Whitmer Announces New State Appointments
The Governor has named several judges and attorneys to key Michigan commissions and state task forces.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in People
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer has appointed a group of judges and attorneys to serve on state boards and commissions effective in 2027. Additionally, the Michigan Supreme Court has finalized rule changes regarding remote court proceedings.
Why it matters
These appointments fill critical oversight roles within the state's law enforcement and child advocacy sectors. Meanwhile, the administrative rule update streamlines judicial processes by allowing virtual participation in alternative dispute resolution.
The appointees will serve staggered terms starting January 1, 2027, with durations extending through 2029 or 2030. Ingham County Prosecutor John Dewane, who has served in his office since 2001, leads the new appointments to the law enforcement commission.
The players
Gretchen Whitmer
She serves as the Governor of Michigan and is responsible for making executive appointments to state boards.
Yasmine Poles
She is a judge of the Michigan 6th Circuit Court and will serve on the child abuse and neglect task force.
Chris Ninomiya
He serves as a judge of the Michigan 41st Circuit Court and was appointed to the child abuse and neglect task force.
Matthew Way
He works as the chief appellate attorney at the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office.
John Dewane
He is the Ingham County Prosecutor and was appointed to the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards.
The details
Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed Judges Yasmine Poles and Chris Ninomiya alongside attorney Matthew Way to the Governor's Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect. Separately, the Michigan Supreme Court ordered that court rule MCR 2.410 be amended to formally permit the use of videoconferencing for alternative dispute resolution proceedings.
Timeline
September 30, 2026: The Michigan Supreme Court issued the order to amend MCR 2.410.
January 1, 2027: The new commission terms begin and the court rule amendment takes effect.
December 31, 2029: The terms for Poles, Ninomiya, and Way will expire.
December 31, 2030: The term for John Dewane will expire.
Market Landscape
The formal integration of remote proceedings into Michigan Court Rule MCR 2.410 follows a broader trend of digitizing administrative functions in the legal sector. This move aligns state judicial operations with modern communication standards seen in private sector business environments.
Residents involved in legal disputes may find that their alternative dispute resolution meetings now occur via video platforms rather than in person. These appointments also ensure that specific oversight bodies remain fully staffed to handle child advocacy and law enforcement standards throughout the state.
The takeaway
These changes reflect a state-wide effort to modernize judicial administration while simultaneously refreshing the leadership of critical public commissions. Citizens can expect more flexible legal proceedings as remote technology becomes a standard feature of court rules.
Further reading
For more information on state leadership and appointments, visit the Michigan People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.
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