Two Southwest Michigan industry experts have drawn gubernatorial appointments this week to boards and commissions within their line of expertise, subject to the advice and consent of the Michigan Senate.
The governor announced multiple appointments statewide in recent days, including several to the Michigan Blueberry Commission and the Michigan Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery.
Michigan Blueberry Commission
Dennis Vander Kooi, of Allegan, who serves as the president of Woodland Enterprises Inc and a member of the North American Blueberry Council, has been appointed by Gov. Whitmer to the Michigan Blueberry Commission. Mr. Kooi is reappointed to represent District 1 growers for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2023.
The Michigan Blueberry Commission is housed within the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and was created through the farmer-initiated process outlined in the Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act. The Commission was created with the goal of improving the economic position and competitiveness of the Michigan blueberry industry by supporting research, education, and promotion programs.
Michigan Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery
Ben Rimes, of St. Joseph, is the director of technology for Coloma Community Schools. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Western Michigan University and a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Michigan-Flint. Mr. Rimes is appointed to the Michigan Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery to represent the general public for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2024. He succeeds Sheryl Thompson whose term expires December 31, 2020.
Also appointed is Dr. Ronald M. Bishop, D.O, of East Lansing, who serves as the director of urgent care medicine for Memorial Healthcare Center there. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Miles College and a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Bishop is appointed to represent osteopathic physicians for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2024. He succeeds Jesse Guasco whose term expires December 31, 2020.
The Michigan Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to regulate the practice of osteopathic medicine and surgery in the state, ascertain minimal entry level competency of health practitioners, and verify continuing medical education during licensure. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the board to promote and protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare.
