Michigan Political Leadership Program
Dianne Byrum In addition to her work with MPLP, Dianne is a partner in Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications specializing in political and grassroots organizing, coalition-building and media relations. Not only are her roots deep in local business ownership, but also Dianne is distinguished as the first woman to ever hold a caucus leadership position in the Michigan Legislature. She served eight years on the Ingham County Commission, and pursued her political passions into the state House and Senate for a total of 24 years of legislative and county government experience. She won two terms in the state House, serving from 1991 to 1994, then successfully ran for a seat in the state Senate, where she served from 1995 to 2002. She returned to the state House in 2003 and served there until 2006. Dianne became the first woman elected Democratic leader of the Michigan House of Representatives in 2002, and while there pursued an expanded presence and campaign resources for caucus members. In the Legislature, Dianne led the bipartisan Task Force on Election Reform and the Special Committee on the Streamlined Sales Tax. The National Democratic Institute selected her to assist with election training and oversight in Bosnia in 2001. She’s also been known for her work on behalf of children and education. She was awarded the “Champion of Hope” award from the Children’s Trust Fund, and received the Distinguished Service Award from the Michigan Education Association. She’s served on the Community Resources Board for the Girl Scouts, and has been active with the Ronald McDonald House and Angel House. She established the Task Force on Early Childhood Education and Care, and sponsored a legislative internship program encouraging young men and women to pursue a career of their own in public service. Dianne earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University.
Anne Mervenne In addition to her work as Co-director of MPLP, Anne is President of Mervenne and Partners, a governmental consulting firm. Previously she served twelve years in the Engler Administration, most recently as a member of the senior management team as Special Advisor to Governor John Engler and Mrs. Engler. In this capacity, she served as a liaison to the White House and Federal Cabinet members for Governor Engler and was responsible for strategic planning with Mrs. Engler concerning her role as First Lady. This included coordinating her extensive activities and public relations. Prior to this appointment, Anne served as the director of the Governor's Southeast Michigan office, as executive director of the Michigan Women's Commission, and as director of appointments for the Governor. As executive director of the Michigan Women's Commission, Anne focused on public policy issues facing women. She is proud of the enactment of new laws during her tenure guaranteeing more protection for victims of domestic violence. As the director of appointments, she was responsible for recommending nominees to Governor Engler to fill several hundred commission and board positions throughout state government. Anne also served as the director of the Governor's Management Intern program (GMI). Anne has been an elected official in her own right. She served as a member of the Ingham County Board of Commissioners for four years. Her public policy experience also includes working in the Michigan State Senate for seven years in a variety of capacities for former State Senator Doug Cruce. Her volunteer activities include membership on the Board of Trustees of WTVS Public Television in Detroit; Angels’ Place Board of Directors; the Focus: HOPE Advisory Board; and the Capital Campaign Committee of the Children’s Center in Detroit. She is a member of the Economic Club of Detroit and the Women's Economic Club. Anne earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University's James Madison College in 1982. She is available at anne@mervenne.com.
Barbara Knuth Barbara Knuth is the Program Administrator for the Michigan Political Leadership Program. Barb is a fall 1994 graduate of MPLP and has been an active member of the alumni corps. Barb's professional experience includes working as an independent educational and business consultant where she helped organizations implement succession plans, develop key leaders, create strategic plans, and institute new systems. Before entering the consulting world, Ms. Knuth had an extensive career in public education administration, serving as a high school principal, middle school principal, and teacher. She was also a board member of the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals from 1996-2003, and served part of her tenure as its president. Barb is available at (517) 353-0891 or knuthb@msu.edu.
Katherine Cusick, M.A. Katherine Cusick serves as Program Assistant for the Michigan Political Leadership Program. Ms. Cusick has been with the Institute since 1994. As previous Director of the telephone interviewing facility. Prior to coming to the Institute, Katherine worked as a Court Investigator with the State of Michigan for eight years and as a Director of Residential Life at Barry University and the University of Detroit Mercy. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor with the State of Michigan. Katherine is available at (517) 353-1357 or at cusick@msu.edu.
IPPSR Staff MPLP Administration