President

Jennifer Antel serves as the first female mayor for the City of Wayland where she has served on the council since 2005. She is dedicated to local government, having served over three decades in public service both in appointed and elected positions. After receiving her master’s degree in public administration from Grand Valley State University, she started her career as the Otsego DDA Director. She was the administrative assistant and then the assistant to the city manager in Kalamazoo. Antel currently works as the program manager for West Michigan Trails. She has served the city on various boards and committees including the Planning Commission, DDA, Ambulance Board, Parks Committee, and Budget Committee. An active community member, Antel serves as a Wayland Union Schools Key Communicator, a Chamber Ambassador for the Wayland Area Chamber of Commerce, and she serves on the League’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Antel is a strong advocate for youth and has stepped into various roles including Cubmaster, Girl Scout Leader, and founder of a youth swim club. She is an avid runner and is co-founder of Wayland Road Runners, and currently coaches varsity cross country and middle school track. Her term expires in 2027.

Vice President

Dennis Hennen serves as a councilmember for the City of Berkley. His focus includes protecting the vulnerable and ensuring that constituents are kept informed and that their voices are heard. Hennen is the liaison to the Tree Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals and has received his Master Citizen Planner Certification from Michigan State University. Additionally, he serves on the Michigan Municipal League’s Municipal Services Committee, the Elections Subcommittee, and is vice president of the Elected Officials Academy, where he is a recipient of the Academy’s Education and Leadership Award, as well as the Ambassador Award, the highest honor they bestow. Hennen is a senior software engineer for Mercury Banking and holds a bachelor of science in mathematics and computer science from Lipscomb University, as well as a master of science in computer science from The Ohio State University. His term expires in 2028.

George M. Bosanic serves as the city manager for the City of Greenville. He has thirty-five years of experience in city management with thirty years in his current position. In his career, he has served on and chaired numerous local boards and commissions including, but not limited to, the Montcalm Brownfield Authority, Montcalm Area Dispatch Authority, Montcalm Economic Alliance, Montcalm/Mecosta Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce. Bosanic has served on the Michigan Municipal League Workers’ Compensation Board of Trustees and currently serves on the Michigan Municipal League Property and Liability Pool Board. He is a member of the International City/County Management Association and a member of the Michigan Municipal Executives. Bosanic is a graduate of Manistique High School, has a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Grand Valley State College, and a master’s degree in public administration from Grand Valley State University. His term expires in 2027.

Fonda J. Brewer serves as supervisor for Delta Township. In 2018, Brewer was appointed a trustee of the Delta Township Board and was later elected to a four-year term in 2020. In 2025, she was appointed supervisor by the Delta Township Board. Brewer’s professional journey includes leadership roles in human resources at Hanna Barbera Productions, Turner Broadcasting, and Columbia Pictures. After returning to her home state of Michigan, she served as a manager in the field services department at the Michigan Education Special Services Association (MESSA) until her retirement in 2015. She also dedicated four years of service as an elected member of the Waverly Community Schools Board of Education. A committed leader in civic and community life, Brewer serves on the League’s MBC-LEO as 2nd vice president; Michigan Board of Dentistry, appointed by Governor Whitmer, chair of the Disciplinary Subcommittee; NAACP Michigan State Conference, chair of Women in NAACP (WIN); NAACP Lansing Branch, executive committee member at large; Transcendence Performing Arts Center, president, board of directors; and the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) Poet Laureate Committee. Brewer is also a valued influencer for the MSU Wharton Center. A lifelong learner, she is completing her undergraduate studies at Southern New Hampshire University. Her career and service reflect her guiding principle: leading with heart and serving with purpose. Her term expires in 2029.

Alexander Clos serves as a councilmember for the City of Howell. Clos is a dedicated public servant, small business owner, and seasoned insurance professional with a deep commitment to community development and civic leadership. As an elected councilman he brings a strategic, solutions-oriented mindset to local governance, championing infrastructure improvements, leadership diversity, and constructive media representation. With over eight years of experience in the insurance industry, Clos has built a reputation for integrity, client advocacy, and operational excellence. His entrepreneurial spirit is reflected in his success as a small business owner, where he combines practical problem-solving with a passion for service. Clos’s leadership extends beyond elected office. He has served on multiple boards and collaborates regularly with state representatives and city officials to advance initiatives that strengthen Michigan’s municipalities. His approach balances diplomacy with firm advocacy, always prioritizing unity and progress. His term expires in 2029.

