Speaker of the House Joe Tate
Speaker Joe Tate is serving his third term, representing the 10th House District, a diverse community that covers Detroit’s northeast side and the communities of the Village of Grosse Pointe Shores, Grosse Pointe Woods, Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe city, Grosse Pointe Park and part of Harper Woods. After an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, he earned both an MBA and a master’s in environmental policy and planning from the University of Michigan. Before joining the Legislature, Tate helped small businesses grow their capacity as a program manager for the Detroit Economic Growth Corp.
Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks
Senator Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) is the Senate Majority Leader. She is proud to have earned the historic distinctions as the first woman to ever hold this position in the Michigan Senate, as well as being the first woman to represent Grand Rapids in the Michigan Senate since 1920. Before being elected to the state House, where she served three terms, Brinks was a caseworker at The Source, helping businesses and nonprofits improve workplaces and retain employees. She also worked as the director of a community-based corrections agency and as a school paraprofessional.
Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt
Senator Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Twp.) grew up on a six-generation family farm in West Michigan. He went on to earn an economics degree from Hillsdale College, later earning a master’s in international business. He served three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives before being elected to the Michigan Senate. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes portions of Berrien, Van Buren, Allegan and Kent counties and currently serves as Senate Republican Leader.
House Republican Whip Mike Harris
Representative Mike Harris was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in May 2022. He represents the 52nd District, which encompasses part of Oakland County: the cities of Lake Angelus and Clarkston, Independence Township, and portions of Springfield and Waterford townships. Representative Harris serves as the Republican vice chair on the House Insurance and Financial Service Committee. He also serves as a member on the Ethics and Oversight Committee and Criminal Justice Committee. Before taking office, Harris served in law enforcement for 26 years, including 25 years with the Waterford Township Police Department.
Julia Dale, Director, Unemployment Insurance Agency
Julia Dale has more than 20 years of service to the residents of the state of Michigan in leadership and management roles throughout government. Her extensive career, education and training give her the tools to focus on helping all Michiganders and provide exceptional customer service to residents and businesses. Dale previously served as director at the Department of Technology, Management and Budget. She holds a law degree and previously worked as an Assistant Attorney General and Section Head of the Department of Attorney General's Business and Charities Section.
Tanya Blehm, Manager, Great Lakes Bay Manufacturers Association
Tanya Blehm, a proud Michigander and Northwood University alumna, brings 35 years of diverse expertise to the table. With a strong foundation in customer service, she has honed her skills in building lasting relationships. Tanya’s commitment extends to the non-profit sector, where she has championed various causes with passion and dedication. In the realm of exporting, Tanya navigated complex global markets with finesse, while her tenure in the furniture industry showcases her eye for design and quality. A seasoned professional, Tanya Blehm embodies excellence in every endeavor she undertakes.