Office of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced appointments to the following boards, commissions, and task forces:
—Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates
David Williams is a magistrate with the Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates and has been serving since 2013. He previously worked as an attorney with Kluczynski, Girtz, & Vogelzang PC. Williams earned his Bachelor of Arts and law degree from Wayne State University. Williams is reappointed for a term commencing January 27, 2025, and expiring January 26, 2029.
Lenny?Segel is a magistrate for the Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates. He was previously an attorney with Bernstein & Bernstein. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Michigan and a law degree from Wayne State University Law School. Segel is reappointed for a term commencing January 27, 2025, and expiring January 26, 2029.
Kevin Kales is the chief magistrate of the Board of Magistrates. He was previously an attorney with Legghio & Israel PC. Kales earned his Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and law degree from Wayne State University Law School. Kales is reappointed to the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates for a term commencing January 27, 2025, and expiring January 26, 2029. He is also reappointed as chief magistrate.
Richard Ehrlich is a magistrate for the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates. He previously was an attorney with Zamler, Shiffman, & Karfis PC. Ehrlich earned a Bachelor of Arts in history, political science, and humanities from Wayne State University and a law degree from Wayne State University Law School. Ehrlich is reappointed to the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates for a term commencing January 27, 2025, and expiring January 26, 2029.
Kevin Davis is a principal?at Kitch Attorneys & Counselors PC. He has previously been a senior staff trial attorney at Zurich North America. Davis received a law degree from the University of Detroit School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in medical technology from Eastern Michigan University. Davis is appointed to the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates for a term commencing January 27, 2025, and expiring January 26, 2029. Davis succeeds Keith Castora, whose term is expiring.
The Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates has been established as an autonomous entity within the Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency per Executive Order No. 2019-13. Only workers’ compensation magistrates can hear cases for which an application for hearing has been filed with the Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency. The Board of Magistrates currently consists of 14 members appointed by the governor. All members of the board shall be members in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan and have been an attorney licensed to practice in the courts of this state for 5 years or more.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
—Western Michigan University Board of Trustees
Kelly Burris is the owner of Burris Law PLLC, an intellectual property law firm in Detroit. Burris earned multiple degrees, including a law degree from St. Louis University; a Master of Science in materials science and engineering from
Washington University; and a Bachelor of Science in aeronautical engineering from Western Michigan University. She previously was a partner at several national IP boutique firms. Burris was recently selected by her peers for inclusion in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the area of Patent Law for the Detroit Region, and Burris Law was named a Best Women-Led Law firm by Michigan Lawyers Weekly in 2024. In 2021, Chambers recognized her as a “Highly Commended” honoree for pro bono work. Additionally, she is a member of the Michigan Aeronautics Commission and Commission and sits on the Board of Directors for the Detroit Athletic Club. She is also a licensed pilot with multiple ratings and flies her TBM 940 regularly for business and charitable work. Burris is reappointed for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
—Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect
Suzanna Shkreli currently serves as Michigan State Lottery Commissioner. Previously, she was the director of juvenile justice reform for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Shkreli earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Oakland University and a law degree from Cooley Law School. Shkreli is reappointed to the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.
Lynda McGhee is an attorney at Level Up Legacy Planning PLLC and a co-executive director at Michigan Children’s Law Center. McGhee has previously worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney at Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office in the Criminal and Juvenile Court Divisions. McGhee earned a Bachelor of Arts in communication from University of Michigan and a law degree from Wayne State University Law School. McGhee is reappointed to represent child advocates, including both attorneys for children and, where such programs are in operation, court-appointed special advocates, for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.
Created by Executive Order 2013-4, rescinding Executive Order 2010-18, the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect is established within the Department of Human Services and is designed as a multidisciplinary task force for the purposes of the federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. The Task Force shall consist of 18 members appointed by the Governor for three-year terms who are professionals with knowledge and experience relating to the criminal justice system and issues of child physical abuse, child neglect, child sexual abuse and exploitation, and child maltreatment related fatalities.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
—Workforce Development Board
Representative Jason Hoskins is serving his first term in the 18th House District. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and Master of Public Administration from Eastern Michigan University and a law degree from the
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Hoskins is appointed as a nominee of the Speaker of the House of Representatives for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring January 1, 2027. Hoskins succeeds succeeding David Martin, whose term has expired.