Freddie Dancy has served on the Jackson City Council since 2015 and currently serves as Vice Mayor. A retired U.S. Army veteran, insurance professional, and small business owner, Dancy is active in numerous community and civic organizations throughout Jackson. He earned degrees from Central Texas College and Baker College of Jackson and brings a strong commitment to public service, neighborhood advocacy, and community leadership. In addition to his role on Jackson City Council, Dancy serves on the Jackson Racial Equity Commission, the Disability Connection Board of Directors, the Lily Missionary Baptist Church Board, and the Smiles on Wheels Board of Directors. He has previously served on the Jackson Area Landlord Association Board, the Jackson Exchange Club Board, the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Board, the Jackson County Chamber Executive Committee, and the Jackson County Chamber Ambassador Committee. His term expires in 2030.

Leann Davis serves on the L’Anse Village Council, a position she has held since 1988.  Davis was born and raised in Three Rivers, MI and attended Ferris State University.  Following her husband’s dream to live in the U.P., they moved to L’Anse in 1971. She worked for Baraga County for 25 years. Once she joined the L’Anse Village Council, Davis got involved with other community boards and institutions. She was appointed to the Baraga County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau board and became the president.  Davis was also appointed to the Green Hill Manor board of the L’Anse Housing Commission and later became president of that board as well. While on the village council, Davis has seen the construction of the water plant, a new fire hall and village office, the development of the Lambert Road Industrial Park, the downtown splash pad, the development of the Community Solar Garden erected for residents to own, and the first two phases of the L’Anse marina. An active member of her church, Davis said that service has been a calling all her life, and she looks forward to doing so in the future to the best of her ability. Her term expires in 2029.

Michael D. Fritz has served on the Grand Haven City Council since 2003 and since then has brought his business acumen, community spirit, and unique passions to local public service. As a small business owner, Fritz successfully turned his lifelong love for cars into a thriving career bringing a practical, hands-on entrepreneurial perspective to local government. Throughout his tenure, he has served in key leadership roles, including multiple terms as mayor pro tem under several administrations. Fritz currently helps guide the community’s growth, heritage, and financial health through his active work on the Audit Review Committee, the Economic Development Committee, and the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. He also served as chairman of the North Ottawa Recreation Program, successfully leading its transition into a formal recreation authority.

Deeply committed to preserving our shared history, Fritz has been a driving force behind the restoration of cherished public artifacts, including the Grand Haven historic catwalk and lighthouses and the local coal tipple. His dedication to public life is rooted in a love for the places that bring people together. He is highly passionate about vibrant public gathering spaces, from beautiful parks and recreation areas to our local waterfront stadium. To keep his finger on the pulse of the town, Fritz can regularly be found walking through local neighborhoods, chatting with residents, and taking in the true feel of the community. And when he’s not working to improve the town, you can usually find him enjoying his other great lifelong love: baseball. His term expires in 2028.

Amanda Herzog, PhD serves as mayor pro tem for the City of Royal Oak and has been a member of the Royal Oak City Commission since 2023. She also serves on the Royal Oak Environmental Advisory Board, City-School Liaison Committee, and Retirement Board. Dr. Herzog is passionate about ensuring Royal Oak remains a vibrant community and a place residents are proud to call home. Among her proudest accomplishments are the Royal Oak Sustainability and Climate Action Plan and Employee Parental Leave Policy. In addition, Dr. Herzog serves on the Michigan Municipal League’s Elected Officials Academy Board, participated in the inaugural Women’s Elected Leadership Intensive, and is a member of Michigan Women in Municipal Government. Dr. Herzog is an environmental engineer specializing in water quality and stormwater management. Her diverse experience spans academia, government, nonprofits, and philanthropy. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biosystems Engineering, as well as both a Master’s and Doctorate in Environmental Engineering from Michigan State University. Outside of her professional and civic commitments, she enjoys exploring Michigan with her two daughters and husband, tap dancing, and cheering on the MSU Spartans. Her term expires in 2030.

