LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced the following appointments to the Michigan Board of Acupuncture, Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity, Michigan Wheat Promotion Committee, and the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports.

Michigan Board of Acupuncture

Carey Ryan, of Ann Arbor, is an acupuncturist at Dr. Lu’s Nourishing Life Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic. She holds a Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Ms. Ryan is appointed to represent acupuncturists for a term commencing July 1, 2020 and expiring June 30, 2024. She succeeds Anne Biris whose term expires June 30, 2020.

The Michigan Board of Acupuncture works with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of approximately 89 acupuncturists. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the board to promote and protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare, which is implemented by the Board by ascertaining minimal entry level competency of acupuncturists. The Board also has the obligation to take disciplinary action against registrants who have adversely affected the public’s health, safety, and welfare.

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

Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity

Carolyn A. Bloodworth, of Jackson, is the executive director of corporate giving for Consumers Energy and the secretary for the Consumers Energy Foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Management of Human Resources from Spring Harbor University. Ms. Bloodworth is appointed to represent the private sector for a term commencing June 22, 2020 and expiring June 21, 2023. She succeeds Fran Amos whose term expires June 21, 2020.

Jill L. Edwards-Sutton, of Mt. Pleasant, is the executive director of Mid Michigan Community Action. She holds a master’s degree in community agency counseling from Central Michigan University. Ms. Edwards-Sutton is reappointed to represent community action agencies for a term commencing June 22, 2020 and expiring June 21, 2023. The Governor has designated Ms. Edwards-Sutton to serve as Chairperson of the Commission.

Tiffany Mayers, of Flint, is a truck driver for General Motors and a member of UAW Local 659 Region 1D. She is a veteran of the U.S. Army. Ms. Mayers is appointed to represent low-income persons for a term commencing June 22, 2020 and expiring June 21, 2023. She succeeds LaTarro Traylor whose term expires June 21, 2020.

Milinda Ysasi, of Grand Rapids, is a city commissioner for the City of Grand Rapids and the executive director of The SOURCE. She holds an Executive Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University. Ms. Ysasi is appointed to represent elected public officials for a term commencing June 22, 2020 and expiring June 21, 2023. She succeeds James Borchard whose term expires June 21, 2020.

The Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity was created to provide opportunity for low-income persons to actively participate in the development of policies and programs to reduce poverty and serves as a statewide forum to address the needs and concerns of low-income people in the state of Michigan.

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

Michigan Wheat Promotion Committee

Jeffery R. Krohn, of Owendale, is the manager of his family’s farm where they grow wheat, alfalfa, corn, soybeans, dry beans, and sugar beets. He is the owner of Northern Thumb Crop Consulting Inc. Mr. Krohn is appointed to represent District 7 growers for a term commencing June 1, 2020 and expiring May 31, 2023. He succeeds David Milligan whose term expires May 31, 2020.

Sally M. McConnachie, of Deckerville, is a partner and office manager of Dave’s Dirt, LLC. where they grow wheat, sugar beets, and edible dry beans. She is the Michigan director for the National Association of Wheat Growers. Mrs. McConnachie is reappointed to represent District 5 growers for a term commencing June 1, 2020 and expiring May 31, 2023.

Carl R. Wagner, III, of Niles, is a member of Wagner Family Farms LLC, a retail agronomist for Co-Alliance, LLP, and the owner and operator of C3 Seeds. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Crop and Soil Agronomic Sciences from Michigan State University. Mr. Wagner is appointed to represent District 2 growers for a term commencing June 1, 2020 and expiring May 31, 2023. He succeeds Marc Hasenick whose term expires May 31, 2020.

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.

Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports

Willie R. Burton, of Bloomfield Hills, is a high school athletics program associate for the Detroit Public Schools Community District and a former professional basketball player with the National Basketball Association (NBA). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies from the University of Minnesota.  Mr. Burton is appointed for a term commencing May 22, 2020 and expiring April 30, 2022. He succeeds Wayman Britt whose term expired April 30, 2020.

LaDontaye M. Garrett, of Lansing, is the director of group fitness for Crunch Fitness East Lansing. He is a NASM-certified group fitness trainer and he holds a SPIN certification from MAD DOG Athletics and a STAGES Spin Certification. Mr. Garrett is appointed for a term commencing May 22, 2020 and expiring April 30, 2022. He succeeds Rick Ferkel whose term expired April 30, 2020.

Joan M. Gustafson, of Bath Township, is the external affairs officer for the Michigan Nonprofit Association and an avid distance runner. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Minnesota. Ms. Gustafson is appointed for a term commencing May 22, 2020 and expiring April 30, 2022. She succeeds Cameron Gordon whose term expired April 30, 2020.

Conell Loveless Jr., of West Bloomfield, is a black belt in Isshinryu Karate and the head instructor at Revolution Championship Martial Arts. He is also the global program manager for the Yazaki Corporation. Mr. Loveless is appointed for a term commencing May 22, 2020 and expiring April 30, 2022. He succeeds Andre Hutson whose term expired April 30, 2020.

Michelle C. Mattison, of Belleville, is a yoga enthusiast and experienced instructor. She is currently a student pursuing her Master of Business Administration and she recently completed her Master of Social Work at the University of Michigan. Mrs. Mattison is appointed for a term commencing May 29, 2020 and expiring April 30, 2022. She succeeds Nick Payne whose term expired April 30, 2020.

Felicia M. Maxwell, of Redford, is the owner and CEO of Fit4Life Health and Fitness, LLC. She is a certified personal fitness trainer and holds a Master of Business Administration from Walsh College. Ms. Maxwell is appointed for a term commencing May 22, 2020 and expiring April 30, 2022. She succeeds Laurie Rospond whose term expired April 30, 2020.

Barbara L. Payton, of Port Huron, is a performing, recording, and international touring musician and is  also a certified massage technician and an avid bicyclist. Ms. Payton is appointed for a term commencing May 22, 2020 and expiring April 30, 2022. She succeeds Justin Zatkoff whose term expired April 30, 2020.

Scott M. Przystas, of Grand Haven, is an elementary school teacher for Grand Haven Area Public Schools and the head coach for the girl’s cross country, girl’s junior varsity basketball, and middle school girl’s track teams. He holds a Master of Arts in Education from Michigan State University. Mr. Przystas is reappointed for a term commencing May 22, 2020 and expiring April 30, 2022.

Ryan L. Reichel, of Negaunee, is a physical education, computers, and health teacher for Ishpeming Public Schools and the girl’s varsity basketball coach. He holds a Master of Education in Physical Education from the University of Arkansas and two bachelor’s degrees from Northern Michigan University where he played on the men’s basketball team. Mr. Reichel is appointed for a term commencing May 22, 2020 and expiring April 30, 2022. He succeeds Andy Younger whose term expired April 30, 2020.

The Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports was established in 1992 to improve the health of, and increase physical activity among, Michigan residents.

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