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Michigan Political Leadership Program

The Michigan Political Leadership Program (MPLP) at Michigan State University (MSU) is distinguished as one of only a handful of multi-partisan leadership training programs in the nation. Graduates take with them the knowledge and skills needed to make sound public policy decisions and to be effective leaders of the future. Applications are sought from individuals who are interested in enhancing their leadership and political skills in order to better serve communities, constituencies, or causes. The program is administered and supported by MSU's Institute for Public Policy and Social Research in the College of Social Science.

Annually, a diverse group of 24 individuals are awarded the opportunity to participate in a hands-on curriculum that incorporates personal leadership development, public policy process and analysis, governance, and campaigning. Practical skills training are emphasized. Fellows participate in team and coalition-building activities to foster communication and the exchange of ideas. The MPLP faculty is comprised of elected officials, political activists, MSU faculty, media, and business professionals from across Michigan.

In a bipartisan learning environment, a diverse group of 24 individuals from across the state 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. More than 800 MPLP graduates have put the skills acquired through the program to work in their communities.

Advisory Board and MPLP Co-Directors

Rudy HobbsRudy Hobbs serves as a partner at Michigan Legislative Consultants (MLC) a full-service multi-client lobbying firm based in Lansing, MI. Prior to MLC, he served as the first African American Oakland County Deputy Executive. Hobbs served two-terms in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2011-2014, where his colleagues elected him the Democratic Floor Leader. Hobbs holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Teaching and a master's degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Michigan State University. He and his family live in Southfield.

Tonya Schuitmaker Tonya Schuitmaker served in the Michigan State House for three terms (2004-2008). During her terms in the House, Tonya 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 : Sara Wurfel^ - Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, Michigan Chamber of Commerce (MPLP 1999)
  • Vice-Chair : Bret Marr, Member, Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates
  • Jason Allen, Owner, Captain’s Quarters and Former State Senator
  • Susy Avery – Former Co-Director, MPLP and Former Republican Party Chair
  • Dianne Byrum* - MSU Trustee and President, Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications
  • Brian Calley – Former Lt. Governor, State of Michigan and President, Small Business Association of Michigan
  • Jim Cavanagh - Senior Counsel, Warner, Norcross, & Judd, LLP
  • Craig M. DeRoche* - Former Speaker, Michigan House of Representatives (MPLP 1992)
  • Debbie Dingell* - U.S. Representative, 12th District, Michigan
  • Matt Grossmann, Ph.D. - Director, Institute for Public Policy and Social Research, MSU Professor, Political Science Department, MSU
  • Patrick Harrington^ - Managing Member, Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates, and former Representative, Michigan House of Representatives
  • Gary C. Heidel* - Executive Director, Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MPLP 1993)
  • Bill Jackson^ - Associate, McAlvey Merchant & Associates (MPLP 2007)
  • Lynn Jondahl* - Former State Representative, Michigan House of Representatives
  • John Kaczynski^, Executive Director of Governmental and Community Affairs, Saginaw Valley State University
  • Anne M. Mervenne*, CEO, Mervenne & Company, Former MPLP Co-Director, MPLP
  • Aaron A. Payment, Ph.D.* - Tribal Chairperson, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians (MPLP 1992)
  • John T. Reurink - Publisher and Co-Owner, Michigan Information & Research Service, Inc.
  • Misti Rice - Executive Director, Government Relations, Magna International
  • Herasanna Richards^ - Legislative Associate, Michigan Municipal League (MPLP 2017)
  • Emily Skrzypczak^ - Director of Legislative, Appropriations and Constituent Services, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MPLP 2016)
  • Amy Scoby (Baumer)* - Vice President, The Christman Company
  • Jacqueline Taylor*, Ph.D. - Consultant, Pondera Advisors, LLC
  • Steve Tobocman – Former Co-Director, MPLP and Partner, New Solutions Group
  • Brad Ward - Vice President Public Policy and Legal Affairs, Michigan Realtors
  • Arnold Weinfeld – Associate Director, Institute for Public Policy & Social Research, Michigan State University
  • Richard N. Wiener* - Attorney, Retired
  • Catherine Wilson* - Executive Director State Governmental Affairs, Consumers Energy*
  • Justin Winslow^ - President and CEO, Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association

*Emeritus Member ^MPLP Alumni

In Memoriam :

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