May 14, 2007

Governor makes appointments, reappointments to Advisory Council on Asian Pacific American Affairs

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has declared the month of May Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Michigan, recognizing the economic, social and political contributions of the more than 208,000 Asian and Pacific American citizens throughout Michigan.
 
 "We are proud of our cultural diversity here in Michigan, and I commend the Asian Pacific American community for their commitment to leadership, their dedication to knowledge, and their determination to succeed," Granholm said.
 
As part of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the fifth annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration will be held on the east steps of the capitol on Tuesday, May 15 starting at 10:00 a.m.
 
Granholm also announced several appointments and reappointments to the Advisory Council on Asian Pacific American Affairs. 

The Advisory Council on Asian Pacific American Affairs serves in an advisory capacity, alerting the governor to pertinent issues within the Asian Pacific American communities.  The council also makes recommendations about programs and policies for the betterment of Asian and Pacific Islanders in Michigan and helps to promote public awareness of Asian and Pacific American culture and accomplishments.

Appointments and reappointments are as follows:

Jeffrey Vang of Mt. Pleasant, chief pharmacist for Nimkee Memorial Wellness Center, U.S. Public Health Service. Mr. Vang is appointed for a term expiring April 30, 2011. He succeeds Khanh-Van Thi Nguyen who has resigned.

Tsu-Yin Wu, Ph.D., RN of Ann Arbor, associate professor at Eastern Michigan University School of Nursing and director of the Healthy Asian American Project at the University of Michigan.  Dr. Wu is appointed for a term expiring April 30, 2011. She succeeds Dr. Narendra R. Kumar whose term has expired.

Maggie Chen-Hernandez of Okemos, associate director of the Michigan State University Multicultural Center.  Ms. Chen-Hernandez is reappointed for a term expiring April 30, 2011.

William D. Dechavez of Sterling Heights, state chairperson of the Filipino American Community Council of Michigan.  Mr. Dechavez is reappointed for a term expiring April 30, 2011.

Peter K. Wong of Grosse Pointe Farms, president and CEO of Roy Smith Company.  Mr. Wong is reappointed for a term expiring April 30, 2011.

Jayashree Kommareddi of Grand Blanc has been designated to serve as vice-chairperson of the council for a term expiring at the pleasure of the governor.  Kommareddi has served as a past president of the Genesee County Medical Society Alliance, a program committee member at Mott Children's Health Center, and a board member of Genesee County Free Medical Clinic.  She was appointed to the council in May 2005.

These appointments are not subject to disapproval by the Michigan Senate.