The Michigan Workforce Development Board is responsible for the development and continuous improvement of the workforce development system in Michigan. The board acts as an advisory body to assist the governor with the development, implementation, and modification of Michigan’s four-year state plan pursuant to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and advance the governor’s 60 by 30 goal of helping 60% of Michigan’s workforce achieve a post-secondary degree or certification by 2030.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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Brooks Kushman P.C.
Brooks Kushman is proud to announce that Francesca Cusumano has been named a 2024 Atlas Award winner following the successful completion of the 2024 Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) Pathfinder Program.
The Atlas Award recognizes Pathfinders who demonstrated the highest levels of engagement throughout the program. Cusumano earned this distinction by participating in eight or more program components, including in-person meetings, virtual sessions, and online learning modules.
Cusumano is a registered patent attorney with expertise in intellectual property law, including patent and trademark enforcement, preparation, and prosecution. Her practice spans diverse technology sectors such as industrial chemicals, materials science, and automotive systems. She earned her law degree from Wayne State University Law School and a degree in chemistry from the University of Michigan.
In addition, Brooks Kushman patent attorney Muhammad Siwani was a featured speaker at the National Business Institute’s “MBA Basics for Lawyers” online seminar on December 30. During Siwani’s session, titled “Information Systems: IT, Enterprise Resource Planning, and Data Security,” he provided insights into assessing IT needs for businesses, structuring IT agreements, and addressing critical data security considerations. Additionally, Siwani explored emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, emphasizing their potential applications in legal and business contexts.
Siwani focuses his practice on patent prosecution and covers a range of technologies from advanced material compositions to automotive innovations. As a registered patent agent, Siwani is experienced in conducting patent searches, drafting patent applications, writing responses to first through final office actions, and drafting patentability memos for clients.
Siwani earned a law degree from the Wayne State University Law School. He also earned an MBA from the Mike Ilitch School of Business and received a Bachelor of Engineering in Materials Science from the University of Michigan.
Prior to working at Brooks Kushman, Siwani gained working experience in the legal department of a multinational Tier 1 automotive supplier in metro Detroit and also worked in the field as an engineer.
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Jones Day
Jones Day announces that the following Detroit office lawyers will be admitted to the firm’s partnership effective January 1, 2025: Andrew J. Clopton and Kurt A. Johnson.
Clopton’s practice focuses on high-stakes litigation, dispositive motions, and appeals. He has experience in employment litigation, business and toxic tort litigation, shareholder and derivative litigation, constitutional litigation, and class actions. He has experience across a variety of industries, including hospitality, higher education, automotive, aviation, health care, and financial services.
Before joining Jones Day, Clopton served as a judicial clerk on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan.
Johnson has experience in antitrust matters, regulatory disputes, business and toxic tort litigation, intellectual property controversies, and constitutional challenges. His practice spans multiple industries, including aviation, automotive, health care, and financial services. Johnson has drafted numerous winning briefs filed in state and federal courts across the country, including the Michigan Court of Appeals, the Michigan Supreme Court, the U.S. Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States. He has also presented oral argument before multiple U.S. Courts of Appeals, the Michigan Court of Appeals, and the Michigan Court of Claims.
Before joining Jones Day, Johnson served as a law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch and to U.S. Court of Appeals Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III, Fourth Circuit. He also practiced for several years at an international law firm in Washington, D.C.
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Varnum LLP
Varnum business professionals Sandy Fox is among the 28 honorees recognized in Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s “Unsung Legal Heroes” Class of 2024.
Fox is a paralegal in the firm’s Novi office who has worked on family law matters for more than 20 years. She was nominated by partner Julia Perkins who noted how Fox has dedicated her career to supporting family law attorneys, honing skills that have made her an asset to both clients and colleagues alike. As the primary paralegal for three attorneys, Fox manages her workload with composure and a positive attitude. She is a calming presence for clients navigating stressful matters, offering empathy and reassurance during challenging times.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced appointments to the following boards, commissions, and task forces:
—Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates
David Williams is a magistrate with the Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates and has been serving since 2013. He previously worked as an attorney with Kluczynski, Girtz, & Vogelzang PC. Williams earned his Bachelor of Arts and law degree from Wayne State University. Williams is reappointed for a term commencing January 27, 2025, and expiring January 26, 2029.
