by Steve Innes

Gov. Rick Snyder recently announced appointments to the new Michigan Council on Future Mobility. Among the appointees was Ryan Eustice, of Ann Arbor. Eustice is vice president of autonomous driving for Toyota Research Institute, and an associate professor at the University of Michigan for the Department of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering. He is also Director of U of M’s Perceptual Robotics Laboratory.

The 21-member council, created in conjunction with an autonomous vehicle bill signed in December, aims to ensure Michigan “continues to be the world leader in automated, driverless and connected vehicle technology,” according to a news release from the governor’s office.

Housed in the Department of Transportation, the council is to propose to the governor and Legislature state policy changes and updates no later than March 31, and will continue to make recommendations annually or more frequently.

“With these individuals lending their expertise from the field, we can be proactive in adopting new policies necessary to keep making advancements for Michigan and the world,” Snyder said in the release. “All of us working together will make cars smarter and safer for people globally while continuing to drive our economy forward.”

Following are the appointees who will represent business, policy, research or technological leaders in future mobility:

• Steve Arwood, of St. Johns, CEO of Michigan Economic Development Corp. and former head of the Department of Talent and Economic Development.
• Stephen Buckley, of Novi, is a senior technical fellow and senior manager in electrical engineering for FCA US LLC.
• David Bulkowski, of Grand Rapids, is the executive director for Disability Advocates of Kent County and a member of multiple local and regional transportation committees.
• Mark Davidoff, of West Bloomfield, is the Michigan managing partner for Deloitte LLP.
• Emily Frascaroli, of Grosse Ile, is counsel for Ford Motor Co. and a lecturer at the University of Michigan Law School.
• John James, of Farmington Hills, is president of Renaissance Global Logistics and James Group International.
• Jeremy McClain, of Ortonville, is the director of systems and technology for Continental Automotive Systems Inc.
• John Peracchio, of Grosse Pointe Shores, is a managing member of Peracchio & Company LLC.
• Gary Smyth, of Rochester Hills, is the executive director of Global R&D Laboratories for General Motors Co. , Global Research and Development.

Other members are:

• Eric DeLong, of Grand Rapids, is the deputy city manager for Grand Rapids and chairp of the Grand Valley Regional Biosolids Authority, the Grand Rapids Building Authority and the Utility Advisory Board. He will represent local government.
• Amy Mass, of Howell, is vice president and general counsel for The Hanover Insurance Group/Citizens Insurance. She will represent insurance interests.

Other voting members:

• Kirk Steudle, MDOT director
• Pat McPharlin, director of the Department of Insurance and Financial Services
• Michael Senyko, will serve as the designee of Secretary of State Ruth Johnson
• David Behen, director of the Department of Technology, Management and Budget
• Kriste Etue, director of the Michigan State Police
• Sen. Mike Kowall, appointed by the Senate majority leader
• Sen. Rebekah Warren, appointed by the Senate majority leader
• Rep. Michele Hoitenga, appointed by the speaker of the House
• Rep. Kevin Hertel, appointed by the speaker of the House

Steudle and Peracchio are co-chairs of the council.

Members appointed by Snyder serve at the governor’s discretion and are not subject to Senate advice or consent.