October 19, 2006

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following recent appointments and reappointments to the Michigan Developmental Disability Council, the Commission on Spanish Speaking Affairs,the Michigan Board of Audiology, the Board of Architects, the Manufactured Housing Commission, the State Plumbing Board, and the Michigan Board of Boiler Rules:

Michigan Developmental Disability Council

Cynthia G. Farrell of Owosso, state administrative manager for Michigan Department of Human Services.  Ms. Farrell is appointed to represent the Michigan Department of Human Services for a term expiring September 30, 2009.  She succeeds Jacqueline Day whose term has expired.

Todd A. Koopmans of Fremont, courtesy associate at Wal-Mart.  Mr. Koopmans is reappointed to represent individuals with developmental disabilities for a term expiring September 30, 2009.

Robert M. Lewakowski of Grand Rapids, intake and outreach specialist for Disability Advocates of Kent County.  Mr. Lewakowski is reappointed to represent local and nongovernmental agencies and private nonprofit groups concerned with services for individuals with developmental disabilities for a term expiring September 30, 2009.

Jane E. Reagan of Williamston, departmental specialist at the Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services for Michigan Department of Education.  Ms. Reagan is reappointed to represent the Department if Education for a term expiring September 30, 2009.

Judith A. Webb of East Lansing, director of the Quality Management and Planning Division of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Administration for the Michigan Department of Community Health.  Ms. Webb is reappointed to represent the Department of Community Health for a term expiring September 30, 2009.

Duncan O. Wyeth of Holt, consumer customer relations specialist for rehabilitation services within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth.  Mr. Wyeth is reappointed to represent the Department of Labor and Economic Growth for a term expiring September 30, 2009.

The Michigan Developmental Disability Council serves as an advocate for people with developmental disabilities.  The primary objective of the council is the complete inclusion and helping the disabled reach their full potential.
 
These appointments are not subject to disapproval by the Michigan Senate.

Commission on Spanish Speaking Affairs

Frederick Feliciano of Dearborn, vice president of external affairs for Epiphany Solutions Group and president of the Hispanic Business Alliance.  Mr. Feliciano is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring December 10, 2008.  He succeeds Sergio Paneque whose term has expired.

The Commission on Spanish Speaking Affairs was created to develop policies and plans to serve the needs of Michigan's Spanish-speaking residents.  The commission consists of 15 members from around the state who are of Hispanic descent and are Spanish-speaking.

Michigan Board of Audiology

Diane C. Zuckschwerdt of Corunna, audiologist at Red Cedar ENT & Audiology.  Ms. Zuckschwerdt is appointed to represent audiologists for a term expiring June 30, 2010.  She succeeds Dennis Burrows whose term has expired.

Lari P. Korpela of Livonia, audiologist at the Metropolitan Speech and Hearing Center.  Mr. Korpela is reappointed to represent audiologists for a term expiring June 30, 2009.

The Michigan Board of Audiology is responsible for overseeing the licensure and regulation of audiologists in the state, including establishing specific requirements for licensure.

Board of Architects

Lynn M. Arnott-Bryks of Clinton Township, director of the Facilities and Operations Department in Macomb County.  Ms. Arnott-Bryks is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring March 31, 2009.  She succeeds Donald R. Birgel whose term has expired.

The Board of Architects provides for the registration of persons practicing architecture, sets qualifications for registration, and prescribes penalties.

Manufactured Housing Commission

Ronald A. Blank of Bloomfield Hills, president of the Franklin Group.  Mr. Blank is reappointed to represent licensed mobile home dealers for a term expiring May 9, 2009.

Carole K. Elliott of Ypsilanti, president of the Swan Creek Homeowners Association and president of the Manufactured Homeowners Legislative Association of Michigan.  Ms. Elliott is reappointed to represent organizations whose membership consists of manufactured housing residents for a term expiring May 9, 2009.

Mark M Raukar of Sylvan Lake, president of Little Valley Homes, Inc.  Mr. Raukar is reappointed to represent park operators with less than 100 units for a term expiring May 9, 2007.

The Manufactured Housing Commission is responsible for establishing a uniform policy relating to all phases of manufactured housing business, manufactured housing parks, and seasonal manufactured housing parks.

State Plumbing Board

Richard S. Gaber, Jr. of White Lake, business representative for Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 98.  Mr. Gaber is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring June 30, 2009.

The State Plumbing Board licenses plumbers in the state and makes recommendations to the State Construction Code Commission per the plumbing code rules.

Michigan Board of Boiler Rules

Robert G. Caraway of Utica, president and CEO of Seaway Mechanical Contractors, Inc.  Mr. Caraway is appointed to represent mechanical contractors with experience in installation, piping, or operation of boilers for a term expiring June 30, 2007.  He succeeds Lawrence H. Hale II who has resigned.

Anthony N. Jacobs of Harrison Township, business manager for Boilermakers Local 169.  Mr. Jacobs is appointed to represent organized labor with experience in installation, piping, or operation of boilers for a term expiring June 30, 2007.  He succeeds John A. Marek who has resigned.

The Board of Boiler Rules formulates definitions and rules for the safe construction, installation, inspection, and repair of boilers in the state.
 
These appointments and reappointments are subject to Article V, Section 6 of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963.  They stand confirmed unless disapproved by the Senate within 60 days.