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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: Bret Marr, Lobbyist, Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates
  • Vice-Chair: Emily Skrzypczak*, Director of Legislative, Appropriations and Constituent Services, 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, Senior Counsel, Warner Norcross + Judd Graham Filler*, Lobbyist, McAlvey Merchant & Associates
  • Matt Grossmann, Ph.D., Director, Institute for Public Policy and Social Research
  • Gary Heidel*, Chief Placemaking Officer, Michigan State Housing & Development Authority
  • 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
  • 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
  • Arnold Weinfeld, Associate Director, Institute for Public Policy and Social Research
  • Sara Wurfel*, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer, Michigan Chamber of Commerce

Emeritus Members:

  • Susy Avery, Former MPLP Co-Director
  • Dianne Byrum, Trustee, MSU Board of Trustees
  • Craig M. DeRoche*, President/CEO, Family Policy Alliance
  • Debbie Dingell, Congresswoman, Michigan
  • Lynn Jondahl, Retired, Former State Representative, Michigan
  • Anne Mervenne, President/CEO, Mervenne & Company
  • Dr. Aaron Payment*, Former Tribal Chair, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians
  • Jacqueline Taylor, Ph.D, Associate, Pondera Advisors
  • Steve Tobocman, Former MPLP Co-Director
  • Richard N. Wiener, Retired Attorney
  • Catherine Wilson, Executive Director, Government Affairs, Consumers Energy

*MPLP Alumni

In Memoriam :

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