Lenny?Segel is a magistrate for the Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates. He was previously an attorney with Bernstein & Bernstein. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Michigan and a law degree from Wayne State University Law School. Segel is reappointed for a term commencing January 27, 2025, and expiring January 26, 2029.
Kevin Kales is the chief magistrate of the Board of Magistrates. He was previously an attorney with Legghio & Israel PC. Kales earned his Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and law degree from Wayne State University Law School. Kales is reappointed to the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates for a term commencing January 27, 2025, and expiring January 26, 2029. He is also reappointed as chief magistrate.
Richard Ehrlich is a magistrate for the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates. He previously was an attorney with Zamler, Shiffman, & Karfis PC. Ehrlich earned a Bachelor of Arts in history, political science, and humanities from Wayne State University and a law degree from Wayne State University Law School. Ehrlich is reappointed to the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates for a term commencing January 27, 2025, and expiring January 26, 2029.
Kevin Davis is a principal?at Kitch Attorneys & Counselors PC. He has previously been a senior staff trial attorney at Zurich North America. Davis received a law degree from the University of Detroit School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in medical technology from Eastern Michigan University. Davis is appointed to the Worker’s Compensation Board of Magistrates for a term commencing January 27, 2025, and expiring January 26, 2029. Davis succeeds Keith Castora, whose term is expiring.
The Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates has been established as an autonomous entity within the Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency per Executive Order No. 2019-13. Only workers’ compensation magistrates can hear cases for which an application for hearing has been filed with the Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency. The Board of Magistrates currently consists of 14 members appointed by the governor. All members of the board shall be members in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan and have been an attorney licensed to practice in the courts of this state for 5 years or more.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
—Western Michigan University Board of Trustees
Kelly Burris is the owner of Burris Law PLLC, an intellectual property law firm in Detroit. Burris earned multiple degrees, including a law degree from St. Louis University; a Master of Science in materials science and engineering from
Washington University; and a Bachelor of Science in aeronautical engineering from Western Michigan University. She previously was a partner at several national IP boutique firms. Burris was recently selected by her peers for inclusion in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the area of Patent Law for the Detroit Region, and Burris Law was named a Best Women-Led Law firm by Michigan Lawyers Weekly in 2024. In 2021, Chambers recognized her as a “Highly Commended” honoree for pro bono work. Additionally, she is a member of the Michigan Aeronautics Commission and Commission and sits on the Board of Directors for the Detroit Athletic Club. She is also a licensed pilot with multiple ratings and flies her TBM 940 regularly for business and charitable work. Burris is reappointed for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
—Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect
Suzanna Shkreli currently serves as Michigan State Lottery Commissioner. Previously, she was the director of juvenile justice reform for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Shkreli earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Oakland University and a law degree from Cooley Law School. Shkreli is reappointed to the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.
Lynda McGhee is an attorney at Level Up Legacy Planning PLLC and a co-executive director at Michigan Children’s Law Center. McGhee has previously worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney at Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office in the Criminal and Juvenile Court Divisions. McGhee earned a Bachelor of Arts in communication from University of Michigan and a law degree from Wayne State University Law School. McGhee is reappointed to represent child advocates, including both attorneys for children and, where such programs are in operation, court-appointed special advocates, for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.
Created by Executive Order 2013-4, rescinding Executive Order 2010-18, the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect is established within the Department of Human Services and is designed as a multidisciplinary task force for the purposes of the federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. The Task Force shall consist of 18 members appointed by the Governor for three-year terms who are professionals with knowledge and experience relating to the criminal justice system and issues of child physical abuse, child neglect, child sexual abuse and exploitation, and child maltreatment related fatalities.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
—Workforce Development Board
Representative Jason Hoskins is serving his first term in the 18th House District. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and Master of Public Administration from Eastern Michigan University and a law degree from the
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Hoskins is appointed as a nominee of the Speaker of the House of Representatives for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring January 1, 2027. Hoskins succeeds succeeding David Martin, whose term has expired.
