CapCon Speakers

Leah Bectel

Project Manager, Abonmarche Consultants

Leah Bectel, PE, is a Project Manager and licensed civil engineer at Abonmarche Consultants in Grand Haven, MI. She specializes in municipal engineering and planning for West Michigan communities. Leah’s expertise includes comprehensive asset management for underground utilities and roadways and develops “dig-once” capital plans in collaboration with municipal staff and financial consultants. A graduate of Michigan Technological University with a degree in Environmental Engineering and a minor in Municipal Engineering, Leah is passionate about creating sustainable solutions to upgrade Michigan’s aging sanitary, water, storm, and roadway systems.

Session: Strategic Asset Management for Smaller Communities, 3/11, 1:30–2:30 p.m.

Wayne Beyea

Senior Attorney, Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes

Wayne, Senior Attorney in Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes Municipal Group, brings over 35 years of zoning and planning experience. As an AICP-certified planner and former MSU faculty, he offers municipalities strategic advice on complex land use and development challenges.

Session: Trial by Fire: Learning Zoning & Planning from the Witness Stand, 3/11, 3–4 p.m.

Dr. Jaclyn Butler

State Demographer, Michigan Center for Data and Analytics, Department of Technology, Management & Budget

Dr. Jaclyn Butler is the state demographer for Michigan. Dr. Butler serves as the state liaison to the U.S. Census Bureau. As a part of that role, she leads the demography team in the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics.

The demography team has three core functions:

  • Coordinate statewide data operations for the decennial census. Deliver census counts to other state agencies for funding distribution to local governments.
  • Provide data inputs to improve the Census Bureau’s annual population estimates for counties, cities, villages, and townships.
  • Analyze key population trends in Michigan, including projected trends in the future.

Dr. Butler returned to her home state after completing her PhD in demography and rural sociology at Penn State. You can follow the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics on X @MiDataAnalytics. You can view demography team research and datasets at Michigan.gov/MCDA/Population.

Session: 2030 Census Countdown: Making Every Resident Count – Starting Now, 3/11, 3–4 p.m.

Eric Conn

Senior Attorney, Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes

Eric Conn, a Senior Attorney at Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC, is an experienced litigator with more than 20 years of courtroom experience, including matters involving municipalities and public entities. He has handled complex disputes through trial and appeal, examining witnesses and developing litigation strategies grounded in detailed factual records. His work provides practical insight into how zoning and planning decisions are scrutinized in contested proceedings, particularly with respect to testimony, documentation, and procedural steps that support legally defensible outcomes.

Session: Trial by Fire: Learning Zoning & Planning from the Witness Stand, 3/11, 3–4 p.m.

Bridget Dean

Mayor, City of Berkley

Bridget Dean was elected to City Council for a four-year term in November 2019, elected as Mayor in November 2023, and re-elected in November 2025. She and her husband Mike chose to live in Berkley because of the small-town charm of the city and the ability to walk to so many places. They have lived in Berkley since 2005 and have two grown children and three grandchildren. Bridget opened her knit shop, “…have you any Wool?” in 2004 and operated it until 2022.  Being a Berkley resident and a former business owner gives her a unique perspective and complements the skills already on City Council.

Bridget earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work, both from the University of Michigan.

In addition to serving the City of Berkley as Mayor, Bridget is active in the following organizations:

Executive Board Member of the Michigan Association of Mayors

Board of Trustees for the Michigan Municipal League (MML) Workers Compensation Fund

Session: Lobbying 3.0, 3/11, 3–4 p.m.

Tina DeMoore

City Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tem, City of Petoskey

Tina DeMoore is in her fifth year on the Petoskey City Council and has served as Mayor Pro Tem since 2024. She is the City Council liaison and mentor to the Petoskey Youth Advisory Council. Tina is an attorney/mediator and sits as an appellate judge for the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians. She served three terms on the Petoskey School Board and is serving her fourth term representing the 57th Circuit on the State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly.  Tina is a member of the MML Municipal Services Committee and serves as Vice-President of the Elected Officials Academy Advisory Board. She is the co-founder of two non-profits, Northern Community Mediation, which helps people to resolve conflicts through person-to-person problem solving and Flowers for Friends, an all-volunteer organization that has recycled donated flowers into more than 75,000 smaller arrangements delivered to isolated community members in need of a smile:)

Session: Youth Movement: Getting Students Engaged in Local Government, 3/11, 1:30–2:30 p.m.

