NEGAUNEE — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the following boards and commissions: Mental Health Diversion Council; Library of Michigan Board of Trustees; Michigan Interagency Coordinating Council on Infants and Toddlers with Developmental Disabilities; Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services; Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice; Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission; Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council; Advisory Council on Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing; Fire Fighters Training Council; Michigan Board of Massage Therapy; Michigan Board of Physical Therapy; Michigan Board of Pharmacy; and Michigan Board of Behavior Analysts. 

Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council 

Julie Shaw, of Negaunee, is the executive director of the Superior Alliance for Independent Living. Shaw holds a Bachelor of Arts in special education from Northern Michigan University. Julie Shaw is appointed as a member representing a local or non-governmental agency concerned with services for individuals with developmental disabilities in this state with sufficient authority to engage in policy, planning, and implementation for a term commencing Jan. 28, 2026, and expiring Sept. 30, 2027. Shaw succeeds Leah Ortiz, who has resigned. 

The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council is an advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. MiDDC channels federal funds to support programmatic activities and grants to improve systems and services to help people with I/DD live self-determined and self-directed lives in a diverse and inclusive community. MiDDC also supports a statewide self-advocacy system, led by individuals with I/DD, known as the “Self-Advocates of Michigan,” or SAM. SAM receives staff support and funding from MiDDC to help people with lived experiences in their advocacy journey.   

This appointment is not subject to advice and consent of the Senate.