Contact:
Jessica Weirauch
Michigan Municipal League
[email protected], 734-669-6311

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 20, 2026

Ann Arbor, Mich. — Bryan Barnett and Tamara Flake have been named to serve on the Michigan Municipal League Foundation's Board of Directors. MML Foundation board members may serve up to three, three-year terms. 

Bryan K. Barnett has served as mayor of Rochester Hills since 2006, the longest serving mayor in the history of the city. He was re-elected in 2023 to a historic fifth term as mayor and became the first person in modern American politics to win three citywide write-in campaigns. Mayor Barnett was elected Chair of the Global Parliament of Mayors in October of 2025 and is past president of the United States Conference of Mayor. A frequent national speaker on topics including innovative government, long-term sustainability and economic development, Mayor Barnett has received numerous awards for his leadership and public service. 

"Serving on the Michigan Municipal League Foundation Board is a true honor," said Barnett. "The Foundation is a critically important force driving Michigan's vitality. I admire its commitment to building local wealth and expanding economic opportunity across our state. During my tenure, I look forward to championing initiatives that support local infrastructure, foster emerging leaders and ensure cities of all sizes have the tools to deliver strong, fiscally responsible results for our residents." 

Tamara R. Flake is a seasoned civic advocate and strategic connector, currently serving as Vice President of Government Banking at Mercantile Bank, headquartered in Grand Rapids. A proud Michigander and lifelong public service champion, she brings more than two decades of financial expertise, relationship management, and mission-driven leadership. Beyond banking, Flake is the founder of IROCKITBALD LLC, a personal empowerment platform born from her journey with alopecia, and co-host of the Evry Woman talk show. She is passionate about supporting local governments in building thriving, sustainable and inclusive communities across the state. 

"I'm honored to join the Michigan Municipal League Foundation Board," said Flake. "My career in municipal banking has been rooted in partnering with local governments across Michigan, so supporting the Foundation's mission to strengthen communities is both meaningful and exciting. I look forward to collaborating with fellow leaders and creating lasting impact across the state." 

Barnett and Flake join the other volunteers who serve on the board: Chairperson Michael McGee, Vice Chair Stephanie Baron, Secretary Steve Habusta, Treasurer Khalfani Stephens, Sandra Ambrozy, Michigan Municipal League Executive Director Dan Gilmartin, Carla Gribbs, Irma Hayes, Daniel Mahoney, Cody Mayer, Janet Pasco and Jeanette Pierce. 

"The Board of Directors is thrilled to welcome two dynamic new board members," said MML Foundation President Helen D. Johnson. "Our goal is to build a board that not only reflects the diverse communities across Michigan but also brings together experts and community leaders whose insights, experiences and passions strengthen our work and advance our mission. Tamara and Bryan are outstanding additions, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact of their leadership on the MML Foundation." 

The MML Foundation continues building a board equipped to address Michigan communities' unique challenges and opportunities through diverse perspectives and expertise. If you are interested in joining this mission, please reach out to [email protected] with your information. 

The Michigan Municipal League (MML) Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Michigan Municipal League (the League). The MML Foundation supports innovative work through partnerships, grants and programming that creatively and intentionally bring people together and build community wealth. Learn more at mmlfoundation.org.

Michigan Municipal League is dedicated to making Michigan's communities better by thoughtfully innovating programs, energetically connecting ideas and people, actively serving members with resources and services, and passionately inspiring positive change for Michigan's greatest centers of potential: its communities. The League advocates on behalf of its member communities in Lansing, Washington, D.C., and the courts; provides educational opportunities for elected and appointed municipal officials; and assists municipal leaders in administering services to their communities through League programs and services. Learn more at mml.org.