August 15, 2006

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following appointments to the Michigan Commission for the Blind, the Michigan Board of Acupuncture, the Michigan Board of Pharmacy, and the Michigan Board of Counseling:

Michigan Commission for the Blind

Velma P. Allen of Flint, president and CEO of Mott Children’s Health Center.  Ms. Allen is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring September 30, 2008.  She succeeds Jerome J. Jackson who has resigned.

Jo Ann Pilarski of Alpena, teacher for Alpena Public Schools and current chairperson of the Commission for the Blind.  Ms. Pilarski is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring September 30, 2009.

The Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) serves approximately 4,500 blind persons each year through its programs: Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Independent Living Services, DeafBlind Services, Youth Services, the Business Enterprise Program, and the MCB Training Center.  The commission serves the state’s estimated 50,000 persons who are blind.

Michigan Board of Acupuncture

Howard J. Abel-Horowitz, M.D. of Franklin, physician in private practice.  Dr. Abel-Horowitz is appointed to represent licensed physicians for a term expiring June 30, 2009.

Arthur L. Kaminsky, M.D. of Marquette, general manager and acupuncturist with Kaminsky Group, LLC.  Dr. Kaminsky is appointed to represent acupuncturists for a term expiring June 30, 2007.

Deborah E. Lincoln, R.N., M.S.N. of East Lansing, acupuncturist with the Meridian Health and Wellness Center.  Ms. Lincoln is appointed to represent acupuncturists for a term expiring June 30, 2010.

John L. Pappas, M.D. of Bloomfield Hills, vice chief of anesthesiology and director of the International Pain Clinic at William Beaumont Hospital.  Dr. Pappas is appointed to represent licensed physicians for a term expiring June 30, 2010.

Jason T. Pettet, M.O.M. of South Haven, national board certified acupuncturist with Michigan Health and Energy, P.C..  Mr. Pettet is appointed to represent acupuncturists for a term expiring June 30, 2007.

Virginia C. Vary, M.S.W., M.O.M. of Grand Rapids, acupuncturist and owner of Acupuncture & Natural Healing Arts.  Ms. Vary is appointed to represent acupuncturists for a term expiring June 30, 2008.

Leonard D. Wright, M.D. of Muskegon, practitioner with the Saint Mary’s Wege Institute.  Dr. Wright is appointed to represent licensed physicians for a term expiring June 30, 2009.

The Michigan Board of Acupuncture, created in 2006, is responsible for promulgating rules that set forth minimum standards for registration as an acupuncturist.

Michigan Board of Pharmacy

Devin R. Senneker of Comstock Park, business representative with United Food & Commercial Workers Local 951.  Mr. Senneker is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring June 30, 2010.  He succeeds James R. Buck whose term has expired.

Jerome J. Washington, Ph.D. of Detroit, pastor with Metropolitan Baptist Church.  Pastor Washington is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring June 30, 2010.

The Michigan Board of Pharmacy is responsible for the licensure and examination of pharmacists; licensure of pharmacies, manufacturers and wholesale distributors; and the regulation of drugs manufactured, distributed, prescribed, dispensed and administered in the state.

Michigan Board of Counseling

Steven D. Hampton of Traverse City, CEO, executive director, and clinical director with Third Level Crisis Information Center.  Mr. Hampton is appointed to represent statutorily regulated mental health professionals for a term expiring June 30, 2010.  He succeeds Joanne Nicholson whose term has expired.

Julian E. Pate of Farmington Hills, director of education with Focus: HOPE.  Mr. Pate is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring June 30, 2009.  He succeeds Michael J. Wood whose term has expired.

Thomas J. Wuori of Kalamazoo, attorney with Halpert, Weston, Wuori & Sawusch, P.C.  Mr. Wuori is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring June 30, 2010.  He succeeds Steven Hampton whose term has expired.

The Michigan Board of Counseling is responsible for the licensure and examination of professional counselors of the state prior to their entry into the practice of counseling.  The board also has the authority to take disciplinary action against licensees who have adversely affected the public's health, safety and welfare.
 
These appointments are subject to Section 6 of Article V of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963.  They stand confirmed unless disapproved by the Michigan Senate within 60 days.