Our 2024 Cohort

Yvette Haynes

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I’m a resident of Saginaw, MI and reside in Buena Vista Township. I currently work part time at Houghton-Jones Neighborhood Association and as an Intervention Specialist with Victorious Community Development Inc. (community development arm of Victorious Believers Ministries) currently housed at Houghton Jones Neighborhood Association. I’m a board member of Mission In The City the community development arm of New Life Baptist Ministries and also work with our youth ministry. I’m a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. of the great Zeta Omega Zeta Chapter in Saginaw, MI. I’m also a new business owner of The Hat Lady LLC, which I started in June 2024. I have a heart and dedication to the community and commitment to community involvement. I volunteer to unify hope while fostering a well-rounded community. My educational background I possess the following: Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Cum Laude from Ferris State University, Delta College, Associate in Applied Arts in Liberal Arts (Sociology/Social Work), Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice and a youth worker certificate. I also have a certificate in non-profit management from Saginaw Valley State University. I look forward to a part of The Henry Marsh Institute of Public Policy.

Chedrick Greene

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Chedrick A. Greene is a distinguished public servant with over 25 years of experience spanning fire service, military leadership, and legislative work. Currently serving as District Assistant to State Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet, he monitors legislative developments and manages constituent relations. As Fire Captain for the City of Saginaw Fire Department since 1999, he leads station operations and serves as Incident Commander at emergency scenes. Greene recently retired as Command Senior Enlisted Leader (E-9) from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve after 31 years of service, where he oversaw 1,500+ Marines and Sailors across 11 detachments nationwide. His military education includes the prestigious U.S. Marine Corps Commander's Course "Cornerstone" and Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education. Active in community service, Greene serves as Board President of the Saginaw County Veterans Memorial Plaza and Vice President of Saginaw Valley Crime Stoppers. He previously served on Michigan Governor Whitmer's Statewide Housing Partnership and the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Saginaw County board.

Moria Cutler

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Moira is a dedicated community advocate and a retired combat veteran with three years of service in the United States Army as a culinary specialist, including overseas deployment in Syria. Currently based in Midland, Michigan, Moira is actively involved in veteran outreach and serves with the Great Lakes Bay Veterans Coalition, where she works to improve resources and opportunities for service members transitioning to civilian life. With a strong interest in public service and community engagement, Moira is pursuing opportunities to enhance her understanding of political systems and policy-making. Her experience managing outreach initiatives, coordinating events, and building connections across diverse communities provides a solid foundation for contributing to public service and legislative work.

Joey Stevenson

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Joseph Stevenson is a Legislative Director at the Michigan House of Representatives where he has assisted in drafting and researching several bills primarily focused on the state’s housing shortage and regulatory reform. As a 2024 Regional Political Director for the Michigan House Republican Campaign Committee, Joseph oversaw key races in Bay, Genesee, and Macomb counties, helping retain five competitive seats and flip one of the state’s most contested districts. A first-generation college student, Joseph studied Economics at Northwood University before transferring to the University of Michigan-Flint for Political Science. Active in Republican politics, he serves on the 8th Congressional Republican Committee, the Genesee County Republican Party Executive Committee, and as a Precinct Delegate. Joseph also operates Great Lakes Digital, LLC, a political consulting and digital strategy firm. In his free time, Joseph enjoys hiking, photography, reading, and spending time with family.

Amanda Walker

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Amanda Walker grew up in Bay City, MI and graduated from Bay City Public Schools in 2007. From there she attended Delta College before transferring to Saginaw Valley State University. She graduated from SVSU in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and social studies. Upon graduating, Amanda began her career with Bay City Public Schools teaching third grade at MacGregor Elementary School; the same school she went to as a child. In 2023, Amanda obtained her master’s degree in principalship and began teaching aspiring K-8 educators at SVSU how to teach social studies. In addition to teaching, Amanda is involved in her local, state, and national teacher’s union. She is the elected elementary representative to the executive board for the Bay City Education Association, Membership Chair, and serves as a building representative. Amanda is the sole representative from Michigan in the National Education Association’s Leaders for Just Schools program, where she works with educators across the country to create equitable school systems. Amanda has also worked as a member organizer and a political action leader for the Michigan Education Association. In her free time, Amanda likes to spend time with her husband and three sons: Jackson (16), August (8), and Asa (6). She also enjoys traveling, reading, walking her two rescue dogs, watching soccer and football, and spending time with friends and family.

Rylee Livesay

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Rylee is a junior at Saginaw Valley State University majoring in history with a minor in political science and is currently serving as the SVSU College Republicans' Vice President. She also serves as a museum assistant for the Marshall M Fredericks Sculpture Museum where she provides customer service as well as assists full-time staff with grant research. Rylee's academic interests include religious, political, and legal history specifically in the American Colonial period and contemporary studies in Christian Nationalism within the field of political science. Rylee is also a national award winner of the 2023 - 2024 American Moot Court Association Case Brief competition where she placed 7th for her writing. Following graduation, she aspires to attend graduate school to pursue a doctorate in history and conduct research within academia. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering at the Castle Museum of Saginaw County History, reading, and traveling.

