Snyder makes appointments, reappointments to Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice

Gov. Rick Snyder on Friday announced appointments and reappointments to the Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice. Created by Executive Order 2012-1, the 15-member committee advises the governor on juvenile justice issues and guides effective implementation of juvenile justice policies and programs. "The promotion of stronger families, healthier youth and safer communities in our state is of utmost importance," said Snyder. "I am confident this committee will continue to promote these goals." Appointed: Justice Mary Beth Kelly, of Grosse Ile, joined the Michigan Supreme Court in January 2011. Prior to her election, she served as a judge on the Wayne County Circuit Court from 1999-2010 and as commercial litigation partner at Dickinson Wright. During her tenure on the Wayne County Circuit Court, the Michigan Supreme Court appointed her to serve for three terms as chief judge. Kelly earned a bachelor's degree in political science and history from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and a law degree from Notre Dame. She represents representatives of law enforcement and juvenile justice agencies, which may include state or local police, the local sheriff's department, juvenile and family court judges, prosecutors, counsel for children and youth, and probation workers. She replaces Jeffrey Fink. Kelly is also appointed chair. Terri Gilbert, of Ann Arbor, is executive director of the Oakland County Bar Association. She served as bureau director of child welfare funding and juvenile programs. Gilbert earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Oakland University and a master's in social work from the University of Michigan. She represents representatives of law enforcement and juvenile justice agencies, which may include state or local police, the local sheriff's department, juvenile and family court judges, prosecutors, counsel for children and youth, and probation workers. She replaces Barbara Donaldson. Thomas Weichel, of Spruce, is the Alcona County prosecuting attorney. He worked as a juvenile probation officer, a case worker for Boysville of Michigan, and with the 26th Circuit Court. He assisted with the creation of Sunrise Centre, a long-term residential substance abuse facility. Weichel earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Northwestern Michigan College, a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Ferris State University, and a degree from Detroit College of Law. He represents representatives of public agencies concerned with delinquency prevention or treatment, such as welfare, social services mental health, education, special education, recreation, and youth services. She replaces Ed Roth. Bob Higgins, of Portage, is an independent educational consultant after retiring from the Michigan Department of Education as the safe schools consultant. He served in numerous roles in schools and school districts. Higgins earned a bachelor's degree in secondary education and a master's degree in educational leadership from Western Michigan University. He represents youth workers involved with programs that are alternatives to incarceration, including programs providing organized recreation activities and replaces Richard Wood. Reappointed: Melissa Baldwin, of Ionia, is an order writer at Meijer. She continues to represent persons who have been, or are currently, involved in a juvenile justice program. John Broad, of Grosse Pointe Farms, is president and CEO of Crime Stoppers of Michigan, a position he has held since 2005. Broad earned a bachelor's degree in finance and marketing and a master's of business administration from the University of Michigan. He continues to represent persons with special experience and competence in addressing problems related to school violence and vandalism and alternatives to suspension and expulsion. Larry Emig, of Reed City, is an Osceola County commissioner, the strong family/safe children coordinator for the Osceola County Department of Human Services, continuum of care coordinator for Mecosta/Osceola Continuum of Care, director of community relations for the Osceola County Community Foundation, and payroll marketing specialist for Hinkle-Witbeck Insurance. He has been in the human service field for more than 30 years. Emig holds a bachelor's degree in sociology and a master's degree in education, both from Central Michigan University. He will continue to represent locally elected officials in general purpose local government. Amy Good, of Detroit, is CEO of Alternatives for Girls. She has more than 27 years of experience working with homeless and high-risk girls and young women, primarily in Detroit. Good earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in social work from the University of Michigan. She continues to represent representatives of private nonprofit organizations. Nancy Becker Bennett, of Okemos, is division director for grants and community services for the Michigan State Police. She also served as manager of the law enforcement section of the Office of Drug Control Policy. Bennett earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Michigan and a master's degree in justice and law enforcement from American University. She continues to represent representatives of law enforcement and juvenile justice agencies, which may include state or local police, the local sheriff's department, juvenile and family court judges, prosecutors, counsel for children and youth, and probation workers. Sandra Metcalf, of Grand Haven, is director of juvenile services for the 20th Circuit Court. She has more than 40 years of dedicated experience in juvenile justice, working as a family therapist. Metcalf earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University and a master's degree in human services from Capella University. She continues to represent representatives of law enforcement and juvenile justice agencies, which may include state or local police, the local sheriff's department, juvenile and family court judges, prosecutors, counsel for children and youth, and probation workers. Joseph Ryan, of Ann Arbor, is an associate professor in the University of Michigan School of Social Work and a faculty associate for the Center for Political Studies. Ryan earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, a master's degree in social work from the University of Michigan and a doctorate of social work from the University of Chicago. He continues to represent persons with special experience and competence in addressing problems related to learning disabilities, emotional difficulties, child abuse and neglect, and youth violence. Jordan Scott, of Muskegon, is a student at West Michigan Christian in his junior year. He continues to represent members who have been or are currently under the jurisdiction of the juvenile justice system and under the age of 24 at the time of appointment. Kenyatta Stephens, of Farmington Hills, is COO of Black Family Development Inc. She has 17 years of juvenile justice prevention, diversion, treatment, and administration experience. Stephens earned a bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Michigan and a master's degree in nursing from the University of Pennsylvania. She continues to represent volunteers who work with delinquents or potential delinquents. Austin Schmidt, of Saginaw, recently graduated from Heritage High School. He continues to represent members who have been or are currently under the jurisdiction of the juvenile justice system and under the age of 24 at the time of appointment. Members will serve three year terms expiring Dec. 31, 2017. Their appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. Published: Tue, Jan 20, 2015