Governor Whitmer Announces Dozens of Appointments to State Boards and Commissions

Governor Whitmer Announces Dozens of Appointments to State Boards and Commissions

LANSING — Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday announced a sweeping slate of appointments to more than 20 state boards and commissions, reshaping key advisory and regulatory bodies across Michigan.

The appointments span a wide range of state functions, from tax policy and healthcare regulation to public safety, education, and community development. All appointments are subject to Senate confirmation unless noted otherwise.

Key Appointments Include:

Michigan Tax Tribunal

Jesse Kirchner of East Lansing will serve as an at-large member on the Michigan Tax Tribunal, which handles tax appeals for all Michigan taxes. Kirchner is an administrative law specialist at the Michigan Department of Treasury and previously served as a judicial law clerk at the Michigan Supreme Court. He holds a Bachelor of Science in physics from MIT, a Master of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. His term will commence April 26, 2026 and expire June 30, 2027.

Michigan Finance Authority Board of Directors

Amin Irving of West Bloomfield will be appointed to represent Democrats and residents with experience in housing and community development on the Michigan Finance Authority Board. Irving is the founder and chief executive officer of Ginosko Development Company, which owns 36 apartment properties across southeast Michigan. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan and serves on multiple housing and development boards. His appointment is subject to Senate confirmation and will be effective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2030.

Commission on Services to the Aging

Nancy Duncan of Lansing will be reappointed to represent Independents on the Commission on Services to the Aging. Duncan is retired and previously served as a deputy state budget director in the State Budget Office. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and speech from Albion College. Her term will commence July 29, 2026 and expire July 28, 2029.

Michigan Board of Acupuncture

The Governor appointed a new member to oversee acupuncture standards and licensing in Michigan.

Barrier Free Design Board

This board, which ensures accessibility in building design, received a new appointment.

Collection Practices Board

The board that oversees debt collection practices in Michigan has a new appointee.

Board of Interpreters for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing

A new member will serve on this board that ensures quality interpretation services for Michigan residents with hearing impairments.

Horse Racing Advisory Commission

The commission that advises on horse racing policy and regulation received a new appointment.

Michigan Appellate Defender Commission

This commission, which oversees public defense services, has a new member appointed.

Propane Commission

The board that regulates propane sales and safety standards received a new appointment.

Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards

This commission, which sets standards for law enforcement agencies across Michigan, has a new appointee.

Michigan Board of Medicine

A new member will serve on the board that licenses and regulates physicians in Michigan.

Michigan Board of Social Work

The board that oversees social work licensing and standards received a new appointment.

Michigan Board of Dentistry

A new member will serve on the board that regulates dental professionals in Michigan.

Michigan Board of Cosmetology

The board that licenses cosmetology professionals received a new appointment.

Governor's Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect

This task force, which provides recommendations on preventing child abuse and neglect, has a new member appointed.

Michigan Wildlife Council

The council that advises on wildlife conservation and management received a new appointment.

Electronic Recording Commission

This commission, which oversees electronic recording standards and practices, has a new appointee.

Public Health Advisory Council

The council that advises on public health policy and initiatives received a new appointment.

Michigan Veterans' Trust Fund Board of Trustees

The board that manages the veterans' trust fund received a new appointment.

Additional Appointments

The Governor also appointed members to the Barrier Free Design Board, Collection Practices Board, and Board of Interpreters for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing.

Governor Whitmer's appointments reflect her administration's focus on diverse expertise and representation across Michigan's key institutions. The appointments demonstrate attention to both technical qualifications and geographic diversity, with appointees drawn from across the state.

Several positions are subject to Senate confirmation, requiring the advice and consent of the Michigan Senate before the appointees can assume their roles.

The full list of appointments represents a comprehensive update to Michigan's regulatory and advisory infrastructure, ensuring that key state institutions have qualified and diverse leadership for the coming years.