Our 2024 Cohort
Todd Clements
Anita Richardson
Anita Richardson is a sociocultural strategist and public engagement expert dedicated to driving positive change and promoting equitable public policies. She holds a B.A. in Mass Media Communications and an M.A. in Applied Communication, with a focus on cross-organizational consulting and knowledge management, from the University of Michigan-Flint. During her tenure at the Michigan Department of Transportation in Lansing, MI, Anita served as MDOT’s Public Hearings Officer. As a statewide resource, she applied Federal laws to ensure National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Title VI clearance processes were met for transportation projects. Anita is the recent founder of ARC Public Strategies, LLC, a consulting company focused on promoting equitable public investments through effective engagement strategies. In addition to her professional pursuits, Anita is a devoted mother to her son, Adam, a graduate of Michigan State University, who works as an automotive analyst in Michigan.
Anita Richardson
George Copeland
George is a dedicated support for our Public School Academy students both on campus and in their college preparation journey. A 2016 graduate of SVSU with a Bachelor's in Management, George initiated his career in SVSU's Academic Advising Center. His wealth of institutional knowledge and fervor for assisting PSA Scholars in their success make him an invaluable asset. George is your go-to contact for scheduling visits or obtaining more information. His commitment to guiding students through their academic endeavors reflects his passion for their achievements. Contact George for personalized assistance and support in navigating the path to success.
George Copeland
Marcia Ditmyer
Marcia Mastracci Ditmyer is currently serving as the Dean for the College for Health and Human Services at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU). She is an epidemiologist by formal training, but also has an MBA and an MS in Wellness and Health Promotion. She has extensive experience in public service and advocacy. She currently serves as a Governing Councilor for the Epidemiology Section of the American Public Health Association (APHA) and is the President-elect of the Michigan Public Health Association (MPHA). Marcia is also a Public Member for the Michigan State Board of Nursing, Vice Chair of the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, Board Member for the Great Lakes Bay MIWorks, Chairperson for the Michigan Health Improvement Alliance (MiHIA), Member for the Accreditation Review Committee for Dental Hygiene with the Commission on Dental Accreditation, and member of the executive team for Midwest Interprofessional Practice, Education, and Research (MIPERC) organization.
In addition to my educational credentials, I also hold the following credentials: Master Certified Health Education Specialist, Certified Diabetes Business Management, Executive Coach, and Life Coach. As a Michigan native, Ditmyer worked within the automobile industry with experience in human resources, labor relations, and health and safety within manufacturing, assembly, and parts processing. She has spent the last 25 years in healthcare and academics.
Prior to her position at SVSU, Ditmyer worked at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine providing academic leadership and oversight. She collaborated in the development of a comprehensive interprofessional education program and helped facilitate the development of UNLV’s academic health center bringing together the UNLV schools of medicine, dental medicine, nursing, public health, and the integrative health professions.
Marcia Ditmyer
Amy Hoerauf
.Amy Hoerauf is a member of a National Staff team for AT&T. In her 29 years with the telephone company, she has held a variety of positions. Prior to her position on Staff, she spent 21 years as a Network Planning Engineer.
Amy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Cornerstone University in 2001, and earned a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from Saginaw Valley State University in 2020.
Passionate about her community, Amy has served on several boards: Women in Leadership Great Lakes Bay Region, Friends of the Bay City State Park, and the Grace United Methodist Church council. Amy campaigned for the 2020 Bay County Public Library millage. She also served on the advisory board for the Bay County Justice Read in 2021. She was elected as a Precinct Delegate in 2024.
Amy lives with her husband and three adult children in Bay City. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and traveling around Michigan with her family.
Amy Hoerauf
Nathan Niestroy
Nathan Niestroy is an undergraduate student at Saginaw Valley State University, majoring in Computer Information Systems with minors in General Business and Cybersecurity. Passionate about cybersecurity and technology, he is committed to supporting his community through innovative IT solutions. Nathan joined the Henry Marsh Institute for Public Policy to engage in thoughtful discussions on political advocacy and public policy, gain leadership skills to bring back to his community, and become more informed about key public policy issues facing Michigan and the nation. With experience in both technology, healthcare and law enforcement, he is actively honing his cybersecurity skills, aiming to contribute to the U.S. government in the future.
