LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the following boards and commissions: Human Trafficking Health Advisory Board; Michigan Board of Pharmacy; Michigan Blueberry Commission; Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice; Michigan Travel Commission; Michigan Citizen-Community Emergency Response Coordinating Council; Michigan Soybean Committee; Farm Produce Insurance Authority; Michigan Wheat Promotion Committee; and Elevator Safety Board.
Human Trafficking Health Advisory Board
Sheila Meshinski, of Macomb, is an educator for the emergency department nursing staff at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital. Meshinski holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Nazareth College. Meshinski is reappointed to represent registered professional nurses with experience in an emergency department, emergency room, or trauma center of a hospital for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2030.
The Trafficking Commission is designed to identify sources for grants that will assist in examining and countering human trafficking, fund research programs to determine the extent and nature of human trafficking in this state, and provide information and training to police officers, prosecutors, court personnel, social services personnel, and other individuals.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Pharmacy
Anupa Shantaram, of Grand Blanc, is a school improvement coordinator at Flint Community Schools and the DEI Commissioner for Genessee County. Shantaram holds a Bachelor of Science in education with a concentration in social science and a Master of Arts in early childhood education, both from the University of Michigan. Anupa Shantaram is appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing August 20, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2030. Shantaram succeeds Kelli Oldham, whose term has expired.
The Michigan Board of Pharmacy was enacted as part of the Public Health Code to oversee the practice of pharmacy as a health service, the clinical application of which includes the encouragement of safety and efficacy in the prescribing, dispensing, administering and use of drugs and related articles for the prevention of illness and the maintenance and management of health. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board including promoting and protecting the public’s health, safety, and welfare.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Blueberry Commission
Alex Jawor, of Ravenna, is the farm manager of Jawor Brothers Blueberries. Jawor holds a certificate in agronomy with a specialization in fruit and vegetable management from Michigan State University. Alex Jawor is appointed to represent district 1 growers for a term commencing August 20, 2026, and expiring on December 31, 2026. Jawor succeeds Becky Hotovy, who has resigned.
The Michigan Blueberry Commission is housed within the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and was created through the farmer-initiated process outlined in the Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act. The Commission was created with the goal of improving the economic position and competitiveness of the Michigan blueberry industry by supporting research, education, and promotion program.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice
Marcela Moralez-Morris, of Caledonia, is the principal consultant at M3 Collaborative Consulting, specializing in juvenile justice system improvement, customized training and education, program development and implementation, strategic planning, and policy development. Moralez-Morris holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from Grand Valley State University, a Master of Science in criminal justice from Ferris State University, and a Master of Public Administration from Grand Valley Statue University. Marcela Moralez-Morris is appointed as an individual with expertise and competence in addressing problems related to school violence and vandalism, including alternatives to suspension and expulsion for a term commencing August 20, 2026, and expiring August 2, 2030. Moralez-Morris succeeds Robert Higgins, whose term has expired.
The mission of the Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice is to advise the Governor on matters related to juvenile justice legislation and administration, mobilize communities to develop and implement comprehensive, data driven prevention services, and create a strategic plan that sets standards, determines priorities, and allocates funds for successful delinquency prevention and rehabilitative programs that promote stronger families, healthier youth, and safer communities.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Travel Commission
Frank Tecumseh, of Battle Creek, is the chief executive officer of FireKeepers Casino Hotel. Tecumseh serves as a board member of the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association, the American Gaming Association, Battle Creek Unlimited, and the Michigan Works! Workforce Development Board. Tecumseh holds an associate degree in computer information systems from Haskell Indian Nations University, a Bachelor of Arts in business management from the University of Phoenix, and a Master of Business Administration from Baker University. Frank Tecumseh will be reappointed as an individual with experience in the travel, tourism, and recreation industry or an associated field and as an operator of a for-profit business for a term commencing August 21, 2026, and expiring August 20, 2030.
The Travel Commission was established to promote, maintain, and develop the orderly growth of the Michigan travel product. The Commission assists the Michigan Travel Bureau with the development of a comprehensive long-range master plan, annually assesses the activities and accomplishments of the Michigan Travel Bureau, and works to the maximum extent practicable with those private associations, nonprofit corporations, organizations, or other private entities which promote tourism in this state.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Citizen-Community Emergency Response Coordinating Council
Salim Lodhi, of Hamtramck, is a lead software engineer and software engineering manager at Accenture. Lohdi holds a Bachelor of Science in information systems management from Wayne State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan. Salim Lodhi is appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing August 20, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2030. Lodhi succeeds Cody Dorland, who has resigned.
Robert Seeley, of White Lake, is the manager of the Oakland County Emergency Management Division. Seeley holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from Lake Superior State University. Rob
The MCCERCC assists in developing, maintaining, implementing and supporting and promoting emergency response principles, strategies, and practices within governmental agencies and private sector organizations in Michigan.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Soybean Committee
Matthew Ashbrook, of Bloomingdale, is an owner of S
Nathan McCalla, of Milan, is the co-owner of Broadview Farms. McCalla holds a Bachelor of Science in agribusiness management from Michigan State University. Nathan McCalla will be reappointed as a district 3 grower for a term commencing September 24, 2026, and September 23, 2029.
The Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee develops procedures relating to the soybean marketing program and recommends amendments to the marketing program. The Committee prepares the estimated budget required for the proper operation of the marketing program, develops methods for collecting and auditing the assessments, and collects and assembles information and data necessary for proper administration of the marketing program.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Farm Produce Insurance Authority
Gerald Heck, of Monroe, is the owner of Heck Farms, LLC. Heck holds a Bachelor of Science in agriculture from Michigan State University. Gerald Heck is reappointed as a member submitted by the largest Michigan organization exclusively representing wheat producers in this state for a term commencing August 20, 2026, and expiring June 20, 2029.
The Michigan Farm Produce Insurance Authority is a ten-member board representing farmers, grain industry, and banking interests. The Authority has the responsibility of establishing, administering, and promoting the Farm Produce Insurance Fund.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Wheat Promotion Committee
Kala Pierucki, of Coldwater, is an account relations manager at Keystone Co-op. Pierucki is also a certified crop advisor. Pierucki holds an associate degree in agriculture business from Allen Community College and a Bachelor of Science in agronomy science from Oklahoma Panhandle State University. Kala Pierucki is appointed as a district 2 grower for a term commencing August 20, 2026, and expiring May 31, 2029. Pierucki succeeds Carl Wagner, whose term has expired.
Jeffery Krohn, of Owendale, is the owner of Krohn Acres, LLC. Jeffery Krohn is reappointed as a district 7 grower for a term commencing August 20, 2026, and expiring May 31, 2029.
The Michigan Wheat Promotion Committee seeks to promote the production and consumption of wheat grown in Michigan and assists in the agricultural research and development of wheat products.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Elevator Safety Board
Todd Gute, of Grand Ledge, is a teaching specialist at Michigan State University. Gute holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in architecture from Lawrence Technological University. Todd Gute is appointed as an architect for a term commencing August 20, 2026, and expiring July 22, 2028. Gute succeeds John Whitten, whose term has expired.
The Elevator Safety Board promulgates rules and prepares examinations in relation to contractor licenses. The Board also conducts hearings to determine whether an elevator contractor license or certificate of competency or commission should be suspended or revoked.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.