Dave Smith

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Dave Smith grew up in the City of Saginaw, Michigan, where his parents raised him alongside his four older siblings. During his high school years, his family relocated to the Birch Run area, but Saginaw has always remained home in his heart. While in high school, Dave balanced part-time jobs with playing sports. After graduating, he enrolled at Delta College, where he pursued an Associate of Science degree, worked as a tutor, and met Stephanie, who would later become his wife. Dave continued his education at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU), earning a Bachelor of Professional Accountancy. During his studies, he began working at a local accounting office, providing accounting services to small businesses in the region. After graduating from SVSU in December 2008, Dave joined a CPA firm specializing in governmental audits. Over the next four years, he honed his skills auditing municipalities across Michigan, provided business management services to two school districts in Arenac County, and married Stephanie. The couple settled in Saginaw Township, where they lived for the next decade. In 2013, Dave transitioned to a role as the controller for a local manufacturing company. At the same time, he returned to SVSU to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and began teaching accounting and business courses as an adjunct instructor at Delta College. He earned his MBA in 2016 and, in 2019, joined the Saginaw Intermediate School District (SISD). Today, Dave serves as the Executive Director of Finance at SISD. In this role, he leads the finance department, reviews proposed legislation, and works to enhance the lives of students across Saginaw County. Outside of work, Dave enjoys the outdoors, staying physically active, and spending time with his large family, and maintaining his tight group of friends. He and Stephanie reside in Hemlock, Michigan, with their daughter, Charlie, four cats, and a dog.

Noah Johnson

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Noah Johnson is a third-year Political Science student at Saginaw Valley State University. He is currently serving as both the President of the SVSU College Democrats and the Student Coordinator for Cardinals Vote, SVSU's non-partisan civic engagement initiative. Over the summer, he worked on Shadia Martini's campaign for Michigan's 54th State House District.

Erin Patrice-Walker

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Erin Patrice, a Midland resident, has spent her adult life advocating for children, adults, and families through community work, speaking engagements, and personal connections. She sits on the Midland County Housing Commission, is a Midland Area Cultural Awareness Coalition member, and sits on several boards that allow her to advocate for seniors, the less fortunate, and children. Erin worked as a life coach at an alternative education school and a juvenile detention center. She is a trained behavioral specialist. Erin is a keynote speaker, Professional Development educator, and facilitator. She shares her message with schools and organizations- through speaking and facilitating workshops. Erin was the 2023 Midland Daily News Citizen of the Year and the 2022 Great Lakes Bay Regional MLK Drum Major award. Erin is an active community leader. You'd only know her many contributions to the community if someone else shared them. One of her many passions is to help people be seen and heard, which led her to start a nonprofit, The Breaking Bread Village. It was initially based on the idea that “It takes a village” and was intentionally created as a safe space, free of judgment. The intention is for everyone to feel confident that their ideas and perspectives will be heard. Erin is committed to listening first, with empathy, love, and consideration. She believes that when people feel they have no voice- love, creativity, and hope can take a back seat to indifference, malice, and disdain. She strives to create bonds and relationships that allow people to form bridges; all can walk across to achieve a common goal motivated by peace. To learn more about her work in the community and accomplishments, go to tbbv.org

Dalton Natke

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Dalton Natke, 29, is a dedicated professional and community leader. Currently serving on the Auburn City Board of Commissioners, Dalton brings a strong commitment to public service and civic engagement. He works as an Associate at Weinlander Fitzhugh P.C., where he applies his expertise in accounting and business strategy. A senior at Saginaw Valley State University, Dalton is completing his degree in Accounting while pursuing his CPA designation. A proud U.S. Navy veteran, Dalton combines his military experience with his academic and professional skills to make a positive impact in his community and career.

Carrie Strohkirch

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Carrie Strohkirch is the founder of Ethos Consulting Group, a forward-thinking consultancy dedicated to empowering leaders and driving transformative change through strategic initiatives and planning. Carrie’s professional experience began as a Victim’s Advocate at the Sanilac County Prosecutor's Office and then in executive administration at Michigan Public Health Institute in Okemos, MI. In 2008, she joined Strohkirch, LLC – a multi-state, multi-franchise restaurant company with her husband, William. A strong dedication to community improvement has led Carrie to be involved with numerous nonprofits including the American Cancer Society, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and Hell’s Half Mile Film and Music Festival. She has served as President of the Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region, Rotary Club of Bay City, and Chair of the Dow Bay Area Family YMCA Board of Directors. She currently serves as the President of the Michigan State Council of Junior Leagues and chair of the State Public Affairs Committee where she leads statewide initiatives that advocate for policy reforms, particularly around women’s health and empowerment. In 2026, she and her family are proud to be the sponsors of the Dow Bay Area Family YMCA Strohkirch Family Kitchen, a long-term goal that began with her work with the YMCA’s food program in 2014.

