Current Fellows

Each Michigan Political Leadership Program class of fellows is comprised of twenty-four individuals from across Michigan. Brief biographical sketches of the current MPLP fellows (2008) are provided below. An overview of the fellowship is also available online.

2008 MPLP Fellows

Theresa Abed, Grand Ledge: Theresa is a School Social Worker for Eaton Intermediate School District. She also practices as a Mental Health Therapist at St. Vincent Catholic Charities. She was instrumental in the development of a Youth Center in Grand Ledge. Theresa serves on the Board of Directors for Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol and is a member of the Safe Schools Initiative. She is a precinct delegate for Eaton County and in her first term as an Eaton County Commissioner.

Michael P. Armitage, Milan: Michael is a Communications Officer with the University of Michigan Police Department. He currently serves as a board member for the Greater Milan Area Community Foundation and the Monroe County Economic Development Corporation. He is a former member of the Milan City Council and Planning Commission. Michael is involved in Relay for Life, Knights of Columbus and Friends of the Milan Public Library.

Edgar Boettcher III, Traverse City: Ed is President of Boettcher Masonry. He is active in many local and national construction associations, including the Michigan Council of Employers of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. Ed also serves as chair of the Antrim County Republican Party.

John Dakmak, Detroit: John is Director of Legislative Affairs for the Michigan Department of Attorney General. Prior to this appointment he served as section head of the Treasury and Gaming Section. John has served on fundraising committees for statewide and local political candidates. He is also a member of The Knights of Columbus and the Federalist Society.

John Decker, Birmingham: John is a partner with Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer & Weiss, P.C. focusing on corporate law. He serves on the Birmingham Area Cable Board, the State Bar of Michigan Corporate Laws Committee and as Alternate Hearing Officer for the City of Birmingham. John is a graduate of the University of Michigan, Harvard Law School and the London Business School.

Brenda DeKuiper, Grawn: Brenda is the Treasurer of Blair Township in Grand Traverse County. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Northwest Human Services Agency. Brenda chairs the Blair Community Playground Project, raising funds for a handicap accessible playground for the children of the community. She also organizes the annual Community Family Fun Day in the Park. Brenda has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from California Polytechnic State University.

William Doan, Ontonagon: Bill works for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources as Unit Supervisor for Porcupine Mountain State Park. He serves as a state park officer, a local fire department training officer and a 4-H leader. Bill is a member of the Ontonagon County Democratic Party. He is an advocate of sound environmental practices and is active in promoting these practices to universities and governmental agencies.

Terri Fitzpatrick, St. Ignace: Terri is the Director of Real Estate for the Michigan Department of Management and Budget. Previously, she worked for 10 years in economic development for the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Terri serves on the Board of Directors for the Girl Scouts of America Capital Council and the DeWitt YMCA Advisory Board.

Ann Glubzinski, Novi: Ann is an Adjunct Faculty member in the Business and Technology Department at Schoolcraft College. She serves as Treasurer on the Novi Community School District Board of Education and is the Board-appointed representative to the Novi Educational Foundation. Ann has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University.

Jimmy Greene, Saginaw: Jimmy is President of Total Solutions Group, a firm specializing in telecommunications and technology applications. He is the founder of the Saginaw County African American Leadership Training Institute. Jimmy is active in many organizations, including Junior Achievement, Child & Family Services, Leadership Saginaw County Alumni Association, the Children's Zoo, the Saginaw Chamber of Commerce and the Saginaw Art Museum. He is the 2007 recipient of the Spirit of Saginaw Award.

Carmen Hodge, Lansing: Carmen serves as the Program Manager for Alpha Women's Center of Grand Rapids. She is active in the New Centurion Program, and is involved with Pure Passion for Fashion and several ministries at Church of God International Outreach. She has volunteered for numerous political campaigns throughout the state. Carmen has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Toledo.

Gregory Johnson, Highland Park: Gregory is a high school English teacher with the Detroit Public Schools. Currently he serves as Executive Vice President of the Detroit Federation of Teachers and has served as AFT building representative, executive board member and convention delegate. Gregory is a precinct delegate for the 14th Democratic Congressional District.

