Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to several boards and commissions, including appointing Nicholas Derusha to the Public Health Advisory Council.

Derusha, of Newberry, is the director and health officer of the Luce-Mackinac-Alger-Schoolcraft District Health Department. Derusha is also a member of the Michigan Center for Rural Health Board of Directors, a member of the Northern Health Foundation Board of Directors, and the treasurer for the Helen Newberry Joy Hospital. 

Derusha received his Bachelor of Science in environmental health and safety management from Ferris State University and his Master of Public Administration from Northern Michigan University. Nicholas Derusha is reappointed as a member who represents local public health officials for a term commencing January 9, 2025, and expiring November 1, 2028.

The Public Health Advisory Council was created within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services at the recommendation of the Public Health Advisory Commission. The Council will develop an action plan for implementing the recommendations of the Commission and is tasked with providing advice about emerging issues in public health, monitoring the effectiveness of Michigan’s public health response system, and reviewing multiagency efforts to support collaboration and a unified approach on public health responses.

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