Current Fellows

Each Michigan Political Leadership Program class of fellows is comprised of 24 individuals from across Michigan. Brief biographical sketches of the current MPLP fellows, the Class of 2009, are provided below. An overview of the fellowship is also available online.

2009 MPLP Fellows

Laurie Arora, Grosse Pointe Park:  Laurie is owner of Politically Smart, L.L.C., a training and consulting company. She is currently coordinating fundraising for Detroit Mayor Ken Cockrel’s campaign and recently managed the campaign of a state representative candidate.  Laurie is vice president of the Grosse Pointe Democratic Club, active in the League of Women Voters, and is a precinct delegate.

Eric Bacyinski, Plymouth:  Eric works as the Southeast Michigan Constituent Relations Analyst for Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox. He serves on the 11th Congressional District Republican Committee. In 2006, he was elected to the Plymouth District Library Board of Trustees, becoming the youngest elected official in Plymouth history. Eric is a member of the Detroit Free Press Talk-Back Board and a graduate of the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Jill Brandana, Taylor:  Jill is a legal assistant for Fieger, Fieger, Kenney, Johnson & Giroux P.C. She is in her first term as Chair Pro Tempore of the Taylor City Council. Jill serves as vice president of the Democratic Club of Taylor and president of its Women's Auxiliary. She has a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of Michigan.

Michael Callton, Nashville: Michael is chair of the Barry County Board of Commissioners and serves on the Eaton Intermediate School District Board.  He is a strong advocate for institutional culture change that emphasizes transparency and citizen involvement.  He has also served as president of the Maple Valley School Board and as a councilman for the village of Nashville.  He has been a Chiropractor in Nashville since 1990.

Deborah Davis, Detroit:  Deborah is President/CEO of Words Plus, created in 2004 to service the nonprofit and faith-based communities with grant competition research and comprehensive grant proposal writing services.  She is Founder and Board Member of Umoja-Mia, a nonprofit organization that encourages, supports, mentors and assists high school students in achieving their educational, cultural, social and lifetime goals. Deborah is a doctoral student at Walden University majoring in Public Policy Administration, specializing in nonprofit management and leadership.

Michael Delaney, Ann Arbor: Michael is a corporate strategy and clean technology venture capital professional at DTE Energy. He serves on the City of Ann Arbor Energy Commission and helped found the Clean Energy Prize hosted at the University of Michigan. Michael has a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Physics and Master's Degree in Public Policy from the University of Michigan and a Master’s Degree in Nuclear Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Jane Drake, Fremont: Jane is coordinator for the Community Coordinating Council of Muskegon County. She is a key contributor to the "Prosperity Index for Muskegon County," a project of the Muskegon Area Sustainability Coalition. Jane serves on the City Council and Planning Commission for the City of Fremont. She is a board member for Newaygo County Community Choir, Yahaba (Japan) /Fremont Friendship City Program, and Gerber Memorial Health Services.

Gregory Egnatowski, Riverview:  Greg is a legislative aide to State Rep. Mike Lahti. Greg has volunteered with the American Red Cross as well as with numerous political campaigns throughout Michigan. He is a former auto worker and an active UAW member. He is a graduate of Georgia State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public and Political Communications and a minor in Finance from Georgia State's J. Mack Robinson College of Business.

Brian Elder, Bay City: Brian is in his fourth term as a member of the Bay County Board of Commissioners. He is the owner of Brian K. Elder, P.L.C., a general civil law practice. Brian graduated from Wayne State University, Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa, with a Bachelor's Degree in History. From UCLA School of Law he earned a Juris Doctorate with honors in property law and oral advocacy.

Roger Elkins, Evart: Roger is City Manager for the City of Evart. He is a member of the advisory board for the Osceola County Commission on Aging and is active in the Evart Area Chamber of Commerce and Osceola County Habitat for Humanity. Roger also serves as a lay minister with the Community of Christ Church. Roger is a retired math and science teacher. 

Kimberly Emmons, Lake: Kim is chair of the Clare County Republican Party. She is active in local, state and national campaigns. In the 2008 elections, she served as local coordinator for McCain/Palin presidential campaign and Jack Hoogendyk for U.S. Senate campaign. Kim is a precinct delegate for her township, member of the parent board for Strawberry Patch Preschool and is actively seeking a position on the Michigan Republican State Committee.