The Michigan Workforce Development Board is responsible for the development and continuous improvement of the workforce development system in Michigan. The board acts as an advisory body to assist the governor with the development, implementation, and modification of Michigan’s four-year state plan pursuant to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and advance the governor’s 60 by 30 goal of helping 60% of Michigan’s workforce achieve a post-secondary degree or certification by 2030.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
—————
Brooks Kushman P.C.
Brooks Kushman is proud to announce that Francesca Cusumano has been named a 2024 Atlas Award winner following the successful completion of the 2024 Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) Pathfinder Program.
The Atlas Award recognizes Pathfinders who demonstrated the highest levels of engagement throughout the program. Cusumano earned this distinction by participating in eight or more program components, including in-person meetings, virtual sessions, and online learning modules.
Cusumano is a registered patent attorney with expertise in intellectual property law, including patent and trademark enforcement, preparation, and prosecution. Her practice spans diverse technology sectors such as industrial chemicals, materials science, and automotive systems. She earned her law degree from Wayne State University Law School and a degree in chemistry from the University of Michigan.
In addition, Brooks Kushman patent attorney Muhammad Siwani was a featured speaker at the National Business Institute’s “MBA Basics for Lawyers” online seminar on December 30. During Siwani’s session, titled “Information Systems: IT, Enterprise Resource Planning, and Data Security,” he provided insights into assessing IT needs for businesses, structuring IT agreements, and addressing critical data security considerations. Additionally, Siwani explored emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, emphasizing their potential applications in legal and business contexts.
Siwani focuses his practice on patent prosecution and covers a range of technologies from advanced material compositions to automotive innovations. As a registered patent agent, Siwani is experienced in conducting patent searches, drafting patent applications, writing responses to first through final office actions, and drafting patentability memos for clients.
Siwani earned a law degree from the Wayne State University Law School. He also earned an MBA from the Mike Ilitch School of Business and received a Bachelor of Engineering in Materials Science from the University of Michigan.
Prior to working at Brooks Kushman, Siwani gained working experience in the legal department of a multinational Tier 1 automotive supplier in metro Detroit and also worked in the field as an engineer.
—————
Jones Day
Jones Day announces that the following Detroit office lawyers will be admitted to the firm’s partnership effective January 1, 2025: Andrew J. Clopton and Kurt A. Johnson.
Clopton’s practice focuses on high-stakes litigation, dispositive motions, and appeals. He has experience in employment litigation, business and toxic tort litigation, shareholder and derivative litigation, constitutional litigation, and class actions. He has experience across a variety of industries, including hospitality, higher education, automotive, aviation, health care, and financial services.
Before joining Jones Day, Clopton served as a judicial clerk on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan.
Johnson has experience in antitrust matters, regulatory disputes, business and toxic tort litigation, intellectual property controversies, and constitutional challenges. His practice spans multiple industries, including aviation, automotive, health care, and financial services. Johnson has drafted numerous winning briefs filed in state and federal courts across the country, including the Michigan Court of Appeals, the Michigan Supreme Court, the U.S. Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States. He has also presented oral argument before multiple U.S. Courts of Appeals, the Michigan Court of Appeals, and the Michigan Court of Claims.
Before joining Jones Day, Johnson served as a law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch and to U.S. Court of Appeals Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III, Fourth Circuit. He also practiced for several years at an international law firm in Washington, D.C.
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Varnum LLP
Varnum business professionals Sandy Fox is among the 28 honorees recognized in Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s “Unsung Legal Heroes” Class of 2024.
Fox is a paralegal in the firm’s Novi office who has worked on family law matters for more than 20 years. She was nominated by partner Julia Perkins who noted how Fox has dedicated her career to supporting family law attorneys, honing skills that have made her an asset to both clients and colleagues alike. As the primary paralegal for three attorneys, Fox manages her workload with composure and a positive attitude. She is a calming presence for clients navigating stressful matters, offering empathy and reassurance during challenging times.
