EAST LANSING — Tonya Schuitmaker has been named the Michigan State University Michigan Political Leadership Program Co-Director, the university announced Friday.
Schuitmaker, a former Republican lawmaker who represented parts of Allegan County in the Michigan Legislature from 2005-18, will replace retiring GOP Co-Director Susy Avery in 2022.
As co-director, Schuitmaker will help lead the MPLP, which annually selects 24 people to earn an MSU certificate by completing 10 months of training focused on personal leadership, campaign operations, governing and communications.
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“We’re surely sad to say a fond good-bye to Susy Avery, a leader at all levels across Michigan government,” said Matt Grossmann, director of MSU’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research. “We are grateful for her years of service to MPLP.
“We’re also excited to welcome Tonya Schuitmaker’s mentoring skills and legislative experience in the House and Senate. We know her leadership will inspire new generations of Michigan leaders.”
Schuitmaker also ran for MSU trustee in 2020, but ultimately wasn’t selected by voters. At MPLP, she’ll be engaged in recruiting new fellows, building alumni relationships and reaching out to stakeholders and donors.
“I’m so excited about sharing my legislative experience with MPLP Fellows and alumni,” said Schuitmaker, of Lawton. “Plus, MPLP Co-Director Steve Tobocman and I have great experience working together.”
Schuitmaker, Tobocman and Avery will work together this fall to select MPLP’s Class of 2022 and kick off MPLP’s annual fundraiser in the spring of 2022.
MPLP applications are available online at mplp.msu.edu. Applicants must be 21 years old, a registered voter in Michigan and interested in seeking public office. Applications are due Friday, Oct. 1.
MPLP’s annual fundraiser, to be hosted in Lansing next year, invites nationally known speakers to help mark the start of a new MPLP class. The fundraising date and keynoter are to be announced soon.
More than 700 people have completed MPLP training, and more than half have served in elected or appointed office. MPLP alumni include tribal leaders, school board members, mayors and executives in private and for-profit organizations.
Eleven serve together in the Michigan Legislature. MPLP alumni Jocelyn Benson is Michigan’s elected Secretary of State.