Terry Hood-Campion, Macomb Township: Terry is employed as an educator with Professional Services Group and is an inactive employee with Chrysler Corporation.  She is a member of the Macomb Township Zoning Board of Appeals and the Macomb County Commission on Women. Terry has served as PTO President for two Chippewa Valley Elementary Schools. She has successfully advocated for safe routes to schools in her community.

William Ivan, Lansing: William is a communication specialist with the Senate Majority Communications Office. He serves as precinct delegate for the Eaton County Republican Party, is active with the Dr. Nicholas Ivan Memorial Fund, and has worked on several campaigns. William has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in film production from the University of Colorado.

Robert Macomber, Grand Ledge: Active in grassroots politics since 1996, Rob started his political career as a state House campaign manager and legislative assistant in the Michigan House of Representatives. Now Director of Candidate & Party Assistance for the Michigan Republican Party, Rob serves as the GOP's liaison to elected officials, leadership and candidates for public and party office. He is a graduate of Northwood University. 

Frederick Maher, Livonia: Fred is a senior health care analyst for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. He is a part-time instructor for William D. Ford Career-Technical Center. Fred also speaks on healthcare for career awareness as a guest lecturer in public schools. He has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Wayne State University and a Master's Degree in Management and Supervision from Central Michigan University.  

Mia McNeil, Lansing: Mia is a lobbyist with Kelley Cawthorne. She serves as a Precinct delegate for Lansing Township's 3rd Precinct. She is active within the Michigan Democratic Party and in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.-Delta Tau Omega Chapter as a co-chair for its Connections Committee, the policy arm of the sorority. She is also a member of Phi Delta Phi International Legal Fraternity. Mia is a 2008 graduate of Thomas M. Cooley Law School.  

Kathleen Moore, Battle Creek: Kathleen serves as president of the Lakeview School District Board of Education. In 200, she was appointed to the Government Relations Committee for the Michigan Association of School Boards. Kathleen is also the Liturgy Coordinator/Bulletin Editor for St. Philip Church. For 11 years, she and her family have worked preparing meals once a month for the homeless in in the Battle Creek area.

Andrew Mutavdzija, Lansing: Andrew is the legislative director for state Rep. Bert Johnson. He is a graduate of James Madison College at Michigan State University with Bachelors' Degrees in International Relations and Journalism. At MSU, Andrew was a rower and assistant coach for MSU Crew, yearbook writer, fundraiser for University Development and award-winning correspondent for Capital News Service.

Amanda Roggenbuck, Unionville: Amanda is an attorney with Amanda L. Roggenbuck & Associates, PLLC. She serves as Tuscola County Commissioner, District I and chair of the Constituent Alumni Relations Committee of Cooley Law School. Amanda is a member of the Child Law Section of the State Bar, the Michigan State Bar and the Tuscola County Republican Party. She is a graduate of Michigan State University and Thomas M. Cooley Law School.  

Ericka Savage, Southfield: Ericka is the first woman appointed as legislative auditor for the City of Pontiac. In her position, Ericka serves as legal counsel and chief of staff for the city's legislative branch. Prior to her appointment, she served as Deputy City Attorney. Ericka serves as a commissioner for the Pontiac Stadium Building Authority and a National Board Member for the MSU Black Alumni Association. Ericka has volunteered for the Michigan Voter Protection Program and Democratic Party War Room.  

Heather Spielmaker, Charlotte: Heather is director of the Center for Ethics, Service, and Professionalism at Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She serves as a council member for the City of Charlotte and sits on its airport advisory and handicap accessible playground boards. Heather is a graduate of Michigan State University and currently is pursuing a Master's in Public Administration through Western Michigan University.

Demetria Taylor, Southfield: Demetria is the controller of the Westin Southfield Hotel. She served on the executive board of the Southfield Youth Association and is involved in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Southfield Democratic Party. She has been active in professional charitable organizations such as the United Way and the Voice Foundation, focused on medicine, science and education.

Casey Viegelahn, Rogers City: Casey served as a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps Military Police and has recently returned to Rogers City to work with Bigard and Huggard Oil Drilling. He is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Habitat for Humanity Presque Isle County. Casey has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from Central Michigan University.

Mark Vroman, Ionia: Mark is a lieutenant with the Meridian Township Fire Department. He serves as a vice chair of the Ionia County Board of Commissioners. Mark is Board President of ENRICH, a volunteer and information center in Ionia County. He serves on the Ionia County United Way Board of Directors, and sits on the MAC Human Services Committee. Mark is a graduate of Siena Heights University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Safety Studies.

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