Board of Directors

Susan Jandernoa, of West Olive, taught fourth, fifth, and sixth graders for 30 years at East Grand Rapids Public Schools before retiring in 2004. She is a member of the Children’s Leadership Council of Michigan, the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees, the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Michigan, the YMCA Advisory Board, and is a local board president for Ele’s Place. Jandernoa holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Central Michigan University. She serves as the nominee of the Speaker of the House.

Kathryn Boles, of Grand Blanc, retired as President and CEO of the Valley Area Agency on Aging (VAAA), and as immediate past-President of the National Association on Aging (n4a) Board of Directors. Kathryn continues her work with older adults by serving on various boards in her community and nationally. Her board affiliations include: Genesee Health Systems, McFarlan Charitable Corporation, National Caucus and Center on Black Aging in Washington, DC, and the Genesee County Chapter of AARP. Kathryn holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University.

Henry Veenstra, of Zeeland, was the President of Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital, a position he held for more than four decades. During his tenure, Veenstra directed all strategic planning, construction of a new facility, and the transition of Zeeland Community Hospital to membership in the Spectrum Health System. In addition to being a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, he is a Life Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and serves on the board of directors of the Michigan Hospital Association Foundation. Veenstra serves as the nominee of the Senate Majority Leader.

Michael Williams, of Westland, is the president and CEO of Orchards Children’s Services, Michigan’s largest foster care and adoption agency. He has served in this capacity since 2003. Previously, he was president of Detroit-based Starr Vista Inc., and held various positions with Starr Commonwealth, in Albion. Williams is an adjunct professor at Albion College, and received the “Heroes” award from Michigan’s Children in 2007. He holds many professional memberships and is involved in several community organizations. Williams holds a bachelor’s degree from Albion College and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Eastern Michigan University. He represents the interests of minor children.

Elizabeth Boyd, of Lansing, is the owner of Liz Boyd Public Relations, where she provides communications advice and services to a variety of non-profit and political clients including the RACER Trust. She previously served in the administration of Governor Jennifer Granholm as the communications director and press secretary. Boyd has also worked for the Michigan Department of State, the Cabinet Council on Jobs and Economic Development, and the Michigan Senate Democrats. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Master of Arts in Advertising from Michigan State University. She represents the business community.

Gilda Jacobs, of Huntington Woods, most recently served as the CEO of the Michigan League for Public Policy before retiring in 2021. She has a long history of public service, previously serving as a state senator, state representative, Oakland County commissioner, and mayor pro-tem of Huntington Woods. Jacobs started her career as a special education teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Master of Arts in Education from the University of Michigan. Jacobs has been involved with many different boards and organizations over the course of her career including the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit Women’s Division, ACLU Executive Committee, Triangle Foundation Advisory Board, the Anti-Defamation League Board, and the South Oakland NAACP Board. She represents the general public. 

Tina Wahl (Reynolds), of Okemos, is a senior lead policy specialist with the Division of Environmental Health at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services through MPHI. She focuses on lead poisoning prevention policy. Previously, she was the health policy director of the Michigan Environmental Council. She has also worked as an environmental policy analyst for the Michigan House of Representatives and as a legislative assistant for the 53rd House District (Ann Arbor) and 18th State Senate District (Washtenaw County) with a focus on health and environment. Wahl holds a law degree from Wayne State University and a bachelor’s degree in natural resources from the University of Michigan. She serves as the nominee of the Senate Minority Leader.

Rev. James A. Womack, M.D., of Detroit, is a retired anesthesiologist and a former state representative and Detroit School Board member. He currently serves as the assistant minister of health and wellness for Plymouth United Church of Christ and co-pastor of the St. John’s-St. Luke United Church of Christ. Rev. Dr. Womack earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Dillard University, Master of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary, and his medical degree from Meharry Medical College. He serves on the Advisory Boards for Harper-Hutzel Hospital, Detroit Receiving Hospital, and the DMC Heart Hospital. He represents the general public.