Brad Dick

City Councilor, City of Linden

23-year resident of Linden, active in local government since joining the planning commission in 2008. Currently serving my third four-year term as a City Councilor. Former Commercial and Residential builder, Graduate of the Oakland Police Academy, and Manager for one of Fortune’s top #25 Corporations. MML EOA Level Three Graduate, MIC Asset Management Champion, MSU Michigan Citizen Planner program graduate, Chairman of the Genesee County Master Plan Steering Committee

Session: Lobbying 3.0, 3/11, 3–4 p.m.

Shanna Draheim

Director, Policy Research Labs, Michigan Municipal League

In her role as director of the Policy Research Labs department, Shanna spends her time helping members solve problems, reading and writing about interesting community development practices, and generally trying to make Michigan a place where people thrive. She is a glass half-full kind of person and the loudest, fastest talker in the office. She spent over a decade working on state, federal, and international environmental programs until she realized that her true love was all the good stuff happening at the local level. Shanna served a term on the East Lansing City Council, where she gained first-hand experience of the challenges our members face. When she is not working, she loves traveling with her husband, son, and twin daughters; riding her bike; snuggling with her pit bull pups; and bingeing the latest streaming series her colleagues recommend.

Session: Partnering for Progress: Municipal–Utility Collaboration and Michigan’s 2023 Clean Energy Law Implementation, 3/11, 10:45 a.m.–12 p.m.

Joan Gustafson

External Affairs Officer, Michigan Nonprofit Association

Joan Gustafson (she/her) is the External Affairs Officer for the Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA).

Joan is responsible for the development and execution of a comprehensive public affairs and civic engagement strategy for the organization. Previously, she spearheaded the communication and government affairs efforts for the International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI). Prior to joining IFPTI, Joan was the Regional Director of West Michigan for Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and served as the Governor’s liaison and ombudsman for the region.

In 2022, Joan joined the Leadership Council of Nonprofit VOTE, the leading source of nonpartisan resources to help nonprofits integrate voter engagement into their ongoing activities and services.

Session: 2030 Census Countdown: Making Every Resident Count – Starting Now, 3/11, 3–4 p.m.

Headshot of Dave Hodgkins.

Dave Hodgkins

Legislative Associate, Michigan Municipal League

Dave Hodgkins is a legislative associate for the Michigan Municipal League where he advocates on behalf of communities in the areas of municipal services, elections, labor, and parks and recreation.

Before joining the League, he worked for the government relations firm Midwest Strategy Group. He worked closely with several municipalities on their specific needs and local government groups, including the League, on the broader impact state government has on Michigan’s communities.

Throughout his career in government relations, Dave has led advocacy operations on an extensive portfolio of policy issues ranging from food access to economic development opportunities—elevating communities by expanding access to resources. He also has extensive experience in issue-campaign oversight and coalition building. Dave began his career serving in the Michigan House of Representatives having worked for two state representatives including former Speaker Pro Tem. John Walsh.

He earned a B.S. in English from Central Michigan University and has been awarded Outstanding Performance in team building and persuasive communication from the Dale Carnegie Immersion Seminar.

Sessions: League Legislative Team Breaks It Down, 3/10, 2:30–3:30 p.m.

Lobbying 2.0, 3/11, 1:30–2:30 p.m.

Steven Joppich

Vice-President/Shareholder, Rosati, Schultz, Joppich & Amtsbuechler, PC

Steven P. Joppich has devoted his legal career to representing the interests of cities, villages, townships and counties. For over 30 years, he has assisted local governments throughout Michigan with a variety of legal issues both in and out of the courtroom. As a result, Steve has gained substantial experience in a diverse and broad cross section of municipal law. Steve has written numerous articles regarding municipal law and has provided many educational seminars to local government officials over the years, and has co-authored the Municipal Law book issued by the Institute of Continuing Legal Education. He has volunteered his service as a Councilmember on the State Bar of Michigan’s Government Law Section since 2009, and is a member of several other organizations, including the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys and Oakland County Bar Association-Municipal Law Committee. Steve has received several awards, including the Distinguished Municipal Attorney Award from the MML’s Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys.