Nathan Niestroy
Glenn Rowley
Glenn Rowley is the Supervisor for the Charter Township of Bangor, more commonly known as beautiful Bangor Township. A political newcomer in 2016, he traversed from the position he previously held as Membership Director for the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. Prior to that, he spent 13 years in the Insurance Industry.
He is a life- long resident of Bay City and completed his education in the Bangor Township School system, Delta College, Central Michigan University and Saginaw Valley State University. He has recently achieved the designation of Certified Public Manager through SVSU. He also has just been selected to the 2024 Cohort Class at the SVSU Henry Marsh Institute for Public Policy.
Since taking office in November of 2016, he has been selected to serve on a few Boards and Committees, a few of those include: Secretary of the BCTOA Roads Committee, Treasurer of the Bay County Land Bank Authority, Board Member of the Downtown Development Authority, President of the Bay County Township Officers Association, Vice President of the Bay County Water System Advisory Council, Vice President for Bay Arenac Community High School Board of Directors,Vice Chair of the Lead & Copper testing advisory committee, Vice Chair of the Bay Area Water Transmission System, Chair of the MTA Legal Defense Fund and Inter Governmental Relations Committees, Treasurer of the Bay Area Storm Water Authority, Vice Chair of Bay City Area Transportation Study Commission, Board Member of Bay Future, And is currently the district 13 Director for the Michigan Township’s Association - representing Bay, Midland and Gladwin Counties.
In his spare time, Glenn enjoys working with service and volunteer organizations, spending time with his family boating, golfing, completing projects around the house and being a spectator at his children’s many activities.
Glenn Rowley
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Maximilian Olivarez
Maximilian Olivarez is a senior at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU), majoring in Sociology with a minor in Spanish, and is on the pre-law track. He serves as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Co-op at Hemlock Semiconductor. Maximilian aspires to attend law school after graduating from SVSU, with the goal of pursuing a career in advocacy.
Maximilian Olivarez
Seth Taylor
Seth Taylor is a double major in History and Political Science at SVSU, where he was the Secretary of the College Democrats for two years. His previous political involvement includes working as a Field Fellow for Kristen McDonald Rivet’s State Senate and Congressional campaigns, and an internship with the Michigan House of Representatives Democratic Member Services. He graduated from Delta College in 2022 and Midland High School in 2019, and hopes to work in a legislator's office after graduating from SVSU in 2024.
Seth Taylor
Brian Taylor
Brian Taylor has been a lifelong resident of Bangor Township, except for his service in the Army. Currently serving as a Bangor Charter Township Trustee, he was first elected in 2020 and is now seeking re-election for a second term. In addition to his role as trustee, Brian serves on the planning commission and the election committee. His recent educational achievements include a master’s degree in Management, Strategy, and Leadership from Michigan State University and a Certification in Public Management from Saginaw Valley State University. Outside of his professional and civic duties, Brian enjoys spending time with his wife and children.
Brian Taylor
Benjamin Tenney
As a dedicated social worker and proud Army veteran, I am passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of others. My extensive background in serving and supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds has equipped me with the skills to effectively address a wide range of challenges. Through my work, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of compassion, empathy, and advocacy.
Beyond my professional endeavors, I am an active member of my community, constantly seeking opportunities to give back and uplift those around me. As an active Brother of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated, I am committed to fostering a sense of unity and service within my organization and beyond. I firmly believe that by working together, we can create meaningful change and build a brighter future for all.
I look forward to carrying my passion for service into Bay City's Commission Chambers, as I am running for 4th Ward Commissioner in 2024.
Benjamin Tenney
The Henry Marsh Institute for Public Policy is administered by the Office of Governmental and Community Affairs at Saginaw Valley State University with guidance from two advisory boards. Funding to support the Henry Marsh Institute for Public Policy is provided by the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, Michigan associations, corporations, labor organizations, Henry Marsh Institute alumni, and individuals.