Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions February 10, 2021

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Whitmer announced appointments to the Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority, State Historic Preservation Review Board, Michigan Municipal Services Authority Board, and Utility Consumer Participation Board.

Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority

Paul F. Novak, of Detroit, is the managing attorney of the Detroit office of the national law firm Weitz & Luxenberg, PC. He previously worked as a partner at Milberg, LLP in Detroit, senior counsel at Clark Hill PLC in Lansing, and chief legal counsel for the City of Lansing. Mr. Novak also served as an assistant attorney general for the State of Michigan for 15 years.

Mr. Novak holds a Bachelor of Arts in Socioeconomic Policy Problems and Master of Arts in Economics, both from Michigan State University, and a Juris Doctor degree from Emory University School of Law. Mr. Novak is appointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing February 10, 2021 and expiring December 12, 2024. He succeeds James R. Richardson who has resigned.

The Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority (MSCA) oversees the construction and operation of a tunnel in the bedrock beneath the waters of the Straits of Mackinac. The tunnel will house a replacement segment for the Line 5 petroleum pipelines that currently sit on the bottom of the Straits and will accommodate other utilities to improve infrastructure connections between the peninsulas. MSCA will own the tunnel after its construction and provide independent oversight throughout its life.

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

State Historic Preservation Review Board

Dean L. Anderson, Ph.D., of Okemos, most recently served as the state archaeologist in the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office, retiring in 2019. He earned his Ph.D. and Master of Arts in Anthropology from Michigan State University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Anderson is appointed to represent historic archeology for a term commencing February 10, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2024. He succeeds Misty Jackson whose term expired December 31, 2020.

Matthew L. Daley, Ph.D., of Jenison, is a professor of history at Grand Valley State University. He earned his Ph.D. in History from Bowling Green State University, Master of Arts in History from Wayne State University, and Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Detroit Mercy. Dr. Daley is appointed to represent architectural history for a term commencing February 10, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2024. He succeeds Dale Gyure whose term expired December 31, 2020.

Krysta Ryzewski, Ph.D., of Ypsilanti, is an associate professor of anthropology at Wayne State University. She earned her Ph.D. in Anthropology from Brown University, Master of Philosophy in Archaeology and Heritage Management from the University of Cambridge, and a Bachelor of Arts in Archeology from Boston University. Dr. Ryzewski is reappointed to represent historic archeology for a term commencing February 10, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2024.

Kemba S. Braynon, of Ypsilanti, is a senior architect for Quinn Evans Architects. She holds a Master of Arts in Architecture and a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and English Literature from the University of Michigan. Ms. Braynon was appointed to the Board in 2015. The Governor has designated her to serve as Chair of the Board.

The Michigan State Historic Preservation Review Board reviews and approves each national register nomination prior to submission to the Keeper of the National Register, has appellate jurisdiction under the Local Historic Districts Act, as amended, and provides general advice, guidance and professional recommendations to the State Historic Preservation Office on matters related to historic preservation.

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

Michigan Municipal Services Authority Board and Executive Committee

Brittani Anthony, of Canton, is the director of human resources for Oakland County. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Grand Valley State University and a Master of Arts in Education and Human Resources Development from The George Washington University. Ms. Anthony is appointed to succeeds Doug Wiescinski for a term commencing February 10, 2021 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.

Donna S. Cangemi, of Sterling Heights, is a recently retired therapist for Macomb County Community Mental Health and the former president of AFSCME Local 411. She holds a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from Wayne State University. Ms. Cangemi is appointed to succeed Donald Snider for a term commencing February 10, 2021 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.

Scott Erbisch, of Marquette, is the county administrator for Marquette County. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Michigan University and a Master of Public Administration from Northern Michigan University. Mr. Erbisch is appointed to succeeds Dominic Pallone for a term commencing February 10, 2021 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.

Mandy Grewal, Ph.D. of Ann Arbor, is the township supervisor for Pittsfield Charter Township. She earned her Ph.D. in Urban Planning from the University of Michigan and Master of Arts in Development, Trade and Planning from Eastern Michigan University. Dr. Grewal is appointed to succeed Phil Bertolini for a term commencing February 10, 2021 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.

