Foreign Language Board of Review
The Foreign Language Board of Review, staffed by the State Court Administrative Office, establishes criteria for certification of foreign language interpreters and administers tests for certification of court interpreters in accordance with Michigan Court Rule 8.127. The State Court Administrative Office provides an executive secretary for the board; is responsible for administering tests, maintaining certification lists, and enforcing sanctions for failure to conform to certification and other rules; and publishes guidelines for foreign language interpreters.
The board makes recommendations to the State Court Administrator regarding an interpreter code of ethics and interpreter certification requirements for individuals and companies and receives allegations of interpreter misconduct in the course of a trial or other court proceeding.
Board members serve staggered three-year terms. Supreme Court appointments to the Board of Review, effective January 1, 2020, are:
Evelyn Villarruel, Fully Certified Interpreter (term expires December 31, 2022)
The Honorable Thomas K. Byerley, Eaton County Probate Court (term expires December 31, 2021)
The Honorable Tiffany A. Ankely, Kalamazoo District Court (term expires December 31, 2022)
The Honorable Suzanne Hoseth-Kreeger, Ionia/Montcalm County Circuit Court (term expires December 31, 2020)
Rebeca Ontiveros-Chavez, LEP Population Advocate (term expires December 31, 2021)
Mary F. Rubio, Prosecuting Attorney (term expires December 31, 2020)
Frank Hardester, Court Administrator, Van Buren Circuit Court (term expires December 31, 2022)
Rafael C. Villarruel, Criminal Defense Attorney (term expires December 31, 2020)
Melanie L.B. Wandji, Family Law Attorney (term expires December 31, 2021)