He earned a B.S. in English from Central Michigan University and has been awarded Outstanding Performance in team building and persuasive communication from the Dale Carnegie Immersion Seminar.

Session: Stormwater Management: The Do’s and Don’ts of Creating a Stormwater Utility, 3/11, 1:30–2:30 p.m.

Headshot of Emily Kieliszewski.

Emily Kieliszewski

Assistant Director, Member Experience & Learning, Michigan Municipal League

Emily Kieliszewski is the Michigan Municipal League’s Assistant Director of Member Experience & Learning where she oversees programming and learning development for the League’s 525 member communities, including nearly 4000 local elected officials and over 10,000 appointed officials. Emily leads initiatives including the League’s 16/50 Project and oversees the Elected Officials Academy, the Michigan Women in Municipal Government, executive search services, and member training and development programming.

Prior to joining the League in 2016, Emily began her career working with several nonprofit organizations and in a variety of roles in political campaigns. She’s also served as a staff member in the Michigan State Senate. Emily received her bachelor’s degree in political science from Michigan State University where she was selected as a Dean’s Assistant Fellow. She is also an alumna of the Michigan Political Leadership Program through the Institute of Public Policy and Social Research at Michigan State.

Emily participates on several boards and in a variety of nonprofit leadership positions, including as Vice President of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Michigan, the NAMI Northeast Michigan formation committee, and as a certified family support group facilitator. She also served her home state as Miss Michigan in 2015.

Sessions: League Legislative Team Breaks It Down, 3/10, 2:30–3:30 p.m.

Lobbying 3.0, 3/11, 3–4 p.m.

Headshot of John Lamacchia.

John LaMacchia II

Director, State & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League

John LaMacchia is the director of State & Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League where he coordinates the organization’s lobbying activities at the state and federal level. John was extremely engaged in efforts to secure passage of the American Rescue plan and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and his advocacy work for League members is focused on the areas of transportation, infrastructure, energy, and technology issues.

John oversees special initiatives and projects related to the Urban Core Mayors, City Business Collaborative, and the Coalition for a strong and Prosperous Michigan. John joined the League in January of 2013 as a Legislative Associate. In 2015, he was honored by the Michigan Society of Association Executives as one of 15 in ’15 Rising Leaders.

Prior to joining the League, John served as Chief of Staff for former Sen. John Gleason for six years and previously working in the office of former Senate Minority Leader Bob Emerson. John has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Michigan State University and lives in DeWitt with his wife Dana and three children.

Sessions: League Legislative Team Breaks It Down, 3/10, 2:30–3:30 p.m.

Lobbying 2.0, 3/11, 1:30–2:30 p.m.

Daniel Mahoney

Director, Policy and Regional Affairs, DTE Energy

Daniel Mahoney is responsible for leading the company’s public policy and local government affairs practice groups. In this capacity, Daniel sets strategies for the company’s state and local policy agenda and leads stakeholder engagements around key priorities for DTE Electric and DTE Gas. He also serves as a non-voting member of SEMCOG’s executive committee and as a board member for the Michigan Municipal League Foundation.

Session: Partnering for Progress: Municipal–Utility Collaboration and Michigan’s 2023 Clean Energy Law Implementation, 3/11, 10:45 a.m.–12 p.m.

Julie Metty Bennett

CEO, Public Sector Consultants

Julie Metty Bennett is a widely recognized state and national energy and environment expert and a fierce champion for enduring public policy. As the CEO of Public Sector Consultants, she leads the development and implementation of the firm’s short- and long-term organizational strategy. She is a seasoned expert in strategic counsel, facilitation, and complex policy analysis, with a specialized focus on energy, water quality, land use, and natural resource management. Sought after for her knowledge in clean energy finance, Julie was instrumental in establishing Michigan Saves, the nation’s first nonprofit green bank, in 2009. She has since applied this experience to advise nearly a dozen green banks across the U.S. on everything from start-up and incubation to program development and implementation. She is also a key consultant to the Great Lakes Fishery Trust, an innovative funding source established to enhance, protect, and rehabilitate Great Lakes fishery resources.

