LANSING — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Michigan Tax Tribunal, Michigan Athletic Trainers Board, Developmental Disabilities Council, Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, and the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Task Force.

Michigan Tax Tribunal

Jason C. Grinnell, of Grand Rapids, currently serves as an attorney with Orlebeke Mackraz, PC, where he specializes in corporate litigation, business law, civil litigation, tax law, estate planning, and criminal law. Mr. Grinnell previously worked as the assistant city attorney for the City of Grand Rapids where he handled complex tax appeals and as a private practice attorney. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and a Juris Doctor degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Mr. Grinnell is appointed to represent attorneys for a term commencing Nov. 1 and expiring June 30, 2025. He succeeds Preeti Gadola whose term expired June 30.

The Michigan Tax Tribunal is an administrative court that hears tax appeals for all Michigan taxes. Most of the Tribunal’s appeals involve property tax; however, the Tribunal also hears business and individual tax disputes. The Tribunal is divided into two divisions: the “Entire Tribunal” and the “Residential Property and Small Claims” Division.

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

Michigan Athletic Trainers Board

— Abedelrahim Asfour, M.D., of Dearborn, is a cardiologist and partner with Premier Cardiovascular Specialists. Dr. Asfour also serves as the vice chief of staff at Beaumont Hospital Trenton and as the cardiology section chief and director of Interventional Cardiology. He attended medical school at the University of Jordan, and earned a certificate of healthcare innovation, medical ethics, and healthcare operations from the University of Pennsylvania and an Executive Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan. Dr. Asfour is appointed to represent physicians for a term commencing Oct. 15 and expiring June 30, 2025. He succeeds Felix Valbuena, Jr. whose term expired June 30.

The Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of approximately 1,028 athletic trainers. The practice of athletic training, as defined in the Public Health Code, means the treatment of an individual for risk management and injury prevention, the clinical evaluation and assessment of an individual for an injury or illness, the immediate care and treatment of an individual for an injury or illness, and the rehabilitation and reconditioning of an individual’s injury or illness.

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

Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council

— Jeanne Anderson Tippett, of Holt, is a special education consultant for the Michigan Department of Education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from the University of Akron and a Master of Arts in Special Education from Western Michigan University. Ms. Anderson Tippett is appointed to represent an individual from the state agency that administers funds provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, for a term commencing Oct. 15 and expiring Sept. 30, 2023. She succeeds Janet Timbs who has resigned.

— Jamie D. Junior, of Detroit, is a community coordinator for the City of Detroit. She earned her associate’s degree in business administration from the Detroit College of Business and is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree. Ms. Junior is reappointed to represent individuals with a developmental disability for a term commencing Oct. 15 and expiring Sept. 30, 2025.

— Mark McWilliams, of Lansing, is the director of public policy and media relations for Disability Rights Michigan. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California. Mr. McWilliams is reappointed to represent the protection and advocacy system for a term commencing Oct. 15 and expiring Sept. 30, 2025.

— Sharon Milberger, Sc.D., of Waterford, is the director of the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute and MI-LEND at Wayne State University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Michigan, and a Master of Science in Physiology and Doctor of Science in Epidemiology from the Harvard School of Public Health. Dr. Milberger is reappointed to represent a university center for excellence in developmental disabilities education, research, and service, for a term commencing Oct. 15 and expiring Sept. 30, 2025.

— Jeremy J. Murphy, of Mount Pleasant, is the chief operating officer of Mid-Michigan Industries, Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Michigan University. Mr. Murphy is reappointed to represent a parent or guardian of a child with developmental disabilities for a term commencing Oct. 15 and expiring Sept. 30, 2025. The Governor has designated Mr. Murphy to serve as Chair of the Council.

— Blake Perry, of Detroit, is a home and community-based services trainer for the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute. He is the vice-chair of the Self-Advocates of Michigan Board and the co-chair of the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network Advocacy Action Workgroup. Mr. Perry is appointed to represent an individual with a developmental disability elected to the board of Self-Advocates of Michigan to represent self-advocates, for a term commencing Oct. 15 and expiring Sept. 30, 2024. He succeeds Daniel A. Paul who has resigned.

— Melissa Potter, of DeWitt, is a rehabilitation consultant with Michigan Rehabilitation Services. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Wok from Michigan State University and a Master of Science in Vocational Rehabilitation from the University of Wisconsin Stout. Ms. Potter is appointed to represent an individual from the state agency that administers funds provided under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, for a term commencing Oct. 15 and expiring Sept. 30, 2025. She succeeds Karsten Bekemeir whose term expired Sept. 30.

