Governor Jennifer M. Granholm announced recent appointments to positions in state government - some are new names - some are names you know of people who have been reappointed to positions. Some of the positions are subject to approval by the Michigan State Senate. What follows is a list appointments per department:

Health Information Technology Commission

The Health Information Technology Commission facilitates and promotes the design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of interoperable health care information infrastructures in this state.

Janet D. Olszewski of Williamston, director of the Michigan Department of Community Health, is reappointed for a term expiring August 3, 2012.

Kimberly G. Ross-Jessup of Dewitt, manager of governmental relations for Pfizer, is reappointed to represent pharmaceutical manufacturers for a term expiring August 3, 2012.

Kenneth D. Theis of St. Johns, director of the Michigan Department of Information Technology, is reappointed for a term expiring August 3, 2012.

Board of Architects

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

Lynn Arnott-Bryks of Clinton Township, director of the facilities and operations department for the county of Macomb, is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring March 31, 2013.

Catherine M. DeDecker of Washington, vice president and branch office manager for Spalding DeDecker Associates, is reappointed to represent the Board of Professional Surveyors for a term expiring March 31, 2013.

Elisabeth E. Knibbe of Ypsilanti, principle with Quinn Evans Architects, is reappointed to represent architects for a term expiring March 31, 2013.

Robert L. Stempien of Beverly Hills, director of the education group with Barton Malow, is reappointed to represent the Board of Professional Engineers for a term expiring March 31, 2013.

Board of Barber Examiners

The Board of Barber Examiners licenses barbers, barber schools, barber shops and instructors. It also has the authority to revoke and suspend licenses.

Tawnya R. Marketti of Clarkston, esthetics instructor at the Marketti Academy of Cosmetology, is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring September 30, 2011. She succeeds Gerald Wall whose term has expired.

James F. VanDyken of Schoolcraft, former Kalamazoo County sheriff, is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring September 30, 2009. He succeeds John Boynton whose term has expired.

Michigan Board of Nursing

The Michigan Board of Nursing is responsible for the interpretation of licensure and examination of registered professional nurses, licensed practical nurses, and for the certification of nursing specialists. The board sets minimum standards of practice, assesses penalties for when those standards are not met, and recommends licensure to schools that provide nursing programs.

Teresa L. Thompson, Ph.D., R.N. of Farmington Hills, dean of the college of nursing and health at Madonna University, is appointed to represent registered professional nurses with master’s degrees engaged in nursing education in a baccalaureate or higher program for a term expiring June 30, 2011. She succeeds Anahid Kulwicki who has resigned.

Board of Professional Engineers


The Board of Professional Engineers is responsible for establishing requirements for the registration of persons practicing engineering, as well as orders, rules, and regulations that specify standards of professional conduct. The board also provides for penalties when standards are not met. Pursuant to statutory provisions of the Occupational Code, one member of the Board of Architects serves on the Board of Professional Engineers.

Mahmoud E. El-Gamal of West Bloomfield, geotechnical services manager with Professional Service Industries, Inc., is reappointed to represent professional engineers for a term expiring March 31, 2013.

John G. Kraus of Grand Rapids, president of Kraus & Kessenich, is reappointed to represent professional engineers for a term expiring March 31, 2013.

Kevin F. Prihod of Detroit, president and CEO of the Detroit Science Center, is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring March 31, 2013.

Robert L. Stempien of Beverly Hills, director of the education group with Barton Malow, is reappointed to represent the Board of Architects for a term expiring March 31, 2013.

Board of Professional Surveyors


The Board of Professional Surveyors provides for the registration of persons practicing surveying, sets qualifications for registrants, and prescribes penalties for violations of the act.

Catherine M. DeDecker of Washington, vice president and branch office manager for Spalding DeDecker Associates, is reappointed to represent professional surveyors for a term expiring March 31, 2013.

Ronnie M. Lester of Mason, owner and sole proprietor of Polaris Surveying Company, is reappointed to represent professional surveyors for a term expiring March 31, 2013.

Robert A. Stanford of Williamston, principal planner with the Livingston County Department of Planning, is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring March 31, 2013.

Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons


The Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons provides for the licensing and regulation of real estate salespersons and real estate brokers.

Kevin J. Plagens of Plymouth, attorney with Kopka, Pinkus, Dolin & Eads law firm, is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring June 30, 2012. He succeeds Kitrina Spencer who has resigned.

Collections Practices Board


The Collections Practices Board, created by Act 299 of 1980, prohibits certain collections practices, provides for licensing and regulating collections agencies, and imposes penalties for violation.

Scott R. Sousley of Rochester Hills, laser practitioner and vice president with Innovative Medicine Inc., is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring June 30, 2012. He succeeds Dwight Stewart whose term has expired.