Theresa Anderson (D), Manistee, (Manistee): Theresa is currently the Data Strategy Administrator for the Bureau of Health and Wellness at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. She earned a Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Administration in Health Services from Central Michigan University. She supports the Health Information Technology Commission to optimize and expand health and community information exchange across service sectors. Theresa is also currently president of the Manistee Area Public Schools Board of Education.
Natasha Atkinson (D), East Lansing, (Ingham): Natasha is currently the Chief of Staff for State Representative Emily Dievendorf. A graduate of North Carolina Central University, she has spent the last 10 years in Michigan working alongside community changemakers. Serving as committee chair for the NAACP (greater Lansing Branch), she strives to illuminate the connection between politics and everyday life. Natasha prides herself in her policy research and highlighting initiatives that bring a holistic approach to issues impacting communities.
Jessica Ayoub (D), Detroit, (Wayne): Jessica is the Field Director at the ACLU of Michigan where she leads the organization’s grassroots advocacy efforts and issue-based campaigns. She played a key role in the grassroots mobilization that contributed to the successful passage of Proposal 3 in 2018, expanding voting rights in Michigan, and Proposal 3 in 2022, protecting reproductive freedom in Michigan. Jessica is a graduate of James Madison College at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan School of Social Work.
Josiah Bear (R), Holt, (Ingham): Josiah is currently the Deputy District Director for Congressman John Moolenaar. He is a graduate of Michigan State University with a Master of Public Policy and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Music. In his role in Congressman Moolenaar’s office, he manages the Caledonia District Office and assists Veterans and military men and women with issues pertaining to federal government agencies. Josiah previously worked for Public Sector Consultants, where he was on the Catamaran Team, the system used by the State of Michigan to promote positive outcomes and ensure compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE).
Katherine Bussard (R), Potterville, (Eaton): Katherine currently works to advance the cause of good governance and engaged Christian citizenship as the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Salt & Light Global. An honored graduate of Thomas Edison State University, Katherine has a background in education, entrepreneurship, economic development, and more than a decade of experience in public policy and communications work. Katherine is passionate about community service, including her current role on the Potterville Board of Education and past service as mayor and a city council member; she is also a founding member of Potterville Straight Up and Mid-Michigan Women for Conservative Values.
Jaylen Bradley (D), St. Clair Shores, (Macomb): Jaylen currently works in the City of Detroit Mayor's Office as the Policy and Program Advisor for Mayor Duggan's Community Violence Intervention initiative, ShotStoppers. In addition, Jaylen is an Online Adjunct Professor for Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) teaching undergraduate social science courses. Before such roles, he was a White House Intern in President Biden's Administration and has also interned for various legal advocacy organizations. Jaylen enjoys spending time with family and friends, engaging in community service, traveling, and trying new cuisines. Jaylen is a proud graduate of Renaissance High School in Detroit, The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor for his undergraduate studies, and Georgetown University in Washington, DC for graduate school.
Aurelius Christian (D), Lansing, (Ingham): Aurelius currently serves as the Development Programs Coordinator for the Lansing Economic Development Corporation. In this role he is spearheading a multi-million-dollar initiative to create economic empowerment for disadvantaged populations. Aurelius is also an executive board member for the Ingham Community Health Centers, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that provides quality affordable health care access to over 27,000 of the most vulnerable individuals in Ingham County. Aurelius graduated from the Michigan State University College of Communication Arts and Sciences with a bachelor’s in advertising management. Aurelius has led communications for multiple multi-million-dollar social impact organizations.
Emily Daunt (R), Dewitt, (Clinton): Emily is currently the Vice President of Communications & Brand Strategy at the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association. In her role, she leads the development of the MRLA brand, develops awareness campaign, serves as a spokesperson and media liaison, and oversees the Women in Hospitality Leadership initiative. She has spent the last eight year with the MRLA in various roles across government affairs, marketing, communications, operations and membership. Emily is a graduate of Central Michigan University and resides in Dewitt with her fiancé and two dogs.
Deeb D. Eid (R), Grand Rapids (Kent): Deeb is a Doctor of Pharmacy graduate of the University of Toledo who currently serves as a Senior Advisor, Regulatory Affairs in Pharmacy for CVS Health working on regulatory/legislative efforts. His focus has been working with State Boards of Pharmacy throughout the country on improving regulations and providing evidence backed insights to both internal and external partners. He formerly served as Faculty at Ferris State College of Pharmacy and completed post graduate work in Washington D.C. Deeb has served on various national, regional, and local boards, working on healthcare law, public policy, volunteering for political campaigns, and conducting research to advance pharmacy practice.
Luke Eising (R), White Cloud, (Newaygo): Luke is a regenerative farmer of 10 years, and a graduate of Calvin University. Luke's Farm has demonstrated measurable gains in ecological health and is part of the Savory Institute. Luke also runs a general contracting business which provides part-time employment opportunities for people with criminal records, and those without stable housing.
Darryl Ervin (D), Grand Ledge, (Eaton): Darryl is a dedicated husband and father hailing from Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from Michigan State University in December 2022, where he notably served as the commencement speaker. As the founder of the non-profit SLS Detroit and a national board member of buildOn. Darryl actively contributes to community development. Beyond his philanthropic efforts, he engages as a compelling youth speaker, sharing his inspirational journey across various parts of the country.
Stacy Farrell (I), Howell, (Livingston): Stacy is an advocate in the fields of children's health, parent leadership, and mental wellness. Her specialty is identifying and filling gaps through thoughtful analysis and creative collaborations. She is Board President of the Association for Children's Mental Health, serves on the advisory of Michigan Family Voices, and represents her community on the board of the Livingston County Human Services Collaborative Body. Her most recent passion is volunteering for the nonprofit, Braver Angels.
