Insider Intelligence

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointment of Yasmine Isshak Poles to the 6th Circuit Court in Oakland County. Currently she serves in private practice, specializing in criminal defense, custody, and employment matters. Prior to that Ms. Isshak Poles served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Macomb County for 12 years. Ms. Isshak Poles is a […]

Liza Estlund Olson was appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to serve as acting director of the Unemployment Insurance Agency effective immediately. Her appointment came after former UIA Director Steve Gray resigned. This is the second time Ms. Olson will serve as the UIA acting director, having previously served in the role from 2007-2008. She also […]

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has named Susan Corbin as acting director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) effective immediately. She will replace Jeff Donofrio who is leaving the department but will serve in an advisory capacity for a short period to facilitate a smooth transition. Ms. Corbin had served in state government for […]

This week, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced leadership changes in key positions in state government. First, the governor recommended Mark Burton, her chief strategist, to serve as CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corp (MEDC).  He has been involved with state government and politics for nearly two decades. Prior to his current role, Mr. Burton worked […]

The Senate rejected a second appointment by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, voting to oppose the appointment of George Heartwell as chair of the Natural Resources Commission. Republican members have voiced apprehension over his record on gun rights and were concerned that he has not been a gun owner or hunter for decades. Senator Jon Bumstead (R-Newaygo) […]

This week, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the Michigan Women’s Commission, along with a new director. Serving as the Commissions’ Executive Director will be Cheryl Bergman. Ms. Bergman currently owns a fundraising consulting firm and is a senior advisor for Whitmer for Governor. Prior to that, she served as the agency relations director for […]

Governor Whitmer just appointed two new judges to Michigan courts; Jason C. Bomia to the 10th District Court, and Sara Spencer-Noggle to the 21st Circuit Court. Bomia will be working at the District Court in Calhoun County after previously practicing at Schroder DeGraw, PLLC in Monroe. He specializes in civil litigation, bankruptcy, real estate, and […]

On Thursday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointment of Robert Gordon as the new head of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Currently, he is the senior vice president of finance and global strategy for The College Board. In the Obama administration, Mr. Gordon served as acting assistant secretary at the Office of […]