Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday announced the following appointments to the Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs, Michigan Workforce Development Board, Michigan Board of Respiratory Care, Advisory Board for the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center for Homeland Security, Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, Oakland University Board of Trustees, and MEDC Executive Committee.  

Saif Alsenad, of Dearborn Heights, is the Wayne County Director of Government and Public Affairs. He previously worked as the Wayne County Community Relations Manager for SMART. Alsenad received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Madonna University. Saif Alsenad is appointed for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring April 19, 2025. Alsenad succeeds Dave Abdallah, who has resigned.

Karim Kadouh, of Dearborn Heights, is an undergraduate student at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business and the vice president of marketing at JJ's Custard Company. He previously served as an intern at the Executive Office of the President, FEMA Youth Representative for Region V, and Executive Program Director for Books for a Benefit. Karim Kadouh is appointed for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring April 19, 2025. He succeeds Amal Berry, who has resigned.   

Petra Alsoofy, of Melvindale, is the senior outreach and partnership manager at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding. Alsoofy previously served as an educator at the Arab American National Museum. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science with a focus on history and middle eastern studies from Grand Valley State University. Petra Alsoofy is appointed for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring April 19, 2027. Alsoofy succeeds Wafa Haddad, who has resigned.   

Steve Claywell, of Battle Creek, is the president of the Michigan Building Trades Council. He has previously been a business manger and financial secretary at IBEW Local 445, an electrical apprentice at R&B Electric, and served as an electrician’s mate in the US Navy. Steve Claywell is reappointed to represent workforce and general labor in Michigan for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring May 29, 2028.  

Russ Kavalhuna, of Dearborn, is the President at Henry Ford College. He previously served as the executive director of flight operations at the Western Michigan University College of Aviation, was an assistant federal prosecutor for the U.S. Department of Justice, an adjunct professor of law at Cooley Law School, a senior lawyer at the Michigan Supreme Court, and a commercial airline captain at US Airways Express. He earned a Juris Doctor at Cooley Law School and a Bachelor of Science in aviation science at Western Michigan University. Russ Kavalhuna is reappointed to represent a president of a community college district for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring May 29, 2028.  

Michael Smith, of Negaunee, is the executive director of the Upper Peninsula Construction Council. He previously served as the AFL-CIO Community Services Liaison for the United Way of Monroe and Lenawee Counties. He holds an associate degree in social services from Monroe County Community College. Michael Smith is reappointed to represent workforce and general labor in Michigan for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring May 29, 2028.  

Bilal Hammoud, of Dearborn Heights, is the executive director of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce and CEO of Tejara, an incubator and accelerator for first- and second-generation immigrant entrepreneurs. Prior to this, he was the public engagement director at the Michigan Department of State, project manager for the City of Cheboygan, and Chair of Michigan’s Language Access Task Force. Hammoud holds a Bachelor of Science in public health and a Bachelor of Science in neuropsychology from Wayne State University, as well as a master's in public administration. He also holds a certificate in Political Leadership from Michigan State University and certificates in Strategy Execution and Leadership Management from Harvard Business School. Hammoud currently serves on multiple boards including the Wayne State University Alumni Board; the United Humanitarian Foundation; Don’t Be Shai; the Islamic House of Wisdom; APIA Vote MI; and the Dearborn Heights Libraries Board. He also acts as the advisor for the Dearborn and Dearborn Heights Model United Nations Club. Bilal Hammoud is appointed to represent businesses August 29, 2024, and expiring May 29, 2025. Hammoud succeeds Matt Wesaw, who has resigned.    

Diana Allard, of Davison, is the career and technical education director for the Genesee Intermediate School District. She is a board member of the MiSTEM Instructional Leadership Committee, Michigan Association of Career and Technical Education, and Career Education Planning District Council. She holds a Bachelor of Science in open systems technology from Baker College and a Master of Education from Ferris State University. Diana Allard is appointed to represent a director of a Michigan high school career and technical education program for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring May 29, 2028. Allard succeeds Jennifer Geno, whose term has expired.   

James Holton, of Holly, serves as assistant director of the health and safety department for the International Union UAW. Holton has a labor studies certificate from Wayne State University, holds several OSHA certifications from Eastern Michigan University, and is a licensed journeyman electrician for the State of Michigan. James Holton is appointed to represent workforce and general labor in Michigan for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring May 29, 2027. Holton succeeds Leigh Kegerreis, whose term has expired.   

 Representative David Martin, of Davison, was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2020. He was Genesee County Commissioner and former mayor pro tem for the city of Davison. Martin served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years, retiring as the weather operations manager at the U.S. Army Aviation Center in Fort Rucker, Alabama. After working a private investigator for a several years, Martin worked as the security leader for the Volkswagen North American Headquarters in Auburn Hills. Martin holds an associate degree from Keiser University. Representative David Martin is appointed to represent the nominee of the House Minority Leader for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring January 1, 2025. Representative Martin succeeds then-Representative Sarah Anthony, whose term has expired.  