Spencer Good (R), Howell, (Livingston): Spencer is a recent graduate of James Madison College at Michigan State University. He is a co-founder of the Spartan Food Security Council, a student organization that helped launch the Michigan Hunger Free Campus initiative. In this role, Spencer accrued experience in grassroots advocacy, coalition building, and food security programming. He plans to leverage this experience to fund a nonprofit consulting group that provides insights to colleges and universities seeking to improve food security. Spencer has also opened a food truck and supported the food service industry as a government affairs intern at the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association.
Remi Harrington (I), Kalamazoo, (Kalamazoo): Remi is currently the Administrator and Executive Director of the Zoo City Farm and Food Network, a local food policy council with regional expanse and national impact. Remi is a graduate of Western Michigan University and has over twenty years of experience in nonprofit administration, community organizing and human centered design integration-specifically in the areas of literacy and farm and food systems. The work of revamping farm and food systems is critical to our collective sustainability, and the urgency of having a fully representative, reverent and equitable food industry ecosystem is foundational to National and Global citizenship.
Suzette Loeffler (I), Hemlock, (Saginaw): Suzette is a Business Contract Manager for DuPont Michigan Operations. She is a manufacturing and supply chain professional who earned a Master of Science degree from Kettering University. Suzette volunteers as a CASA, a court appointed special advocate for abused and neglected children in both Saginaw and Bay counties through the Great Lakes Bay Region CAN Council. At home in Midland County, she is serving a second term on the Ingersoll Township Planning Commission.
Chris Moraitis (R), Paw Paw, (Kalamazoo): Chris is currently partner at a law firm in Paw Paw Michigan with a special focus on Estate Planning, Real-Estate Transactions, and Corporate Work. A graduate from Michigan State University, Chris studied in the James Madison Program as well as graduate from Law School… GO GREEN! He strives to become a leader in his community, not only from the side of the law, but from policy and decision-making to make his town strong and prosperous.
Riley Myers (D), Lansing, (Ingham): Riley currently works as State Senator Jeremy Moss's Scheduler and Administrative Assistant. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science from Saginaw Valley State University. Riley formerly worked on State Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet's campaign and canvassed for over a dozen candidates with the Carpenters Union Canvassing Team during the 2022 election cycle. She is passionate about LGBTQ+ rights, climate policy, and reproductive freedom.
Jackson Pahle (D), Van Buren Township, (Wayne): Jackson is currently the Chief of Staff for State Representative Reggie Miller and has previously served as an intern with former Ypsilanti Mayor Lois Richardson. Jackson received his bachelor's degree in sociology from Bowling Green State University and his master’s degree in public administration from Eastern Michigan University. Jackson applied to MPLP to continue to learn to work across the aisle to find ways to better the state of Michigan.
Nick Palmer (D), Big Rapids, (Mecosta): Nick is the Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) Scholars Program Coordinator at Ferris State University, working to increase college access and help at-risk students navigate their college experience. He holds a bachelor’s degree in professional communication from Siena Heights University (2016) and a master's Degree in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education from Michigan State University (2019). A Marquette native, he got his start in politics working in the office of the late State Representative John Kivela (D-Marquette).
Ethan Petzold (D), Canton, (Wayne): Ethan is currently the Political Coordinator at the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. Ethan is a graduate from Central Michigan University with a B.S. in Political Science and Public & Nonprofit Administration. He serves on the Canton Township Tax Board of Review, Canton Township Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee and is President of the Canton Democratic Club.
Nicole Rodriguez (R), Royal Oak, (Oakland): Nicole is currently a Client Relations and Legislative Specialist at Khoury Johnson Leavitt, a Lansing-based lobbying firm. She has dedicated nearly five years to the firm, aligning client objectives with legislative strategies. Her growth within the firm reflects her commitment to navigating and contributing to Michigan’s political landscape. Nicole is passionate about advocating for and bridging the gap between people and decision makers and seeks to leverage her skills and knowledge to positively impact individuals, communities, and businesses.
Caitlyn Stark (R), Cadillac, (Wexford): Caitlyn is currently serving as the President with the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce. She is currently serving as the Vice Chair of the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance and active member of the Northern Michigan Political Action Committee. She is a graduate of Albion College with her Bachelor of Science in Business Organizations within the Carl A. Gerstacker Institute for Business and Management as well as the Gerald R Ford Institute for Leadership in Public Policy and Service. She has her master’s degree in city/urban, Community and Regional Planning from Wayne State University, focused specifically in Housing and Community Development. She has over a decade in public community engagement, especially with employer involvement for livability in a region.
Josh Stump (R), Lambertville, (Monroe): Josh serves as the Legislative Director for State Representative Dale Zorn, bringing a diverse professional background to his role. A graduate of the University of Mount Union in Religious Studies, Josh's career includes five years as a teacher, where he honed skills in communication, leadership, and community engagement. Simultaneously, he was a successful entrepreneur, owning and operating a Snap Fitness franchise. This blend of educational and entrepreneurial experience provides Josh with a unique perspective in his legislative work, enhancing his ability to support policies that foster education, small business growth, and the overall well-being of his community.
Aya Takai (D), Canton, (Wayne): Aya is currently the Director of State Government Affairs at Commonwealth Care Alliance. In this role, she leads CCA’s legislative and regulatory efforts to support the organization’s mission of improving the health and wellbeing of individuals with significant needs. Prior to CCA, she was a policy advisor to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, legislative aide in Congress, and worked at several startups. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Public Health and attended the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.