Michigan Political Leadership Program

Since the 1992 implementation of term limits in Michigan, the Michigan Political Leadership Program at Michigan State University has recruited, trained, and inspired public policy leaders, offering them the vision, commitment and skills necessary to govern effectively.

MPLP's mission is to help create good public policy for the state of Michigan. In a learning environment that actively engages participants from across Michigan’s partisan landscape, a diverse group of 24 individuals engage in a public policy and leadership curriculum. The 10-month program incorporates practical politics, public policy analysis and process, personal leadership development and effective governance. The program prepares these emerging leaders for entry into public life as candidates for office, government officials and citizen activists in the affairs of their communities and the State of Michigan. 

MPLP is nondiscriminatory, nonpartisan and does not participate in campaigns on behalf of issues, causes or candidates for office. It is solely concerned with practical political education and research.

Advisory Board and MPLP Co-Directors

Rudy Hobbs currently serves as Partner for Michigan Legislative Consultants.  Prior to his role, he served as an Oakland County Deputy Executive where he oversaw the departments of the Central Services (including the Oakland County International Airport), Health & Human Services, and Public Services. Hobbs also served as Chief of Staff for Wayne County 2015 -17 and two-terms in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2011-2014, where his colleagues elected him the Democratic Floor Leader. He represented Southfield, Lathrup Village, Oak Park, Beverly Hills, Franklin, and Royal Oak Township.

Tonya Schuitmaker currently serves as a Senior Advisor for Michiganders for Civic Resilience and is a partner at Schuitmaker Moraitis Law Firm. She served in the Michigan State House for three terms (2004-2008) where she held a number of leadership roles including Assistant Minority Floor Leader. In 2010, Tonya was elected to the Michigan Senate and was chosen by her colleagues to serve as President Pro Tempore, where she was only the second woman to ever hold this leadership position. Tonya served on the Senate Appropriations Committee and as Chairperson of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education. She also served on the Judiciary, and Energy & Technology Committees.

MPLP Advisory Board

• Chair: Bret Marr, Lobbyist, Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates
• Vice-Chair: Emily Skrzypczak*, Chief of Staff, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
• Jason Allen, Owner, Captain’s Quarters and Former State Senator
• Megan Blue*, Senior Director of Health Care Payer Policy, Michigan Health and Hospital Association
• Jim Cavanagh, Former Senior Counsel, Warner Norcross + Judd
• Rebecca DeVooght, Vice President Government Relations, Michigan State University
• Graham Filler*, Associate, McAlvey Merchant & Associates
• Rob Fowler, Chief Executive Officer, Public Policy Associates
• Matt Grossmann, Ph.D., Director, Institute for Public Policy and Social Research
• Gary Heidel*, Affiliated Consultant, Public Policy Associates
• Rudy Hobbs*, MPLP Co-Director and Partner, Michigan Legislative Consultants
• John Kaczynski*, Executive Director of Governmental and Community Affairs, Saginaw Valley State University
• Hillary Kipp, Governmental Affairs Manager, Consumers Energy
• Robert Mitchell, Founder, MPLP
• Herasanna Richards*, Legislative Associate, Michigan Municipal League
• Tonya Schuitmaker, MPLP Co-Director and Former State Senator
• Christine Simon*, COO, The WinMatt Group Brad Ward, Vice President of Public Policy & Legal Affairs, Michigan REALTORS
• Michael Sullivan*, Elections Director, Kent County
• Arnold Weinfeld, Associate Director, Institute for Public Policy and Social Research
• MoReno Taylor*, Democracy Manager - Michigan Voices, Chief Executive Officer - Taylor MADE Consulting Group
• Sara Wurfel*, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer, Michigan Chamber of Commerce

Emeritus Members:

• Craig M. DeRoche*, President/CEO, Family Policy Alliance
• Debbie Dingell, Congresswoman, Michigan
• Jacqueline Taylor, Ph.D, Associate, Pondera Advisors
• Richard N. Wiener, Retired Attorney

*MPLP Alumni

In Memoriam :

• Jacalyn Hadden
• Gary Olson
• Dr. Doug Roberts
• Bill Snow