Lisa Ludwinski, of Detroit, is the owner of Sister Pie, a bakery in Detroit that she started in 2012. Notably, she was a pastry cook at Pinwheel Bakery and was head baker at Momofuku Milk Bar. Ludwinski holds a Bachelor of Arts in theater arts from Kalamazoo College. She was a Crain’s Detroit 40 under 40 award winner in 2019 and was a James Beard Award finalist for “Outstanding Baker” in 2019 and 2020, among other awards. Lisa Ludwinski is appointed to represent female-owned business enterprises for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring May 29, 2027. Ludwinski succeeds Cindy Pasky, who has resigned.   

Ali Abazeed, of Dearborn, is the founding director of public health at the Dearborn Department of Public Health. Abazeed is a three-time graduate of the University of Michigan, earning a Master of Public Health, Master of Public Policy, and Bachelor of Science. Ali Abazeed is appointed to represent medical directors for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2027. Abazeed succeeds Michael Dunn, whose term has expired.   

 

Chief Scott Malace, of Midland, has been the police Chief of Saginaw Township since 2022 and has been with the department for over 30 years. Prior to this, he served in the United States Army in both active duty and reserve roles. Chief Malace holds an associate's degree in criminal justice from Delta College and a Bachelor of Science Degree in criminal justice from Ferris State University. Chief Scott Malace is appointed to represent local police departments in this state for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring April 11, 2028. This seat was previously vacant.  

Richard Fenton retired as the Executive Commander of the Wayne County Sheriff Department in May 2000 after more than twenty-seven years of service, which included directing law enforcement operations for the Sheriff Department. In June 2000, Fenton joined the staff of Ilitch Holdings as the Senior Director for Corporate Security, Safety, and Investigations and was promoted to Vice President of Corporate Security in 2005 and achieved the title of Chief Security Officer in 2018. He holds a Bachelor of Science in police administration from Wayne State University, and a master's degree in counseling from Eastern Michigan university. Fenton is reappointed to represent residents of the state for a term commencing August 29, 2024 and expiring April 11, 2028.  

  

Loren Khgali, of Plymouth, is the executive director of ACLU Michigan. She started her legal career as a Law Clerk to the Justices of the Superior Court of Massachusetts. She then joined Detroit’s Federal Public Defender Office, advocating on behalf of people charged with federal crimes and unable to afford an attorney at the trial in the appellate and post-conviction stages. During her 13 years at the Federal Defender Office, she participated in the development and leadership teams for the court’s re-entry and alternative-to-prison programs. She received her Bachelor of Science in psychology and Bachelor of Arts in French from Western Michigan University and her Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law. Loren Khogali is appointed to represent individuals nominated by Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring April 1, 2028. Khogali succeeds William Swor, whose term has expired.  

Michael Carter, of Southfield, is the Chief Defender and Executive Director of the Federal Community Defender Office of the Eastern District of Michigan (FCDO). Michael has practiced indigent criminal defense for over fifteen years. He serves on several boards including the ACLU of Michigan and Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, and also serves on the faculty of the National Criminal Defense College. He received his Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Michigan and his Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School. Michael E. Carter is appointed to represent individuals nominated by Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring April 1, 2028. Carter succeeds John Shea, whose term has expired.  

Glenn Simmington, of Flint, is an owner and attorney at the Law Office of Glenn M. Simmington, PLLC. He has previously been an associate attorney with Cline, Cline & Griffin, P.C. He has earned his Juris Doctorate Degree from Wayne State University and Bachelor of Art in political science from University of Michigan-Flint. Glenn Simmington is appointed to represent individuals nominated by Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring April 1, 2028. Simmington succeeds Joshua Blanchard, whose term has expired.  

   

Dr. April Zeoli, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, is an associate professor at the University of Michigan and was previously a professor at Michigan State University. Dr. Zeoli earned a Bachelor of Arts in women’s studies from the University of Michigan, a Master of Public Health in health policy from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, and a doctorate in health policy from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Dr. Zeoli is appointed to represent an individual associated with a research institution that studies gun violence on the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor, no later than August 29, 2028.  

Marianne Huff, of Holland, is the President and CEO of Mental Health Asociation in Michigan. Huff has previously been the Executive Director of the Allegan County Community Mental Health Services and is a licensed social worker. Huff received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of Michigan-Dearborn and a master's in social work from Eastern Michigan University. Huff is appointed to represent individual with experience doing clinical work specializing in suicide prevention on the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor, no later than August 29, 2028. 

Dr. Daveda Colbert, of Farmington Hills, Michigan, is the superintendent of Wayne RESA. Colbert earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Southern University at New Orleans, a Master of Arts in business education from Wayne State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in educational leadership from Oakland University. Dr. Colbert is also a certified educational specialist. Dr. Colbert is appointed to represent local school administrators on the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor, no later than August 29, 2028. 

Alia Harvey-Quinn, of Detroit, is the founder and Executive Director of FORCE Detroit. Harvey-Quinn received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Marygrove College. Alia Harvey-Quinn is appointed to represent an individual associated with an organization that provides community-level conflict mediation or violence intervention services on the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor, no later than August 29, 2028. 

