Gov. Rick Snyder has announced initial appointments to two advisory groups that will build upon legislation signed by the governor, creating some of the strongest policies in the nation to combat human trafficking and support survivors.
The Human Trafficking Commission and the Human Trafficking Health Advisory Board will work to further protect Michigan residents from human trafficking, fight repeat violations and improve survivor support services.
“I’m proud of all that we have done in Michigan to prevent human trafficking. We must keep working together to bring a stop to this dangerous threat that has affected too many in our state and nation,” Snyder said. “I thank all of these appointees for their willingness to serve and I am confident their efforts will help ensure Michigan is doing whatever is possible to hold criminals accountable while strengthening protections for human trafficking victims.”
The 14-member Human Trafficking Commission, created by House Bill 5158 of 2014, is charged with making recommendations to the Legislature to improve laws and rules to address human trafficking violations in the state. The commission will be housed in the Department of the Attorney General. Appointees will serve two-year terms expiring March 1, 2017. Their appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Snyder also made initial appointments to the nine-member Human Trafficking Health Advisory Board, created by Senate Bill 596 of 2014. The board will be housed in the Department of Community Health and work to address issues relating to medical and mental health of human trafficking survivors. To see more on these appointees, visit www.michigan.gov/snyder/0,4668,
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Members of the Human Trafficking Commission include:
Elizabeth Hertel, director of health policy and innovation for the Michigan Department of Community Health. She serves as the designee of the director of the Department of Community Health.
Carol Isaacs, chief deputy attorney general who served as project manager of the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Commission. She serves as the designee of the attorney general.
Mark Jansen, of Grand Rapids, most recently a state senator representing the 28th district, previously the director of special initiatives for Michigan Habitat for Humanity. He represents individuals recommended by the Senate majority leader.
Kenneth Kurtz, of Coldwater, who served six years in the state House of Representatives and owned and operated three funeral homes. He represents individuals recommended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
David Leyton, of Flint, prosecutor for Genesee County, and past-president of the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan and served as a member of the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Commission. He represents county prosecuting attorneys.
Kathy Maitland, of Sterling Heights, executive director of the Michigan Abolitionist Project. She also worked in various roles for Hewlett Packard. She represents individuals recommended by the Senate majority leader.
Cheryl Pezon, a policy adviser for the Bureau of Health Care Services in the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). She serves as designee of the director of LARA.
Edward Price, of Oak Park, a Michigan State Police detective sergeant in the Second District Special Investigation Section. He serves as the designee of the director of the Michigan State Police.
Michelle Rick, of DeWitt, the 29th Circuit Court’s family court judge who also presides over the criminal division. She represents circuit court judges.
Herbert Smitherman Jr., of Detroit, CEO of Health Centers Detroit Foundation and assistant dean of community and urban health/associate professor of medicine at Wayne State University Medical School. He represents individuals recommended by the speaker of the House.
Tom Tiderington, chief of the Plymouth Township Police Department. He represents law enforcement.
Beth Emmitt, of Byron Center, currently the director of scheduling for Snyder. She will serve as the designated representative from within the office of the governor.
The two remaining appointees to the Human Trafficking Commission will represent survivors of human trafficking. To learn more or apply, visit the appointments page at www.michigan.gov/snyder.
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