— Suzanne Camille Proctor, of Beverly Hills, is the executive director and founder of The Color of Autism Foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from Cornell University. Ms. Proctor is reappointed to represent an individual from local and non-governmental agencies and private nonprofit groups concerned with services for individuals with developmental disabilities, for a term commencing Oct. 15 and expiring Sept. 30, 2025.

— Scott Wamsley, of DeWitt, is the deputy director of the Michigan Aging and Adult Services Agency. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration from Eastern Michigan University. Mr. Wamsley is appointed to represent an individual from the state agency that administers funds provided under the Older Americans Act of 1965, for a term commencing Oct. 15 and expiring Sept. 30, 2022. He succeeds Alexis Travis who has resigned.

— Sarah L. Winslow, of Okemos, is the director of transition and itinerant services for the Ingham Intermediate School District. She holds a Master of Arts in K-12 Educational Administration and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Social Relations and Elementary Education from Michigan State University. Ms. Winslow is appointed to represent a parent or guardian of a child with developmental disabilities for a term commencing Oct. 15 and expiring Sept. 30, 2025. She succeeds Deborah Rock whose term expired Sept. 30.

The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council was created within the Department of Health and Human Services and serves the state council on developmental disabilities required under Section 125 of the Developmental Disabilities Act. The Council’s mission is to support people with developmental disabilities to achieve life dreams.

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

Michigan Indigent Defense Commission

— Paul E. Bullock, of Evart, is the controller and administrator for Mecosta County. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in American History from Spring Arbor College. Mr. Bullock is appointed to represent members submitted by the Senate Majority Leader for a term commencing Oct. 15 and expiring April 1, 2025. He succeeds Jeffrey Collins whose term expired April 1.

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.

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

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Task Force

— Corbett C. Adkins, of McBain, is the executive director of special projects for Heritage Broadcasting. He attended Specs Howard School of Broadcasting. Mr. Adkins is reappointed to represent a member of the statewide broadcaster’s association for a term commencing Oct. 15 and expiring July 31, 2025.

— Marlon I. Brown, of Mason, is the director of the office of policy and legislative affairs for the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from American University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Delaware. Mr. Brown is appointed to represent the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs for a term commencing Oct. 15 and expiring July 31, 2025. He succeeds Julia Dale whose term expired July 31.

— Bradley T. Chambers, of Mackinac Island, is the treasurer for Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Hospitality Management from Michigan State University. Mr. Chambers is reappointed to represent the City of Mackinac Island for a term commencing Oct. 15 and expiring July 31, 2025.

— Michael C. Darrow, of Bay City, is a trooper and unmanned aircraft specialist for the Michigan State Police. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army and a former military police officer. Mr. Darrow is appointed to represent the Department of State Police for a term commencing Oct. 15 and expiring July 31, 2025. He succeeds Matthew Rogers whose term expired July 31.

— Michael B. Heise, of Sault Ste Marie, is the president and CEO of Cloverland Electric Cooperative. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Toledo. Mr. Heise is reappointed to represent a member nominated by the Chairman of the Public Service Commission who is knowledgeable about the operation of public utilities and who represents public utilities in the Upper Peninsula. He will serve for a term commencing Oct. 15 and expiring July 31, 2025.

— Kevin R. Jacobs, of Roscommon, is the aviation manager for the Department of Natural Resources. He holds a Bachelor of Technology from Andrews University. Mr. Jacobs is reappointed to represent the Department of Natural Resources for a term commencing Oct. 15 and expiring July 31, 2025.

— Justin L. Morren, of St. Clair, is the plant director for the DTE Energy Blue Water Energy Center. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University. Mr. Morren is reappointed to represent a member nominated by the Chairman of the Public Service Commission who is knowledgeable about the operation of public utilities and who represents public utilities in the Lower Peninsula. He will serve for a term commencing Oct. 15 and expiring July 31, 2025.

— Kim K. Nowack, of St. Ignace, is the bridge director for the Mackinac Bridge Authority. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Michigan Technological University. Ms. Nowack is appointed to represent the Mackinac Bridge Authority for a term commencing Oct. 15 and expiring July 31, 2022. She succeeds Bob Sweeney who has resigned.

— Brently C. Travelbee, of Mason, is the administrative manager of emergency management for the Department of Corrections. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Siena Heights University and a master’s degree in security studies from the Naval Postgraduate School. Mr. Travelbee is appointed to represent the Department of Corrections for a term commencing Oct. 15 and expiring July 31, 2025. He succeeds Kevin Lindsey whose term expired July 31.

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Task Force was created to develop statewide policy recommendations on the operation, use, and regulation of unmanned aircraft systems in this state.

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