Danielle Hagaman-Clark, of Brighton, is the Criminal Bureau Chief at the Department of Attorney General. Previously, Hagaman-Clark served as an assistant attorney general of Michigan and director of the Violence Against Women Program in the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan. Hagaman-Clark earned a Doctor of Law from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Hagaman-Clark is a practicing member of the Michigan State Bar. Hagaman-Clark is appointed to represent individuals with experience working with survivors of domestic violence and abuse on the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor, no later than August 29, 2028. 

Shawn Borowicz, of Saint Ignace, is a member of the Sault tribe of Chippewa Indians Board of directors. Borowicz is licensed to practice as a Paramedic and Firefighter. Shawn Borowicz is appointed to represent an individual with experience working within a tribal government on the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor, no later than August 29, 2028. 

Moses Bingham, of Flint, is currently the director of strategic initiatives at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. He has previously been the senior program director at the YMCA of Greater Flint and the associate administrator at Mott Community College. Bingham holds an Associate of Arts in general studies from Mott Community College and a Bachelor of Science in strategic leadership from Rochester University. Moses Bingham is appointed to represent on the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor, no later than August 29, 2028. 

Michael McKissic, of Lansing, is the owner and project manager of McKissic Construction. McKissic earned a certificate in building trade from Lansing Community College. McKissic is appointed to represent individuals with experience working with a community or faith-based organization on the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor, no later than August 29, 2028. 

Kym Worthy, of Detroit, is the Wayne County prosecutor at the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. Worthy earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and economics from the University of Michigan, and a Doctor of Law from the University of Notre Dame School of Law. Worthy is appointed to represent prosecutors on the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor, no later than August 29, 2028. 

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the Chief Medical Executive for the State of Michigan, will serve as an ex officio member and Chair of the Task Force. Dr. Bagdasarian is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases and is a Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American College of Physicians. Dr. Bagdasarian completed medical school at Wayne State University; an internal medicine residency and infectious diseases fellowship at the University of Michigan; and she received a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health. She serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health. Dr. Bagdasarian also Chairs the Opioid Task Force, Public Health Advisory Council, and Childhood Lead Elimination Commission for the State of Michigan.  

Other ex officio members of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force include:  

Dr. Juli Liebler, the designee from the Department of State Police  

Jennifer DeLaCruz, Director of the Office of Community Violence Intervention within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) 

Nina Bowser, Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Control within DHHS 

Katherine Commey, Behavioral and Physical Health and Aging Services Administration within DHHS 

Gail Krieger, Division of Victim Services within DHHS 

Nancy Becker Bennett (Interim), the Michigan State Police’s designated representative from within the Office of School
Safety 

Aimee Alaniz, the superintendent’s designated representative from the Michigan Department of Education 

Emily Laidlaw, the director’s designated representative from the Department of Lifelong Learning, Education, and Advancement 

Anthony Lewis, the director’s designated representative from the Department of Civil Rights  

Jonathan Garvey, the Director’s designated representative from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.  

Dylan Morris, of Lake Orion, will serve as an advisor to the Task Force. Morris is a gun violence prevention advocate and a student at Harvard College. After surviving the mass shooting at Oxford High School, Dylan co-founded No Future Without
Today, where he advocates for gun violence prevention policies, hosts annual marches in Oxford, and serves on the End Gun Violence Michigan coalition. In 2023, introduced S.1026 on the Hill and is currently an op-ed writer for gun violence prevention. 

 

David Kramer, of Birmingham, is the founding principal of Gemini Risk Partners. Kramer previously served as the senior vice president of Oswald Companies and vice president of Alliant. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor degree from George Washington University. Kramer is the immediate past president of Hebrew Free Loan of Metropolitan Detroit and a board member with the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, the Detroit Jewish News Foundation, and the Zekelman Holocaust Center. David Kramer is reappointed for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring August 11, 2032.

Melanie Brown, of Farmington Hills, is the State Executive Ombudsman for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. An experienced public service professional, she has served as deputy chief of staff in the Whitmer Administration, deputy director of the Department of Talent and Economic Development, deputy director for Southeast Michigan in the Granholm Administration, and has held leadership positions in multiple state departments including Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Civil Rights and department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Melanie Brown is appointed for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring August 11, 2032. Brown succeeds Robert Schostack, whose term has expired.   

 

Sarah Gonzales, of Haslett, is the director of state and local government affairs for Delta Air Lines, including the Delta Hub states of Michigan and Utah. She was previously Director of Public Affairs in the Whitmer Administration, Deputy Chief of Staff for the Michigan Department of State, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy for Creative Many Michigan, and Chair of the National State Arts Action Network for Americans for the Arts. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications and political science from Hope College. Gonzales is appointed to represent businesses for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring April 5, 2028. Gonzales succeeds April Clobes, who has resigned.

Renee Tomina, of Birmingham, is the senior vice president of the Project Management Office at DTE. Previously, Tomina was the vice president of Gas Operations and director of Revenue & Protection at DTE. Tomina earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Lawrence Technological University and a Master of Science in systems engineering from Oakland University. Tomina also earned a certificate in reactor technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Tomina is appointed to represent businesses for a term commencing August 29, 2024, and expiring April 5, 2028. Renee Tomina succeeds Anthony Tomczak, who has resigned.