Session: Partnering for Progress: Municipal–Utility Collaboration and Michigan’s 2023 Clean Energy Law Implementation, 3/11, 10:45 a.m.–12 p.m.

Sarah Mills, PhD.

Director, Center for EmPowering Communities, University of Michigan

Sarah Mills, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Practice in University of Michigan’s Urban & Regional Planning Program, and the Director of UM’s Center for EmPowering Communities. In that role, she and her team help local governments across the state of Michigan leverage clean energy infrastructure to advance community goals and enhance quality of life. She grew up on a farm in Maybee (Monroe County) but now lives in Ann Arbor where she has served on the City Planning Commission since 2014.

Session: Partnering for Progress: Municipal–Utility Collaboration and Michigan’s 2023 Clean Energy Law Implementation, 3/11, 10:45 a.m.–12 p.m.

Andy Moore

Planner, Williams & Works

Andy Moore is an executive and project manager who leads Williams & Works’ planning group with more than 20 years of planning and zoning experience.

His work includes consulting with dozens of public and private sector clients on a variety of planning and zoning assignments including Master Plans and Master Plan updates; parks and recreation planning; zoning ordinances and amendments; review of site plans, special land uses, and other development applications; public engagement and outreach; expert consultation and special projects. He also works closely with communities throughout West Michigan, assisting with day-to-day planning and zoning challenges.

In addition to his regular work, Andy is a frequent instructor and contributor for the Michigan Association of Planning, Michigan Townships Association, Michigan Municipal League, and Michigan State University’s College of Law.

Session: Trial by Fire: Learning Zoning & Planning from the Witness Stand, 3/11, 3–4 p.m.

Dante Moreno

Legislative Manager, National League of Cities (NLC)

Dante Moreno is a seasoned public policy professional currently serving as the Finance, Administration, and Intergovernmental Relations lobbyist at the National League of Cities. With a strong background in legislative advocacy, Dante leads efforts on issues including municipal finance, tax reform, census, federal funding, and federalism. Prior to joining NLC, Dante worked at a boutique lobbying firm, working primarily with California cities.

Session: 2030 Census Countdown: Making Every Resident Count – Starting Now, 3/11, 3–4 p.m.

Shaquila Myers

Commissioner, Michigan Public Service Commission

Shaquila Myers was appointed to the Michigan Public Service Commission by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on July 21, 2025 with her term ending July 2, 2031.

Prior to her appointment with the Commission, Ms. Myers led former Speaker Joe Tate’s office as chief of staff during the historic time period when Democrats held the House, the Senate and Governor’s office for the first time in 40 years. As chief of staff, she helped pass record investments in economic development to bring good-paying jobs to Michigan, led efforts to pay off public school debt, and ushered through a historic clean energy package that will lower utility costs for Michiganders. She also served in Governor Whitmer’s executive office twice, first as chief of staff to Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist and later as a senior advisor to the governor. Ms. Myers played a pivotal role in the passage of the bipartisan economic development package that helped Michigan land several projects that create thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investment. She has also spearheaded criminal justice reform efforts, the Jail and Pre-Trial Taskforce, and the Thriving Cities Tour, among other projects. In addition, Ms. Myers was the legislative director for Senate Democratic Leader Jim Ananich and a policy analyst for the Michigan Senate.

Ms. Myers, holds a Master of Public Administration and an undergraduate degree from Oakland University.

Session: Partnering for Progress: Municipal–Utility Collaboration and Michigan’s 2023 Clean Energy Law Implementation, 3/11, 10:45 a.m.–12 p.m.

