LANSING, MI -- Gov. Rick Snyder on Monday created a new Public Health Advisory Council by issuing an executive order.

"The Public Health Advisory Commission laid the groundwork for a more responsive and cohesive public health system in Michigan. The new council will continue this important task by turning recommendations into actions and improving the state's response to public health threats," Snyder said in a press release.

"Our residents and their health should always come first and I'm confident this council will help improve the public health and safety of all Michiganders."

The council will be lead by Eden Wells, the state's chief medical executive. Wells is currently facing criminal charges as part of Attorney General Bill Schuette's probe into the Flint water crisis.

Wells said in a statement, "The creation of this new Public Health Advisory Council is a vital step forward for Michigan in preparing for and responding to emerging public health issues."

She will lead a 20-member council, which includes the directors of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; Michigan Department of Environmental Quality; Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs; and State Police or the MSP's Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division.

Gov. Rick Snyder announced the following people would also serve on the council:

Members serving three-year terms expiring Nov. 1, 2020:

- Cynthia Aaron of Milan, is the medical director for the Children's Hospital of Michigan Regional Poison Control Center. She also is the director of medical and clinical toxicology education at Wayne State University. She holds a bachelor's degree in biology from Wesleyan University and a medical degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania. She will represent toxicologists.

- James Rutherford of Bellevue, is the director and health officer for Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services. He holds a bachelor's degree in biology from Olivet College, and a master of public administration from Central Michigan University. He will represent local public health officials.

- Bill Manns of Ada, is the president of Trinity Health/Mercy Health Saint Mary's. He holds a bachelor's degree and master's degree in health services administration from the University of Michigan. He will represent a member with hospital administration experience.

- Dennis Whitford of Mount Pleasant, is the clinic director of Whitford Chiropractic Clinic and previously served the Michigan Association of Chiropractors in the roles of president/CEO and as chair of the board of directors. He holds a doctor of chiropractic degree from Logan College of Chiropractic. He will represent the general public.

Members serving a four-year term expiring Nov. 1, 2021:

- Denise Chrysler of Lansing, is director of the Network for Public Health Law Mid-States Regional Center at the University of Michigan. She holds a bachelor's degree and a law degree from the University of Michigan. She will represent a school of public health from an institution of higher education in this state.

- Dianne Malburg of Holt, is the chief operations officer of the Michigan Pharmacists Association. She holds an associate's degree in pre-pharmacy, and a bachelor's degree in pharmacy and applied biology from Ferris State University. She will represent pharmacists.

- Michelle Styma of Posen, is the CEO of Thunder Bay Community Health Services, Inc. She holds an associate's degree in commerce from Alpena Community College, a bachelor's degree in community development and health services administration from Central Michigan University, and a master's degree in organizational management from Spring Arbor University. She will represent the general public.

- Brian Hartl of Ada, is an epidemiologist for the Kent County Health Department. He holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering and a master's degree of public health, both from the University of Michigan. He will represent epidemiologists.

- Chris Kolb of Ann Arbor is president and CEO of the Michigan Environmental Council. He holds a bachelor's degree in natural resources from the University of Michigan. He will represent experts in environmental health.

- Kristin Schweighoefer of Ann Arbor, is the environmental health director of Washtenaw County Public Health. She holds a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's degree of public health from the University of Michigan. She will represent food safety experts.

- Kathleen Forzley of Troy, is the director of Oakland County Department of Human Services, and previously served as the health officer for Oakland County Health Division. She holds a bachelor's degree in biology and environmental health and a master's degree in public administration from Oakland University. She will represent the general public.

Additional appointments are pending and will be announced at a later date, according to the governor's office.