Gov. Whitmer appoints three attorneys to commissions

On July 14, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the Workers’ Disability Compensation Appeals Commission and the Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission.

Daryl Royal, of Wayne, has been appointed to the Workers’ Disability Compensation Appeals Commission. Royal is an attorney and currently serves as chairperson of the commission. Previously, he was the owner of his private practice law firm in Dearborn for more than 30 years, primarily focusing on Social Security disability insurance and workers’ compensation where he has had cases before the Michigan Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals. He earned his bachelor of arts in Business Administration and Pre-Law from Michigan State University and his Juris Doctor from the Wayne State University Law School. Royal is reappointed for a term commencing August 1, 2023, and expiring July 31, 2023. He is also redesignated to continue serving as chair. 

The?Workers' Disability Compensation Appeals Commission handles, processes, and decides appeals from orders of the director and the?workers' compensation magistrates as provided for under the Worker's Disability Compensation Act of 1969. This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.   

Alejandra Del Pino, of Lansing, has been appointed to the Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission. Del Pino is an attorney and has been a commissioner at the Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission since 2019. Previously, she was a project manager for the Michigan Health and Hospital Association. She holds a bachelor of arts in General Studies from the University of Ottawa and a Juris Doctor from Cooley Law School. Del Pino is reappointed for a term commencing August 1, 2023, and expiring July 31, 2027. 

Andrea Rossi, of Fenton, also has been named to the panel. Rossi is an attorney and has been a commissioner at the Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission since 2019. Previously, she was the director of development, special projects, and a former staff attorney for Legal Services of Eastern Michigan in Flint. She earned her bachelor of arts in Women and Gender Studies from Oakland University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan – Flint, and a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University. Rossi is reappointed for a term commencing August 1, 2023, and expiring July 31, 2027.

The Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission serves Michigan's employees, employers, and insurers by addressing and impartially resolving appeals of decisions and orders involving workers' compensation and unemployment insurance benefits. The Commission created in Executive Order No. 2019-13 has full authority to handle, process, and decide appeals filed under Michigan Employment Security Act Section 33(2).   

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.