Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions January 7, 2022

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Natural Resources Commission, Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board, and the Michigan Craft Beverage Council.

Natural Resources Commission

M. David Anthony, of Bark River, is currently retired after owning and operating the Northern Sun Winery and serving as the director of community development and government affairs for the Hannahville Indian Community and as a State Representative for the 108th House District. He holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Political Science and History from Northern Michigan University. Mr. Anthony is appointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing January 7, 2022 and expiring December 31, 2025. He succeeds JR Richardson whose term expired December 31, 2021.

Leslie Love, of Detroit, is the group director of ES and Sustainability for the Piston Group and a former State Representative for the 10th House District. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Siena Heights University and Master of Fine Arts from Wayne State University. Ms. Love is appointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing January 7, 2022 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds the late Michael Lashbrook.

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has exclusive authority to regulate the taking of game and sportfish and is authorized to designate game species and authorize the establishment of the first open season for animals through the issuance of orders.

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

Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board

Brandy Brown, Ph.D., of Kalamazoo, is the chief innovation officer for Walker-Miller Energy Services. Dr. Brown also recently served as the climate and energy advisor for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. She earned her Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Program in Evaluation from Western Michigan University and a Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Arts from American University. Dr. Brown is appointed for a term commencing January 7, 2022 and expiring October 1, 2025. She succeeds Erin McDonough whose term expired October 1, 2021.

The Natural Resources Trust Fund Board oversees the Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund (MNRTF) which has been in place since 1976. The Trust Fund provides financial assistance to local governments and the Department of Natural Resources to purchase land or rights in land for public recreation or protection of land because of its environmental importance or its scenic beauty. It also assists in the appropriate development of land for public outdoor recreation.

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

Michigan Craft Beverage Council

H. Richard Anderson, of Thompsonville, is a partner and co-founder of Iron Fish Distillery. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning from Michigan State University and a Master of Public Administration from Northern Michigan University. Mr. Anderson is reappointed to represent small distillers for a term commencing January 7, 2022 and expiring September 30, 2024.

Michael Beck, of Saint Johns, is the president of Uncle John’s Cider Mill. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Facilities Management from Ferris State University. Mr. Beck is reappointed to represent wine makers that primarily manufacture cider for a term commencing January 7, 2022 and expiring September 30, 2024.

Sean Black, of Grand Rapids, is the director of merchandising for alcohol for Meijer. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Supply Management from Western Michigan University. Mr. Black is appointed to represent retail food establishments that hold a specifically designated merchant license and sell Michigan wines or beer, for a term commencing January 7, 2022 and expiring September 30, 2022. He succeeds Erin Walton who has resigned.

Jessica L. Youngblood, of Ray, is the owner and vineyard manager for Youngblood Vineyard. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Walla Walla University. Mrs. Youngblood is appointed to represent wine makers for a term commencing January 7, 2022 and expiring September 30, 2024. She succeeds Brian Lesperance whose term expired September 30, 2021.

The Michigan Craft Beverage Council was created to replace the Grape and Wine Industry Council. The Council will award grants for research into winemaking, hops, barley, beer, and spirits; conduct market surveys and analysis; and offer other programs that encourage the agricultural elements related to Michigan’s craft beverage industries. The Council’s activities are funded exclusively by non-retail, non-wholesale liquor license fees.

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