Snyder makes initial appointments to Trial Court Funding Commission

The Trial Court Funding Commission was created to review and recommend changes to the trial court funding system and will be housed within the Department of Treasury. The Commission shall submit a report of their recommendations to the governor, Senate majority leader, and speaker of the House no later than Sept. 28, 2019. The commission is comprised of 14 members who have significant experience or involvement in the courts of this state.

“These individuals have a variety of experience that will shape positive input on how we can improve the funding of our court system statewide,” Gov. Rick Snyder said.

Judge James Alexander of Bloomfield Hills, was appointed by former Gov. Engler to the Oakland County Circuit Court in 2001, was elected for a full term in 2002, and was re-elected in 2008 and 2014. Before his appointment, he was serving as director of the former governor’s Southeast Michigan Office. Alexander holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Miami University and a law degree from the University of Detroit School of Law. He will serve as the nominee of the Michigan Judges Association.

Judge Michelle Appel of Huntington Woods is the chief judge of the 45th District Court and serves on the Michigan District Judges’ Association Board of Directors. She holds a bachelor’s degree in American history from the University of Michigan and a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy Law School. She will serve as the nominee of the Michigan District Judges Association.

Michael Bosanac of Monroe is the CFO and county administrator for the county of Monroe. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Adrian College and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Toledo. He will serve as the nominee of the Michigan Association of Counties.

Judge Thomas Boyd of Mason was appointed to the 55th District Court in 2005, was elected to the position in 2006, and was re-elected in 2008 and 2014. He currently serves on the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission and previously served as Assistant Attorney General to Frank Kelley. Boyd holds a bachelor’s degree in social science from Michigan State University and a law degree from Wayne State University Law School. He will serve as a nominee of the Governor.

Eric DeLong of Grand Rapids is the deputy city manager and COO for the City of Grand Rapids and currently serves on the Michigan Council on Future Mobility. He holds an associate’s degree in journalism from Lake Michigan College, a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Central Michigan University, and a master’s degree in public administration from Michigan State University. He will serve as a nominee of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Shauna Dunnings of Lansing is a circuit court administrator for the 30th Circuit Court. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Michigan and a law degree from Howard University School of Law. She will serve as a nominee of the State Bar of Michigan.

Todd Drysdale of New Boston is a city administrator for the City of Wyandotte. Drysdale holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, and business economics, and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Michigan. He will serve as the nominee of the Michigan Municipal League.

Judge Beth Gibson of Newberry is chief judge of the 92nd District Court and currently serves on the Michigan Community Corrections Board. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.
She will serve as a nominee of the Senate Majority Leader.

Milton Mack Jr. of Wayne is the state court administrator for the Michigan Supreme Court. He served 25 years as a judge of Wayne County Probate Court, and currently serves on the Mental Health Diversion Council. Mack holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Eastern Michigan University and a law degree from Wayne State University. He will serve as the nominee of the State Court Administrative Office.

Richard Poling of South Lyon is an attorney at Poling, McGaw & Poling P.C. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Michigan State University and a law degree from the Detroit College of Law. He will serve as a nominee of the Senate Majority Leader.

Thomas Rombach of Clinton Township is owner and attorney for the Law Offices of Thomas C. Rombach. He is a past president of the State Bar of Michigan and the Macomb County Bar Association. Rombach holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Michigan State University and a law degree from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He will serve as a nominee of the State Bar of Michigan.

Shannon Schlegel of DeWitt is the owner and practicing attorney of Shannon L.W. Schlegel, PLLC. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of California, San Diego, and a law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She will serve as a nominee of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Valerie Thornburg of Kalkaska is the treasurer of Kalkaska County. She previously worked as a marketing manager and closing agent for Transnation Title Agency in Elk Rapids and Corporate Title Agency in Traverse City. She studied accounting and secretarial studies. She will serve as a nominee of the Governor.

Patrick Williams of Canton is the Canton Township Supervisor. He previously served as a township trustee and worked as a sales and account manager in the automotive industry. Williams holds an associate’s degree in metallurgy and material science from Schoolcraft College as well as a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in business administration from Lawrence Technological University. He will serve as the nominee of the Michigan Townships Association.

Appointees will serve terms expiring Sept. 28, 2019.