Guest Speakers

Every semester, a series of speakers that work in the political and policy field are invited into the classroom to share their professional experiences and to network with Griffin Students. With sincere appreciation, the following list is of the individuals who shared their time and expertise. If you or someone you know is interested in being a guest speaker, please contact Andrea LaFontaine at lafon1am@cmich.edu.

» Governor John Engler — Michigan’s 46th Governor (1991-2002) » State Representative Tom Leonard — former Speaker of the House. 2x candidate for Michigan Attorney General » David Knezek — Wayne County Commissioner, Chief Deputy Director for Administration – Department of Health and Human Services, former State Senator » Samantha McClain — Research and Communication for Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee,

Hilary for President, and Illinois Amendment 1, Right to Collective Bargaining Measure (2022) » State Senator Sylvia Santana » State Representative Harvey Santana » Bret Marr — lobbyist at Muchmore Harrington & Smalley » Eric Ventimiglia — Executive Director, Michigan Rising Action » Jonathan Jarosz — Executive Director at Heart of the Lakes, advocate for Proposal 1 2020 » Maggie Pallone — Vice President of Public Sector Consultants » Meghann Keit-Corrion — Government Policy Advisor at Dykema » Jason Griffin — State Government Affairs and Policy Director – Hemlock Semiconductor and grandson to

Senator Robert Griffin » Earl Poleski — Jackson County Commissioner, former State Representative » Michelle Lange — Director of Dept. Technology Management and Budget, former legislative liaison for Governor

Rick Snyder, former Michigan Tax Tribunal justice » State Representative Kevin Cotter — former Speaker of the House » Amanda Fisher — State Director National Federation of Independent Businesses » Matthew Campbell — CMU student and congressional staff to Brenda Lawrence » State Senator Rick Outman » Lisa Posthumous Lyons — Kent County Clerk, former State Representative » Gabe Schneider — lobbyist and founder of Northern Strategies 360, former staff to Senator Carl Levin » Emily Daunt — Vice President of Communications and Operations at Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association » Steve Daunt — Senior Policy Analyst, Michigan House Republicans » Tony Daunt — Board of State Canvassers » Laura Biehl — Director of Public Affairs, Resch Strategies » Kelli Saunders — Executive Advisor & Director of Office Administration at Small Business Association of Michigan » State Senator Pamela Hornberger

Kent County Clerk, Lisa Posthumus Lyons

Andrea and former Speaker of the House and State Representative Tom Leonard

Emily Daunt (Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association), Stephen Daunt (House Republican Policy Office), Tony Daunt (Board of State Canvassers) with Spring 2022 Griffin Students