Updates About Governor

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following hirings and promotions:

• Lily Wenkel was hired as executive assistant to the deputy chief of staff.
• Tom Zimicki as environment and climate policy advisor.
• Rebecca Besaw was brought on as deputy legal counsel. Besaw previously served as senior advisor Office of Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and an attorney in the Office of the General Counsel.
• Michelle Richard was promoted from deputy director of higher education to senior literacy advisor to help oversee Michigan’s new literacy curriculum.
• Emma Young moved up to deputy director of policy after four years as the education policy advisor.
• Abrielle Matibag was promoted to public affairs specialist after previously serving as an issue specialist and executive assistant to the deputy chief of staff.
• Jada Weatherspoon, the previous House associate liaison, is now a legislative advisor.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has made several appointments to state boards and commissions. Here are the highlights on our new and returning appointees:

• Health Information Technology Commission:
  • Jeffrey Chin (reappointed to represent hospitals)
• Early Childhood Investment Corporation Executive Committee:
  • Dr. Steve Tunnicliff (reappointed)
  • Laurie Linscott (reappointed)
  • Anissa Eddie (succeeds Luanne Ewald)
• Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council:
  • Jeremy Murphy (reappointed as a parent or guardian of a child with developmental disabilities)
  • Rodney Craig (appointed as a member representing a state agency that administers funds under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973)
  • Sarah Winslow (reappointed as a parent or guardian of a child with developmental disabilities)
• Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity:
  • Katie Anderson (reappointed as a member representing low-income individuals)
  • Dwan Dandridge (reappointed to represent the private sector)
• Michigan Opioids Task Force:
  • Caitlin Koucky (appointed as a member representing PIHP Region 2)
• School Safety and Mental Health Commission: (submitted by the Senate Majority Leader)
  • Chelsea Kittridge-Farrell (appointed as a member who is a behavioral health professional or behavioral psychologist)
  • Andrea Tobis (appointed as a member who is a teacher)
  • Nicholas Symonette (appointed as a member who is affiliated with a community-based organization working with youths)
• Michigan Board of Nursing:
  • Dr. Larissa Miller (appointed as a registered nurse with a baccalaureate degree engaged in nursing practice or nursing administration)
  • Elizabeth Fluty (reappointed as a registered professional nurse with a master’s degree in a licensed practical nurse program

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed an executive directive instructing the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) to assist Michiganders with navigating upcoming changes to the federal Health Insurance Marketplace. This directive comes in response to a recently passed federal budget bill, which state officials worry could raise premium costs by thousands annually and create new barriers for families trying to maintain their coverage. In Michigan alone, more than 500,000 residents currently rely on Marketplace insurance.

The changes are expected to increase verification requirements for many applicants, particularly for families with incomes at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. Beginning in 2026, the open enrollment period will also be shortened by one month, giving residents less time to secure coverage. Marketplace insurance and Enhanced Premium Tax Credits have historically helped lower costs for working families, providing an average savings of about $700 annually.

Under the directive, DIFS will expand outreach during open enrollment, provide direct assistance through its consumer helpline, and connect residents with Health Insurance Navigators to discuss their options. We’ll continue to monitor how these changes may affect Michiganders. In the meantime, you may read the governor’s full executive directive for more information.