Gov. Rick Snyder makes initial appointments to Interagency Council on Homelessness

LANSING, Mich. – June 8, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Gov. Rick Snyder today announced initial appointments to the Michigan Interagency Council on Homelessness.

Established by Executive Order 2015-2, Michigan Interagency Council on Homelessness was created as an advisory body within the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to develop, adopt, and update a 10-year plan to end homelessness. The Council is comprised of 13 members appointed by the Governor.

“It’s important to provide all Michiganders with the support they need to overcome challenges like affordable housing,” Snyder said. “I am confident this council will help develop a thorough and comprehensive plan to help end homelessness.”

Two year terms to expire January 31, 2017:
Dean Kimmith, of Lansing, is the human resources division director of the Office of Health and Human Services and State Budget Office. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York and a master’s degree in health services administration from the University of Michigan. He serves as the designee of the director of the Department of Technology, Management and Budget.

Kristina Leonardi, of Davison, is the director of strategy for the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. She earned both a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and criminal justice and a master’s degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University. She will be the designee of the director of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Kelly Rose, of DeWitt, is the director of rental assistance and homeless solutions at Michigan State Housing Development Authority. She served as an officer in the U.S. Army for seven years and earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering management from the U.S. Military Academy. She serves as the designee of the director of Michigan State Housing Development Authority.

Dennis Sturtevant, of West Olive, is CEO of Dwelling Place Non Profit Housing Corporation in Grand Rapids. He serves as chairperson for the Kent County Continuum of Care, serves on the Executive Committee for Building Together Collaborative with Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM) and the Michigan Housing Council. Sturtevant earned a bachelor’s degree from Hope College and a master’s degree in social work from Western Michigan University. He represents the general public.

Three year terms to expire January 31, 2018:
Kristin Brady, of Traverse City, is the community services director of Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency. She is a current and founding board member of SomeStretch Non-profit Housing Corporation, a member of Greater Grand Traverse Area Continuum of Care, a member of the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan and the Michigan Rural Council as a founding board member, Kids Hope USA and the Archipelago Music Project. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan. She represents the general public.

Mark Hoffman, of Mason, is chief administrative officer of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and previously served as deputy director of the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Michigan State University.  He serves as the designee of the director of the Department of Natural Resources.

Patrick Patterson, of DeWitt, is the executive vice president of Volunteers of America Michigan. He is a licensed builder, licensed commercial pesticide applicator and a former Environmental Protection Agency certified radon tester. Patterson holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration and a master’s degree in environmental law and policy, both from Michigan State University. He represents the general public.

Colleen O’Brien, of Clarkston, serves as circuit judge in Oakland County and as the presiding judge for the Female Division Adult Treatment Court. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, Oakland County Bar Association, Michigan State Bar Foundation Fellow, Michigan Judges Association, and the Oakland County Bar Association Foundation Fellow. O’Brien earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a law degree from Detroit College of Law. She represents the courts.

Michael Radke, of Okemos, is the director of the office of field services with the Department of Education. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in educational psychology, and a doctorate in education. He serves as the designee of the director of the Department of Education.

Four year terms to expire January 31, 2019:
Phil Cavanagh, of Redford, is CEO, lead consultant and strategist for MI Strategic Solutions, LLC, an attorney and counselor at law, and served as the state representative for the 10th District. Cavanagh holds a bachelor’s of professional accountancy from Aquinas College and a law degree and master’s degree in business administration from the University of Detroit Mercy. He represents the general public.

Tom Combs, of Highland, is an administrator for the Michigan Department of Corrections. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in public administration from Western Michigan University. He serves as the designee of the director of the Department of Corrections.

Paula Kaiser VanDam, of East Lansing, is bureau director of the Bureau of Community Services in the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and served as executive director of the Michigan Community Service Commission. She serves on the Capital Area United Way Board, the Association of State Service Commissions, and served on the Michigan Nonprofit Association Board. VanDam earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from DePauw University. She serves as the designee of the director of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Janet Kaley, of East Lansing, is manager of education and youth services within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and master’s degree in social work from Michigan State University. She serves as the designee of the executive director of the Children’s Services Agency.

After the expiration of initial terms, members serve four-year terms. Appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.