Michigan Political Leadership Program

10/02/2026

Congratulations Jen Flood (2013) on your appointment!

Congratulations Jen Flood (2013) on your appointment!

Michigan Technological University Board of Trustees
Jen Flood is the Michigan State Budget Director. Previously, Flood served as the deputy chief of staff in the Executive Office of the Governor. Flood holds a Bachelor of Science in economics and a Master of Public Policy from Michigan State University. Jen Flood will be appointed to for a term commencing January 1, 2027, and expiring December 31, 2034. Flood succeeds John U. Bacon, whose term will expire.

The Board of Trustees is the governing body for Michigan Technological University. Among their responsibilities are the bylaws for the governing of the institution, fixing tuition rates and other fees and charges, appointing and removing personnel, determining compensation, conferring degrees, managing gifts, entering agreements, and acquiring and disposing of property.

10/01/2026

Congratulations, Dan Quinn (2021) on your new venture!

M-1 Strategic Partners, LLC is a boutique strategic advisory firm based in Southeast Michigan that helps organizations turn complex challenges into clear decisions and lasting capacity. We partner alongside leadership teams for the long haul, combining objective research, strategic planning, skilled...

10/01/2026

Tomorrow (10/2) is the last day to apply for our 2027 program! Application information is on our website: mplp.msu.edu
For more information, contact Linda Cleary at (517) 353-0891

09/23/2026

Testimonial Tuesday! Meet Emily Bauman, MPLP 2026 Fellow!

09/15/2026

Testimonial Tuesdays are back! Meet Justin Flynn, 2026 MPLP Fellow!

09/13/2026

Congratulations Jessica Brutzman (2022)!

🏆 Congratulations, Jessica Brutzman! 🏆

We are proud to recognize Jessica Brutzman as the recipient of the REALTOR® Active in Politics (RAP) Award!

This award honors REALTORS® who go above and beyond in advancing real estate advocacy, dedicating their time, energy, and investment to legislative outreach, protecting private property rights, and shaping policies that benefit homeowners across Michigan.

Thank you, Jessica, for being a strong voice for our industry and our community!

09/12/2026

What a fantastic weekend of learning, discussion, and thoughtful conversations around health policy and healthcare in Michigan!

A huge thank you to the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) and Michigan Association of Health Plans (MAHP) for generously sponsoring this weekend and for bringing together such an impressive group of presenters and healthcare and public policy leaders. We are grateful for the time, expertise, and insight each of you shared with us.

We had the opportunity to hear from:

• Christine Simon, Vice President, Government Affairs, Grand Rapids Chamber
• Madeline Watts, Director, Government & Regulatory Affairs, McLaren Health Care
• Phil Yeiter, Senior Director, Government Relations, Corewell Health
• Taylor Alpert, Director, Government Relations, Michigan Health & Hospital Association
• The Honorable Terri Lynn Land, Former Secretary of State, State of Michigan
• Leanna Krukowski, MSN, RN, Administrative Services Director, Trinity Health Michigan Neurosciences & Administrative Clinical Director, Trinity Health West Michigan Neurosciences
• Sean Gehle, Vice President, Advocacy, Trinity Health
• Autumn Outman, Government Affairs, Trinity Health
• The Honorable Kristian Grant, State Representative, State of Michigan
• The Honorable Winnie Brinks, Senate Majority Leader, State of Michigan
• The Honorable Steve Wooden, State Representative, State of Michigan
• Michael Sullivan, Director of Elections, Kent County and MPLP Alumnus (2021)

Thank you to everyone who made this weekend such a valuable experience. The opportunity to learn from leaders working directly in healthcare, government, elections, and public policy gave us a deeper understanding of the issues facing Michigan.

And a special thank you again to Michigan Health & Hospital Association and Michigan Association for Health Plans for investing in the Michigan Political Leadership Program and in the next generation of Michigan leaders!

09/05/2026

MPLP alumni connecting in Macomb County! Mayor Lori Stone (2017), Mark Hackel (Fall 1993) and Darrett Pullins (Fall 1994) celebrating the opening of the Macomb County College Sports and Expo Center!

09/04/2026

Congratulations Charity Dean (2015)!

Michigan Women’s Commission
Charity Dean, of Detroit, is the president and chief executive officer of the Michigan Black Business Alliance and the owner of Detroit Rosa. Dean was previously an adjunct professor at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Dean holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Oakland University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Charity Dean will be designated as chair for a term commencing October 14, 2026, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.

The Michigan Women's Commission was created by statute in 1968. The Commission's duties include reviewing the status of women in Michigan, directing attention to critical problems confronting women, and recognizing women's accomplishments and contributions to Michigan.