Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

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August 03, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 3, 2023

Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Electrical Administrative Board, Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science, Board of Mechanical Rules, Beef Industry Commission, and the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Task Force.

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.

Electrical Administrative Board

John Pyke, of Gaylord, is the vice president of service at Windemuller and is a licensed master electrician and electrical contractor. He attended Kirtland Community College and served in the United States Navy. John is a member of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan Association and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity. Mr. Pyke is appointed to represent master electricians serving as a supervisor for a term commencing August 3, 2023, and expiring July 31, 2026. He succeeds Aaron Cooper whose term has expired.

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.

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

Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science

Stephen Lang, of Onekama, is chairman and a board member for Homesteaders Life Company. He worked at the company as CEO before retiring some of his duties. Lang received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Labor and Industrial Relations from Michigan State University. Mr. Lang is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 3, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2027. He succeeds Priscilla Mitchell whose term has expired.

The Michigan Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science was created to license and regulate the practice of mortuary science and funeral establishments in Michigan. The Board works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of mortuary science licensees, residential trainees, and funeral homes.

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

Board of Mechanical Rules

Jason Finch, of Fremont, is a business agent for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Service Trades Local 174. He completed his apprenticeship with West MI Plumbers, Fitters & Service Trades Local Union 174 and is a certified foreman instructor for the United Association of Journeyman and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada. Mr. Finch is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 3, 2023, and expiring July 30, 2027. Mr. Finch is also designated as chair.

The Board of Mechanical Rules was created to make recommendations for mechanical code rules, issue mechanical contractors’ licenses to qualified applicants, and make all orders, rules, and regulations necessary for enforcement of the provisions of the act.

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

Beef Industry Commission

Monte Bordner, of Sturgis, has been farming for 59 years, specializing in angus cattle breeding. He has been a leader in the industry for decades being recognized with the 4H foundation Silver Clover Award and the Michigan Angus Association Heritage Award, as well as serving on the Michigan Farm Bureau Livestock Committee, including as chair in 2013. Mr. Bordner is reappointed to represent cattle breeders for a term commencing August 3, 2023, and expiring May 31, 2026.

Frank “Ed” Leist, of Gaylord, has been with Northern Michigan Livestock for 23 years, 19 of which he has worked as an auctioneer. He is a leader in livestock auctioning, in his work he represents dozens of farms across northern Michigan and will bring unique experience to the role. Mr. Leist is appointed to represent cattle marketers for a term commencing August 3, 2023, and expiring May 31, 2026. He succeeds David Clark whose term has expired.

Douglas Ritchie, of Gladwin, has been farming for 45 years, growing crops as cattle feed and finishing 160 heads a year. He was recognized as the Conservation Farm of the Year in 1988. Until last year he also worked for the Gladwin County Road Commission, performing various maintenance activities on the roads. Mr. Ritchie is appointed to represent cattle marketers for a term commencing August 3, 2023, and expiring May 31, 2026. He succeeds Bret Schapman whose term has expired.

The Michigan Beef Industry Commission was created under Public Act 291 in 1972 to promote the sale of beef and beef products. The Commission, the Beef Promotion and Research Board, and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association work together in a coordinated state and national effort to promote beef and veal products in order to hold market share and increase the demand for beef and veal.

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

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Task Force

Scott Baldwin, of Fort Gratiot Township, is a Lieutenant with the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office and has been with the department for 23 years. He holds an associate degree in criminal justice from St. Clair Community College and a certifiable police officer certificate from the Macomb Basic Police Academy. Mr. Baldwin is reappointed to represent county sheriffs, for a term commencing August 3, 2023, and expiring July 31, 2026.

Kim Nowack, of St. Ignace, is the bridge director for the Mackinac Bridge Authority and has been with the authority since 2002. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Michigan Technological University and is a licensed professional engineer. She is also an inspection team leader with the National Bridge Inspection Standard. Ms. Nowack is reappointed to represent a member nominated by the Mackinac Bridge Authority, for a term commencing August 3, 2023, and expiring July 31, 2026.

Melinda Marion, of Plymouth, is the director of business development at Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance, Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Aviation from Eastern Michigan University. She holds a private pilot license and a FAA remote pilot certificate. She has previously also worked for the Michigan Unmanned Aerial Systems Consortium. Ms. Marion is reappointed to represent a member who is an unmanned aircraft systems technical commercial representative, for a term commencing August 3, 2023, and expiring July 31, 2026.

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Task Force is created to develop statewide policy recommendations on the operation, use and regulation of unmanned aircraft systems in the state. The task force is represented by a multitude of fields including agriculture, municipalities, manufacturing trade associations, MDOT and technical representatives of unmanned aircraft systems to balance the conversation between regulation unmanned aircraft systems and harnessing their economic and commerce potential.

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

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Author:

Executive Office of the Governor

Communications Division

[email protected]

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