midwifery

Chelsea Gordy, Laingsburg, is the child welfare director at Child and Family Charities. Gordy received a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in family life education from Western Michigan University. Chelsea Gordy is appointed to represent the general public who is a consumer of midwifery care for a term commencing May 2, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2027. Chelsea Gordy succeeds Kristen Revere whose term has expired.

The Michigan Board of Licensed Midwifery is housed within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. The Board works with the Department to establish and implement the licensure program for the practice of midwifery in the state.

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

Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention Treatment Board

Megan Widman, of Beverly Hills, is the project coordinator for the University Responses to Sexual Assaultat the University of Michigan. She previously worked at HAVEN, the domestic and sexual assault services program in Oakland County as the social action program director and the director of prevention education. Widman received a bachelor's degree in psychology and Spanish from the University of Michigan, and a master's degree in social work from Wayne State University, with a concentration in community practice and social action. Megan Widman is appointed to represent persons with experience handling the problems of domestic violence and/or sexual violence for a term commencing May 2, 2024, and expiring December 4, 2024. Megan Widman succeeds Kristen Howard whose term has expired. 

The Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board coordinates and monitors programs and services for the prevention of domestic and sexual violence and the treatment of victims of domestic and sexual violence. The Board administers grants awarded under the Violence Against Women Act, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, and other governmental and non-governmental grants.

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

Michigan Apple Committee

Christopher Alpers, of Lake Leelanau, is the vice president of operations for Redpath Orchards. Alpers received a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Northern Michigan University. Christopher Alpers is reappointed to represent District 4 growers for a term commencing May 2, 2024, and expiring April 1, 2027.  

Philip Schwallier, of Sparta, is the owner of Schwallier's Country Basket and a recently retired district horticulture and marketing agent at Michigan State University. Schwallier received a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from Michigan State University. Phillip Schwallier is reappointed to represent District 2 growers for a term commencing May 2, 2024, and expiring April 1, 2027. 

The Michigan Apple Committee is dedicated to improving the profitability of Michigan's fresh and processed apple industries. The Committee coordinates market development, educational activities, and research that benefits the 1000 family apple growers in Michigan through improved profitability, ensuring the continued success of this sector of Michigan agriculture.  

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

Michigan Corn Marketing Program Committee

Brett Brink, of Hamilton, is the operations manager at Golden Grain Farms. Brett Brink is reappointed to represent District 4 growers for a term commencing May 2, 2024, and expiring March 5, 2027.

Philip Gordon, of Saline, is the owner of Gordon Valley Farms. Gordon received a Bachelor of Science in dairy science. Phillip Gordon is reappointed to represent District 3 growers for a term commencing May 2, 2024, and expiring March 5, 2027.  

Daniel Keenan, of Merrill, is the owner of Keenan Farms. Keenan received a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management from Michigan State University. Daniel Keenan is reappointed to represent District 8 growers for a term commencing May 2, 2024, and expiring March 5, 2027.

Scott Miller, of Elsie, is the owner of Miller Family Farms. Scott Miller is reappointed to represent District 6 growers for a term commencingMay 2, 2024, and expiring March 5, 2027.

The Michigan Corn Marketing Program Committee enhances the economic position of Michigan corn growers by providing for the growth and expansion of the corn industry in Michigan through foreign and domestic market development, promotion, and research that will stimulate the demand for corn.  

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

State 9-1-1 Committee

Steven L. Berenbaum, of Birmingham, is the area manager of regulatory relations for AT&T. Berenbaum received a Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration, and Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan. Steven L. Berenbaum is reappointed to represent commercial mobile radio service for a term commencing May 2, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2025.

Timothy McKee, Sr., of Rudyard, is the NG 911 program director for Peninsula Fiber Network, LLC. McKee received an associate of applied arts in criminal Justice from Suomi College.McKee is reappointed to represent members of the general public with expertise relating to telephone systems, rural health care concerns, or emergency radio communications, dispatching, and services, for a term commencing May 2, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2025.  

The State 9-1-1 Committee and it's 21 member organizations work together to promote the successful development, implementation, and operation of 9-1-1 systems across the state of Michigan. In accordance with Public Act 244 of 2003, the Michigan State Police provides staff assistance to the committee as necessary to carry out the committee's duties.  

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

Board of Health and Safety Compliance and Appeals

John Rupp, of West Bloomfield, is a senior safety consultant and principal of TCT Safety, Inc., and an OSHA authorized trainer for general industry and construction industry. He is also an adjunct instructor at Eastern Michigan University’s OSHA Education Center. Rupp has served on the Michigan Board of Health and Safety Compliance and Appeals since 2019. He is a past assistant director of the UAW health and safety department. He attended Central Michigan University, Oakland University, and Oakland Community College. John Rupp is reappointed as chair to representthe general public for a term commencing May 2,2024, and expiring March 18, 2027.

Jeffrey Smrz, of Gregory, is the training director and site manager for the Michigan Laborer’s Training and Apprenticeship Institute.Previously, he served as the abatement superintendent for API Group Incorporated. Smrz received an associate degree in applied science from Baker College. Jeffrey Smrz is reappointed to represent labor in the construction industry for a term commencing May 2, 2024, and expiring March 18, 2028.

James Dion, of Trenton, is the safety director for Pontiac Ceiling and Partition. Dion attended Washtenaw Community College and the Great Lakes OSHA Education Center.James Dion is appointed to represent management in the construction industry for a term commencing May 2, 2024, and expiring March 18, 2025. James Dion succeeds Todd Doenitz who has resigned. 

Matthew Uptmor, of Saginaw, serves as director of the Health and Safety and National Veterans Affairs Departments for the United Auto Workers. He also serves as a fire chief for the Kochville Township Fire Department. Uptmor received an associate degree in criminal justice from Delta College. Uptmor is reappointed to represent labor in the general industry for a term commencing May 2, 2024, and expiring March 18, 2026.

The Board of Health and Safety Compliance and Appeals reviews all contested Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) cases involving safety and health citations, orders, and appeals. The Board may order testimony at hearings, compel witnesses or require depositions, and further promulgates rules of procedure for hearings, maintaining consistency with any federal occupation safety or health standard. 

These appointmentsare subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.