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Governor Whitmer makes appointments to boards and commissions

LANSING — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission, Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports, Horse Racing Advisory Commission, and the Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services.

Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission

William A. Miller, III, of Farmington, is a county commissioner for Oakland County. He is also the business representative and political director for Operating Engineers 324. Mr. Miller is appointed to represent local units of government for a term commencing May 28 and expiring May 27, 2024. He succeeds Hank Kelley whose term expires May 27.

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission shall identify traffic safety challenges and develop, promote, and implement strategies to address those challenges. The Commission shall develop comprehensive solutions to traffic safety challenges through partnerships with all levels of government and the private sector, while maximizing and coordinating the use of existing financial resources.

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

Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports

— Kattie M. Carpenter, of Wayland, is an adjunct professor and the head women’s triathlon coach at Calvin University. She is also a USA Triathlon Level I Certified coach, personal trainer and triathlon coach at Beyond Tri, and a former ELA and physical education teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Cornerstone University.

Ms. Carpenter is appointed for a term commencing May 1 and expiring Apr. 30, 2023. She succeeds Edwin Kornoelje whose term expires April 30.

— Armond R. Harris, of Detroit, is the co-owner of Jabs Gym Eastern Market and the owner of POC Real Estate Investment Group, LLC. He is a former football player for Wayne State University and a member of the Eastern Market Partnership Board of Directors. Mr. Harris is appointed for a term commencing May 1 and expiring Apr. 30, 2023. He succeeds Brigitte LaPointe whose term expires Apr. 30.

— Florine Mark, of Farmington Hills, is an ambassador and the former president and CEO of The WW International. She is the board chair for The Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit and a member of the Detroit Regional Chamber Board of Directors Executive Committee. Ms. Mark is reappointed for a term commencing May 1 and expiring Apr. 30, 2023.

— Tony Moreno, Ph.D., of Okemos, is a professor of biomechanics, athlete development, and fitness management at Eastern Michigan University. Dr. Moreno is also an instructor and consultant with the Michigan High School Athletic Association and the owner of Atletika USA, LLC. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from California State University, a Master of Science in Physical Education from the University of Nevada, and a Ph.D. in Kinesiology from Michigan State University. Dr. Moreno is appointed for a term commencing May 1 and expiring Apr. 30, 2023. He succeeds Dexter Mason whose term expires Apr. 30.

— Mary E. Patay, Ph.D., of Mackinac Island, is the recreation director for the City of Mackinac Island. She is also a soccer, girls basketball, and golf coach for Mackinac Island Public Schools. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Psychology from Miami University, a Master of Science in Physical Education from the University of North Dakota, and a Ph.D. in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Northern Colorado. Dr. Patay is reappointed for a term commencing May 1 and expiring Apr. 30, 2023. The Governor has designated Dr. Patay to continue serving as Chair of the Council.

Todd Turner, of Berkley, is the co-founder and owner of Team GUTS, Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Michigan. Mr. Turner is reappointed for a term commencing May 1 and expiring Apr. 30, 2023.

The Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports was established in 1992 to improve the health of, and increase physical activity among, Michigan residents.

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

Horse Racing Advisory Commission

— Thomas J. Barrett, of Novi, is the president of the Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association. He is also the vice president for The State Bank. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from John Carroll University. Mr. Barrett is reappointed to represent statewide horse racing associations for a term commencing Apr. 30 and expiring Oct. 31, 2024.

— Michael Carlo, of Northville, is the operations manager for Northville Downs. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Cincinnati. Mr. Carlo is reappointed to represent owners or operators of horse racetracks in this state for a term commencing Apr. 30 and expiring Oct. 31, 2024.

— William G. Frank, DVM, of Warren, is a retired department analyst for horseracing programs for the Michigan Gaming Control Board and the former official veterinarian for the Office of Racing Commissioner. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University. Dr. Frank is appointed to represent veterinarians for a term commencing Apr. 30 and expiring Oct. 31, 2024. He succeeds Frank Nickels whose term expired Oct. 31, 2020.

— Brian D. Nielsen, Ph.D., of Mason, is a professor of equine exercise physiology at Michigan State University. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of Wisconsin and a Ph.D. in Animal Science, Equine Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Texas A&M University. Dr. Nielsen is appointed to represent an individual who has knowledge about and expertise in horse racing in this state for a term commencing Apr. 30 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. He succeeds Don Ryker whose term expired Oct. 31, 2020. Additionally, Dr. Nielsen will serve as Chair of the Commission.

— Joseph L. Rivet, of Bay City, is the deputy director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University. Mr. Rivet is appointed to represent the designee of the Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for a term commencing Apr. 30 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. He succeeds James Kober whose term expired Oct. 31, 2020.

The Horse Racing Advisory Commission was created within the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to establish procedures governing the operation and promotion of horse racing in this state and make recommendations to the Legislature that would improve the regulatory structure of horse racing with a goal of maintaining its long‒term viability in Michigan.

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

Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services

— Russ Kavalhuna, of Dearborn, is the president of Henry Ford College. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Science from Western Michigan University and a Juris Doctor degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Mr. Kavalhuna is appointed to fill a vacancy representing the Michigan Workforce Development Board for a term commencing Apr. 30 and expiring Dec. 31.

The Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services reviews, analyzes, and advises Michigan’s rehabilitation programs and services. The Council works to improve public vocational rehabilitation services delivered by the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) and Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS).

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

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