Karen Kovacs serves as city manager for the City of Marquette and has over fifteen years of municipal government experience. She began her career as an auditor before joining Plante Moran’s Governmental Accounting Professional consulting team where she worked with both large and small municipalities across Wayne, Oakland, and Washtenaw counties. Kovacs left her consulting role to become the finance director and eventually city administrator for the charming city of Milan. She is grateful to have been part of the team in Milan that accomplished many community initiatives including the revitalization of the downtown area and construction of an award-winning boardwalk along the lake. In 2021, Kovacs moved across the Mighty Mac to Marquette. She is far from earning “Yooper” status, but she has quickly embraced the occasional bear sighting, surprise blizzard, and tourist craze of the U.P. Kovacs is heavily involved with the Marquette County Ambassadors, a group of community leaders dedicated to promoting economic vitality in the Upper Peninsula region. She serves on several boards and committees including the Marquette Downtown Development Authority, Innovate Marquette SmartZone (chair), and Community Action Alger-Marquette (chair). Her term expires in 2028.

Joe LaRussa serves as mayor for the City of Farmington. He is a registered professional engineer and a veteran automotive manufacturing leader. First elected to city council in 2017, LaRussa’s public policy interests include technology and infrastructure, data-driven government, and transportation. He’s been active in the League, obtaining a Level 3 Certification from the Elected Officials Academy and serving on the League’s Transportation, Infrastructure, and Technology Policy Committee. He is the owner of Supremo Consulting and Advisory Services, providing fractional manufacturing/operations leadership, and industrial policy advising. He is also the founder of HomeGrown Leadership, a household leadership coaching company helping frustrated parents and spouses calming chaos at home. He holds a master’s in engineering management, a master’s in automotive systems engineering, and a bachelor’s in electrical engineering, all from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. His term expires in 2027.

Raylon Leaks-May serves as mayor for the City of Ferndale where she has been a resident for over 30 years. She has been a member of the Ferndale City Council since 2015 and served as mayor pro tem from 2019 through 2021. She serves on the Ferndale Board of Zoning and Appeals, as well as the Ferndale Accessibility and Inclusion Commission. She is an active volunteer in the community and is a proud mother of five beautiful children. She is an information and referral specialist by profession, at the Area Agency on Aging 1-B and serves as board president for the Michigan Municipal League Elected Officials Academy. She holds a BA through Madonna University and has an (AA) and (AS) from Oakland Community College. Her term expires in 2028.

Scott McLennan serves as mayor for the City of Rogers City. A retired RN and healthcare administrator, he served as a councilmember prior to becoming mayor in 2018. McLennan previously served six years as a local school board member and chair. He is currently a board member of the Community Foundation of Northeast Michigan, the Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union, and the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments. McLennan was instrumental in Rogers City being recently designated as a Main Street and Redevelopment Ready Community. His passion is focused on building a more vibrant community through positive communication along with the networking of businesses, government and citizens. His term expires in 2027.

Nicole Miller serves on the Portage City Council. A lifelong resident of Portage, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Community Health Education from Western Michigan University and an associate degree in Physical Therapist Assisting from Kellogg Community College. Miller has run her travel agency Travel With Nikki, for over 16 years. She currently serves on the Kalamazoo County Aeronautics Board of Trustees where she works to advance regional air service and community outreach. As a member of the Portage City Council since 2023, Miller has been a strong advocate for small businesses and equitable economic development. She played a leading role in the creation of Portage Pocket Pay, an e-gift card program designed to support local merchants, and was instrumental in launching the Façade Improvement Grant Program. Miller serves on the Discover Kalamazoo Advisory Council where her extensive travel-industry background uniquely positions her to promote regional tourism and economic growth. Her term expires in 2029.

