NORTHERN MICHIGAN – Gov. Whitmer announced the following appointments to Michigan Public Safety Communications and Rural Development fund boards.
Michigan Public Safety Communications Interoperability Board
Ed Miller, of Sault Ste. Marie, has been the fire chief of Sault Ste. Marie since April 2022. Prior to this, he was the assistant fire chief of Sterling Heights.
Miller holds an associate degree in applied sciences from Macomb Community College. He also has experience as an adjunct professor teaching fire and EMS education to the next generation of first responders. He is reappointed to represent local emergency first responders for a term commencing November 2, 2023, and expiring April 30, 2027.
The Michigan Public Safety Communications Interoperability Board oversees the Michigan’s Public Safety Communications System (MPSCS), an 800/700 MHz radio system and telecommunications network that also provides public safety specific applications integrated into the network.
Rural Development Fund Board
Chris Germain, of Marquette, is CEO of the Lake Superior Community Partnership.
Germain holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from Northern Michigan University. He also holds a master of city and regional planning from Ohio State University. He is appointed to represent the Upper Peninsula for a term commencing Nov. 2 and expiring Dec. 31, 2026. He succeeds Margaret Minerick, whose term has expired.
The Rural Development Fund Board, housed in the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, has oversight of the Rural Development Fund. The board is charged with advising the Department on how to distribute tax revenue collected from mines to improve and strengthen local communities.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
