Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced the following appointments to the Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council and the Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services.
Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council
Aaron M. Andres, of Marquette, is a member of the Marquette City Planning Commission, the Superior Alliance for Independent Living, and the Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress. He holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Northern Michigan University and is currently pursuing his Master of Public Administration. Mr. Andres is reappointed to represent individuals with disabilities for a term commencing January 31, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022.
Jamia M. Davis, of Southfield, is a court-appointed guardianship review volunteer with the Oakland County Probate Court and works as a document reviewer for various security companies. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School. Miss Davis is appointed to represent individuals with disabilities for a term commencing January 31, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2021. She succeeds Kelsey Kleimola who has resigned.
Melinda J. Kulasa, of Richland, is a substitute teacher in Kalamazoo County and the vice chairperson for the Disability Network of Southwest Michigan Board of Directors. She earned her master’s degree in business administration from Western Michigan University. Ms. Kulasa is appointed to represent individuals with disabilities for a term commencing January 31, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022. She succeeds Alexander Darr whose term expired December 31, 2019.
Mairead Warner, of Melvin, is a childcare aid at the Lowry Early Childhood Center at Oakland University. She earned her associate’s degree from St. Clair Community College. Miss Warner is reappointed to represent individuals with disabilities for a term commencing January 31, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022.
The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) is an independent agency created by a Governor’s Executive Order in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act that requires each state to establish a SILC to be eligible for federal funding under the Act. The Council promotes a philosophy of independent living, which includes the full integration and inclusion of people with disabilities into the mainstream of American society.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services
Aaron M. Andres, of Marquette, is the current chairperson of the Statewide Independent Living Council. Mr. Andres is appointed to fill a vacancy representing the Statewide Independent Living Council for a term commencing January 31, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022.
The Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services reviews, analyzes, and advises Michigan’s rehabilitation programs and services. The Council works to improve public vocational rehabilitation services delivered by the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) and Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS).
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
