Session I of MPLP—First Steps and Real Talk in Lansing
In February, I kicked off my first weekend as a fellow in the Michigan Political Leadership Program (MPLP), and let me tell you—it was both nothing like I expected, and exactly what I needed.
I carpooled to Lansing with Kasi Meyers, a fellow Grand Rapidian I didn’t know very well beforehand. Within ten minutes, it was clear we were cut from the same cloth—deeply rooted in community, curious about systems, and happy to laugh along the way. That drive set the tone for what this program is all about: making meaningful connections with people you might not have otherwise met.
Checking in at the DoubleTree, I’ll admit I was a little nervous. I wanted to make a good first impression, but also stay true to myself—business-owner energy, community-enthusiast vibes and all. The first night was packed with introductions and a welcome dinner hosted by MPLP leaders Rudy Hobbs, Tonya Schuitmaker, and Linda Cleary. I met my roommate, Annosha from Wayne County, and we instantly got along.
But if I’m being honest, that first reception left me wondering if I really fit. I had assumed there would be more “business people” in the room, but the majority of fellows were from academic and government backgrounds. I had a quiet moment of doubt. Then I did what I try to do when I’m unsure—I reframed it. What better opportunity to expand my perspective than to spend time with people outside my usual circles? I realized swiftly: I wasn’t here to fit in. I was here to grow.
And grow I did—especially when I had the opportunity to introduce Dylan Gebhard during one of our exercises. We both come from family business backgrounds and care deeply about our hometowns. That unexpected connection reminded me why I love programs like this. When you strip away the titles, we’re just people trying to do some good.
Saturday was stacked with learning. We kicked off the morning with a session led by Steve Frisbie and Sam Singh, both elected officials and MPLP alumni. Steve’s presentation especially stood out to me—he was down-to-earth, honest, and refreshingly “no frills.” He reminded me of what local leadership can and should look like: authentic, accessible, and unpolished in the best way.
Then came the budget session. Whew. It was a lot. Mary Ann Cleary and Kathryn Summers walked us through the complexities of Michigan’s state budget, and let’s just say I now carry a copy with me wherever I go. Their biggest takeaway? You can’t cut the budget unless you understand the budget. That hit hard. It’s so tempting in public discourse to go for the simple soundbite, but governing—real, effective, long-term governing—is anything but simple.
After lunch, we walked over to the Capitol for a tour. I’d been there before—once as a kid, and again with my son Blake a few years ago—but each visit renews something in me. Every time I walk those halls, I feel inspired and compelled to serve. It’s a grounding experience that reminds me why I keep showing up.
We closed the day with an election analysis from Dr. Matt Grossmann, the program’s director. His session was equally exciting and sobering. He underscored that real change comes not from forcing policy through, but from working together to build consensus that lasts. If we want change to stick, we’ve got to do the hard relational work first.
Stay tuned for more MPLP updates.