Penny S. Hill, of Kalkaska, is the assistant city manager for the City of Traverse City. She previously served as the village manager for the Villages of Kalkaska and Ontonagon. Ms. Hill is appointed to succeed Doug Smith for a term commencing February 10, 2021 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.

Sheryl L. Mitchell Theriot, DBA, of Detroit, is the city administrator for the City of Lathrup Village. She earned her Doctorate of Business Administration from Lawrence Technological University, Master of Science in Public Administration from Central Michigan University, and Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Michigan Dearborn. Dr. Mitchell Theriot is appointed to succeed Peggy Jury for a term commencing February 10, 2021 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.

Angela Rogensues, of Warren, is a city council member for the City of Warren and the president of Ignition Media Group. She holds a Master of Arts in Educating Adults from DePaul University and a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies and Psychology from Michigan State University. Ms. Rogensues is appointed to succeed Kelli Scott for a term commencing February 10, 2021 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. The Governor has designated Ms. Rogensues as Chair of the Board.

Aaron F. Wagner, of Grosse Pointe, is the procurement division director for Wayne County. He holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts from Michigan State University. Mr. Wagner is appointed to succeed Jessica Moy for a term commencing February 10, 2021 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.

The Governor has designated the following members of the Michigan Municipal Services Board to serve on the Executive Committee:

Donna S. Cangemi is appointed to represent local public agencies for a term commencing February 10, 2021 and expiring September 17, 2021. She succeeds Doug Smith.

Angela Rogensues is appointed to represent local public agencies for a term commencing February 10, 2021 and expiring September 17, 2022. She succeeds Kelli Scott. The Governor has designated Ms. Rogensues as Chair of the Executive Committee.

Aaron F. Wagner is appointed to represent local public agencies for a term commencing February 10, 2021 and expiring September 17, 2024. He succeeds Dominic Pallone.

The Authority is a public body corporate created in 2012 through an Interlocal Agreement between the cities of Grand Rapids and Livonia. The purpose of this Agreement is to create and empower the Authority to exercise the common powers, privileges, and authority of the parties to engage in cooperative activities with other public agencies consistent with this agreement. The Authority is a “virtual” city authorized to do anything a Michigan municipal corporation can do but it has no geographic boundaries.

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

Utility Consumer Participation Board

Paul N. Isely, Ph.D., of Grand Rapids, is a professor of economics and the associate dean of the Grand Valley State University Seidman College of Business. He earned his Ph.D. and Master of Science in Economics from Purdue University and Bachelor of Science in Economics and Physics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Isely is reappointed for a term commencing February 10, 2021 and expiring January 12, 2023.

Elise D. Matz, of Calumet, is the government relations manager for Lean & Green Michigan, Michigan’s PACE authority, and a consultant in the renewable energy space. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from the University of Michigan. Ms. Matz is reappointed to represent a qualified person submitted by the Attorney General for a term commencing February 10, 2021 and expiring January 12, 2023.

Samuel Passmore, of Ann Arbor, in the environment program director for the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. He holds a Master of Public Affairs from Princeton University and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Environmental Studies from Oberlin College. Mr. Passmore is reappointed for a term commencing February 10, 2021 and expiring January 12, 2023.

QuanTez Pressley, of Detroit, is the lead pastor at Third New Hope Baptist Church in Detroit.  He holds a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Morehouse College. Pastor Pressley is appointed for a term commencing February 10, 2021 and expiring January 12, 2023. He succeeds James MacInnes whose term expired January 12, 2021.

Mike Troupos, of Grand Rapids, is the managing director of Foresight Management. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Calvin College. Mr. Troupos is appointed for a term commencing February 10, 2021 and expiring January 12, 2023. He succeeds Bali Kumar whose term expired January 12, 2021.

The Utility Consumer Participation Board provides grants to qualified applicants that represent the interests of Michigan’s residential energy (gas, electric, and other fuel) utility customers at residential energy proceedings before the Michigan Public Service Commission. Funding is generated through annual assessments of certain regulated utility companies.

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