Tim Morales serves as the city manager for the City of Saginaw, where he is dedicated to delivering high-quality services that foster an inclusive, safe, and vibrant community in which to live, work, learn, and play. As city manager since 2013, Morales brings more than two decades of experience in local government at both the city and county levels. Before entering public service, he worked with a public sector consulting firm on state and local projects. Actively engaged in the Great Lakes Bay Region, Morales serves on several boards and commissions, including the Saginaw-Midland Water Supply Corporation Board, the MBS International Airport Board, the Saginaw Future Board of Directors, and the Saginaw Promise Board of Directors. He is also a member of the International City/County Management Association and the Government Finance Officers Association. Morales earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Michigan and a Master of Business Administration from Syracuse University. His term expires in 2029.

Sheila Tomkowiak serves as mayor of the City of Grosse Pointe, one of five adjacent communities that make up the Grosse Pointes, each a separate municipality with its own council and staff and a shared school district. Initially appointed to fill out the last year of a four-year term on council, she successfully ran for the seat in 2017 and served until she was elected mayor in 2019. A journalist by training and profession, Tomkowiak has more than 40 years’ experience as an art director, editor, designer, and writer. She is co-owner of a custom publishing company that produces magazines, newsletters and history books for corporations and nonprofits, and is an adjunct instructor in the journalism department at Wayne State University. Prior to that she worked as a copy editor, art director, and contributing writer for the Detroit Free Press, and as a photo editor, copy editor, and art director for The Detroit News.

Tomkowiak has served on a number of city commissions and committees including the parks and harbor commission, the city communication committee, and the urban forestry commission. She serves on the board of the city’s DDA (a Main Street designated community). As required by city charter, she along with all city council members comprise the city’s planning commission and ZBA. She serves on the board of Michigan Women in Municipal Government and is working through the Elected Officials Academy. She is a member of the executive committee at SEMCOG (Southeast Michigan Council of Governments), serves on its legislative policy task force, and was co-chair of its climate task force.

In 2025, Tomkowiak was awarded a Taubman fellowship for the Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Executive Education. Her term expires in 2030.

David J. Tossava serves as mayor of the City of Hastings. He began his career working for the department of public works for the City of Hastings as a mechanic in 1978. Tossava served as a mechanic for twenty-two years before being promoted to street superintendent, the position he held until his retirement in 2006 after twenty-eight years. Tossava was first elected to the city council in 2008 and served two consecutive four-year terms before being elected mayor. As mayor, he serves on the Planning Commission, DDA Board, Local Development Finance Authority and Brownfield Re-Development Authority, Airport Board, Cemetery Board, Commission on Aging for Barry County, Michigan Association of Mayors as the 2023 president, the Michigan Municipal League’s Workers’ Compensation Board, and the League’s Finance Committee. His term expires in 2027.

Christian Wuerth serves as the village manager for the Village of Milford. He has over 20 years of municipal experience and began his career as an intern with the City of Birmingham in 2004 where he worked in several roles with the city before moving to his current position with the Village of Milford in 2014. Prior to his career in local government, Wuerth worked in the nonprofit sector and spent two years serving in AmeriCorps NCCC, a national service program. He is a graduate of Wayne State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Affairs. Wuerth is an active member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the Michigan Municipal Executives (MME). He previously served on the board of directors for MME, including serving as president of the board in 2024. His term expires in 2030.

Dan Gilmartin became the League’s seventh executive director in 2005 and its youngest leader in the organization’s long history. Through his work with communities, Dan is recognized as a national leader in urban policy and revitalization. He holds leadership roles with the National League of Cities and the International Placemaking Council. Dan is a co-author of two books on the economic importance of place and is frequently quoted in state and national publications. Dan received the Diamond Award from his association peers in Michigan for his work as a strategic leader, and under his direction, the League is designated as a Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press and as Most Effective Lobbying Organization in the state by a MIRS/EPIC-MRA Insider Survey. Dan is a lifelong Michigander and a Detroit native (and booster), and currently resides in the historic downtown of Northville, Michigan, with his wife, Lori, and two sons.