John Knowles, East Lansing: John is the Chief of Staff for State Rep. Kevin Green. He serves on the Republican Executive Committee for the 8th Congressional District and for Ingham County. He is the Chair of the Ingham County Young Republican Club and Treasurer of the Michigan Federation of Young Republicans. John is a graduate of Western Michigan University and Michigan State University College of Law. 

Mary Marois, Traverse City: Mary recently retired from the Michigan Department of Human Services after 39 years. She was the Director of DHS for Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties. In 2005, she was named Collaborator of the Year by the Grand Traverse Community Collaborative. Mary is a Board Member of the National Cherry Festival, is on the Community Corrections Board and a member of the Poverty Reduction Initiative.

Lindsay Macomber, Grand Ledge: Lindsay works as a Policy Assistant for the Michigan Association of REALTORS®. She served as a field director for the Michigan Republican Party and has volunteered for various candidates and campaigns across the state. Lindsay is a member of the Eaton County Republican Party and serves as a tutor for Lansing Public Schools. She graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor's degree in Political Science.

Yvette McElroy, Detroit: Yvette is an Associate Dean for Transfer Programs at Wayne County Community College District. She serves as Field Director for the Fannie Lou Hamer Political Action Committee. She is a member and circle coordinator for the mentoring program Intonjane Training Institute. Yvette has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration from the University of Michigan and a master's degree in Educational Technology from Michigan State University.

Candice Morrison, Holt: Candice works in production at General Motors Corporation. She is a member of UAW Local 652 and serves as a Representative on its Veterans Committee. Candice served as the coordinator in assisting with donations and labor for the Stephen P. Yokich Duplex at the VFW Home for Children in Eaton Rapids. She is active in her community with issues concerning the elderly, homeless veterans and the developmentally disabled.

Susan Murphy, Jackson: Susan is the Deputy City Attorney for the City of Jackson. She also works as an Adjunct Law Professor at her alma mater, Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She serves as President-Elect for the Business and Professional Women's Club of Jackson, as Representative for the State Bar of Michigan and as Vice President of the Center Stage of Jackson. Susan is active in the Jackson County Women's Democratic Caucus, Jackson County Bar Association and Jackson County Council for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.

Kristin Salerno, Grand Rapids: Kristin is Finance Director for the Michigan Senate Democratic Caucus. She serves on the board for The League of Women Voters and as fundraising chair for Progressive Women's Alliance of West Michigan. She is a member of the entertainment steering committee for the Waterfront Film Festival. Kristin holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University and a master's degree in Management from Aquinas College.

Christopher Smith, East Lansing: Christopher is an economics and U.S. History teacher and is the Chair of the Social Studies Department at Okemos High School. He founded the school's Human Rights Group and Ride Your Bike to School Club. He is also the assistant hockey coach. Christopher was a Fulbright Scholar in South Africa in 2007. He has a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Economics from Michigan State University and a master's degree in Secondary Education from the University of Michigan.  

Peter Spadafore, Holt: Peter is Associate Director for the Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association. His responsibilities focus on educational policy and its effects on children. He previously worked for State Rep. Tim Melton. Peter is a graduate of James Madison College at Michigan State University where he served as President of the JMC Student Senate and currently serves as the Secretary of the JMC Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Deborah Stellini, Taylor: Debbie works as an Occupational Therapist for Henry Ford Health System. She serves as Treasurer for the Taylor School District Board of Education, chairs the district's Independent Audit Committee, serves on its Labor Management Committee and is a facilitator of the Coordinated Heath Team. Debbie is the Chair of the Taylor Teen Health Center's Advisory Board and serves on the Wayne County Association of School Board's Executive Board.

Gregory Ward II, Lansing: Greg is the Director of Marketing at Consumers Energy. He serves as treasurer for the company's PAC, Employees for Better Government. Greg serves on the Advisory Board for Lansing's Economic Development Authority and as Chair of the Advisory Board for the Downtown YMCA of Lansing Wellness Center. He earned a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University, a Master of Business Administration from Northwood University and a Master in Public Administration from Western Michigan University.

Anthony Watts, Detroit: Anthony serves as Deputy Judicial Clerk to Chief Judge Barry M. Grant of Oakland County Probate Court. He received his bachelor's degree in Political Science from Michigan State University. Anthony is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at Eastern Michigan University. 

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