Terry Spencer

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Terry Spencer currently serves as the Supervisor of Monitor Township, having been elected to his second consecutive term in 2024. In addition, he holds the position of Chief of Police for the City of Pinconning and is a co-owner of Dunlop Motor Company in Bay City. Spencer was first elected as Supervisor of Monitor Township in 2020. Prior to his tenure as Supervisor, he dedicated nearly 18 years of service as a full-time police officer. Spencer is also the President of Dunlop Motor Company, a family-owned business that has operated in downtown Bay City since 1924. A distinguished military veteran, Spencer served on active duty in the United States Navy aboard the USS Pyro (AE-24), with two deployments during the Persian Gulf War. He also served in the Michigan Army National Guard’s aviation unit based in Grand Ledge. Spencer is deeply engaged in community service and leadership. He currently serves as Chairperson of the Bay County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and as a board member of the Monitor Township Downtown Development Authority (DDA). He is actively involved in a number of local organizations, including the American Legion Post 18 (Past Trustee), the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 103 (Past Trustee), Knights of Columbus #2740 (Essexville), Bay City Lions Club, and the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. Spencer has also been a past member of the Bay County Rotary Club, AmVets, and the Bay Veterans Foundation. In recognition of his contributions to the community, Spencer was named Citizen of the Year in 2017 by the Pinconning and Linwood Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the Leadership Bay County Class of 2019. Spencer remains committed to improving the quality of life in the communities he serves, with a particular focus on economic development. Outside of his professional and civic roles, he is an avid outdoorsman and values spending quality time with his family.

Heather Hart

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Heather Hart is the District Administrator of the Saginaw Conservation District where she oversees day to day operations. Working closely with the Board of Directors she guides public relations, programming and finances while managing human resources, funding and events. Heather holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Northwood University. Her 25+ years of experience in accounting and office management have shaped her into a powerful force in the workplace. Her past political involvement includes serving as Chair of the Saginaw County Tea Party, campaigning for County Treasurer in 2016, serving as the Saginaw County Republican Party Treasurer in 2017 and as precinct delegate for several terms. She uses her tireless energy to serve the community through church projects and was pivotal in forming the Seeds of Faith Community Garden in Saginaw. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Saginaw Community Food Club. In 2020, her passion for gardening and healthy eating inspired the founding of Wild Hart Acres, a micro farm that grows nutritious food and cut flowers. As a certified garden coach, she encourages self-reliance and independence from industrial food. Heather resides in Thomas Township with her husband and two children. In her free-time she enjoys travel, jigsaw puzzles and spending time on Lake Huron at the family’s cabin in Oscoda.

Dr. Matthew Vannette

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Dr. Matthew Vannette joined SVSU's Department of Physics in 2009 after completing his PhD at Iowa State University, where he specialized in experimental condensed matter physics. His academic journey includes teaching middle and high school in Missouri, earning a Master's from Boston College, and completing his BS in Physics at Indiana State University in 1999. At SVSU, he teaches a wide range of physics courses and conducts research using self-resonant LC circuits to measure magnetic susceptibility in materials at radio frequencies. His research interests extend to applied electronics, biological measurements, and cryogenic techniques, while maintaining active memberships in the APS, AAPT, and AAAS.

Lori Ziolkowski

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Lori Ziolkowski is a dedicated professional with a Master of Business Administration in Marketing and extensive career experience that bridges business, healthcare, education, and community leadership. Currently, Lori serves as the Director of Community Partnerships for Face Addiction Now (FAN), and co-founded the Great Lakes Bay Region Chapter in 2017. In this role, Lori uses her business acumen and personal experience with the opioid crisis to advocate for those affected by substance use disorder. She works to improve public health and safety through various community initiatives, including the development of programs like Hope Not Handcuffs and Quick Response Teams. Recognized for her dedication to the community, Lori has received numerous awards, including the Mid-State Health Network Jill Worden Founders Award (2024), the Bay County Bar Association Liberty Bell Award (2023), and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Honors Award Community Advocate Nominee (2022). Lori’s passion for community service and advocacy is evident in her continuous efforts to combat the opioid epidemic and support families affected by addiction. In addition to her work with FAN, Lori had a distinguished 15-year academic career at Delta College as an Associate Professor of Marketing & Management. She is known for her innovative teaching and commitment to student success, which has been recognized through multiple prestigious awards, including the Trends in Occupational Studies Michigan Outstanding Educator Award (2019), the Bergstein Award for Teaching Excellence (2018), and the John & Suanne Roueche Excellence Award (2017). Throughout her career, Lori has demonstrated a commitment to education, leadership, and social change, earning respect as a mentor, advocate, and catalyst for positive change in the community.

John Levy

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John Levy is a Midland-based entrepreneur and business owner with over 30 years of experience creating jobs and businesses in Michigan. He founded Computers To Go and co-founded Three Bridges Distillery and Taproom, while serving as VP of the MDBA in downtown Midland. Currently running as a Republican candidate for 7th district County Commissioner, Levy combines his Northwood University education with practical business experience to promote economic conservative values.