Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Farm Produce Insurance Authority Board of Directors, and to the Mackinac Island State Park Commission.
Farm Produce Insurance Authority Board of Directors
Stephen J. Ewald, of Unionville, is the president and owner of Ewald Farms, Inc. Mr. Ewald is appointed to succeed Greg Ackerman, whose term expired June 20, 2019, to represent producers from the largest Michigan organization exclusively representing dry bean producers in Michigan for a term expiring June 20, 2022.
Jason Haag, of Unionville, is the owner and operator of a sugar beets, corn, beans, soybeans, and wheat farm in Unionville and an agronomy consultant with Digital Agronomy, LLC. Mr. Haag is appointed to succeed Benjamin Chaffin, whose term expired June 20, 2019, to represent producers from the largest Michigan organization exclusively representing the interests of soybean producers in Michigan for a term expiring June 20, 2022.
Rita Herford, of Pigeon, is a member and operator of Gentner-Bischer Farms. Ms. Herford is appointed to succeed Matthew Frostic, whose term expired June 20, 2019, to represent producers from the largest Michigan organization representing general farm interests in Michigan for a term expiring June 20, 2022.
James R. Howe, of Frankenmuth, is the CEO of Star of the West Milling Company in Frankenmuth. Mr. Howe is reappointed to represent a nonvoting member from the largest Michigan organization representing the interests of licensees in Michigan for a term expiring June 20, 2022.
Mark J. Kies, of Allen, is a member and operator of Kies Farms, LLC. Mr. Kies is reappointed to represent producers from the largest Michigan organization exclusively representing the interests of corn producers in Michigan for a term expiring June 20, 2022.
Steven R. Kluemper, of East Lansing, is the vice president of credit for GreenStone Farm Credit Services. Mr. Kluemper is reappointed to represent the largest Michigan organization representing the interests of agricultural lenders in Michigan for a term expiring June 20, 2022.
The Farm Produce Insurance Authority Board of Directors represents farmers, the grain industry, and
banking interests. The Board administers the Farm Produce Insurance Fund and was created to protect
producers in the event of a farm produce dealer’s financial failure.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Mackinac Island State Park Commission
Rachel Bendit, a Democrat of Ann Arbor, is a lawyer, mediator, and Montessori teacher. She is a member of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Board of Directors and a co-chair of the Jewish Women’s Archive Board of Directors. Ms. Bendit is appointed to succeed Marcia Brogan whose term expired April 12, 2019, for a term expiring April 12, 2025.
The Mackinac Island State Park Commission was formed in 1895 and is responsible for all aspects of managing Mackinac State Historic Parks. The Commission retains and exercises its authority and responsibility for developing the mission, goals, policies, objectives and direction for the unique properties under its jurisdiction.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
