(1) As used in this section, “appointing authority” means the speaker of the House, the president of the Senate, the governor, the governor’s designee, nominating committee, or executive branch officer or other body empowered by statute or rule to make any appointment or nomination for appointment to any board, committee, bureau, commission, council, panel, or other entity.

(2) In making a nomination, appointment, or reappointment to fill a vacancy on any board, committee, bureau, commission, council, or other entity, the appointing authority shall strongly consider nominating, appointing, or reappointing a qualified individual whose gender is in the minority on that entity.