Tracy Neil

CFO, American Society of Employers (ASE)

Tracy Neil assumed the role at ASE as Chief Financial Officer in June 2017, where he is responsible for all financial facets of the organization, including cash flow and credit facility management, the development of annual budgets, and audit readiness. Before joining ASE, Neil was the Vice President of Finance at GDI Integrated Facility Services. Tracy held the CFO position at Burroughs from 2014 to 2016. During his tenure at Burroughs, Neil successfully implemented industry-leading cash management practices and integrated multiple acquisitions, achieving synergy financial targets. Neil’s career began at McKesson Pharmacy Systems, where he laid the foundation for his extensive financial expertise.

Neil was elected the Detroit Chapter of Financial Executives International president in 2010. Neil is the past Co-Chair of the Detroit CFO Leadership Council and past Board Chair for the Detroit Institute for Children.

Tracy earned a Bachelor of Arts in Management from St. Mary’s College of California, a Master of Science in Taxation from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, and an MBA from Walsh College of Accountancy. Tracy is a licensed, certified public accountant for the State of Michigan.

Session: Turning Data into Decisions: The Power of Data-Driven Storytelling, 3/11, 1:30–2:30 p.m.

Christopher Patterson

Member (Attorney), Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes

Christopher Patterson, a Member at Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes and Practice Group Leader of the firm’s Municipal Group, advises Michigan townships and cities on zoning, land use, ordinance enforcement, and municipal litigation. Known for his expertise in municipal law, Chris delivers practical and innovative solutions to Michigan municipalities.

Session: Trial by Fire: Learning Zoning & Planning from the Witness Stand, 3/11, 3–4 p.m.

Headshot of Jennifer Rigterink.

Jennifer Rigterink

Assistant Director, State & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League

Jennifer Rigterink is the assistant director of State & Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League where she advocates on behalf of communities with a concentration on municipal services, economic development and land use issues. Jennifer joined the League in April 2016.

Prior to joining the League, Jennifer directed technical assistance for Community Development at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), including the Redevelopment Ready Communities® and Michigan Main Street programs. She also managed the Genesee Institute, now the Center for Community Progress, where she focused on building awareness of Michigan’s land bank authority model and vacant property initiatives. Jennifer has a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning from Michigan State University.

In addition, Jennifer was appointed by Governor Whitmer to the Michigan State Housing Authority Statewide Housing Partnership to develop a strategy to implement the state’s first-ever Statewide Housing Plan. She also represents the League on MEDC’s Technical Assistance Advisory Council and sits on the executive committee of the Housing Michigan Coalition. She lives in DeWitt with her husband Chris and two children. She and Chris own a small business called The Mattress Source in East Lansing and Lansing, Michigan selling a locally made product.

Sessions: League Legislative Team Breaks It Down, 3/10, 2:30–3:30 p.m.

Lobbying 2.0, 3/11, 1:30–2:30 p.m.

Sara Rubino

Government Policy Attorney, Oakland County WRC

Sara Rubino is an environmental attorney with nearly 20 years of legal experience. She has represented a variety of clients in private practice before transitioning to local government to focus on municipal law, water policy, and infrastructure funding. As legal counsel to the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner, Sara supports a wide range of drain, stormwater management, and water quality projects. She also works extensively on stormwater utility development, environmental regulations, climate resiliency, and affordability strategies. Her experience includes advising on stormwater funding models, conducting legal and policy research, and navigating rate-setting and litigation challenges.

At the state level, she is trusted voice on water policy and has collaborated with legislators, regulators, and stakeholder workgroups to help craft statewide stormwater management and water affordability legislation. She has also been tapped to serve on the Legislative Affairs Committee for the MACDC and Chair the Government Affairs Council for MI-AWWA.

Session: Stormwater Management: The Do’s and Don’ts of Creating a Stormwater Utility, 3/11, 1:30–2:30 p.m.

Marissa Russo

Marketing & Communications Manager, City of Sterling Heights

Marissa Russo directs strategic marketing, communications, and brand development for the City of Sterling Heights, guiding how the community connects with residents, partners, and audiences statewide. She works across departments and platforms to ensure a consistent, trusted, and forward-thinking public brand.

She serves as the staff liaison for the Sterling Heights Youth Advisory Board, supporting young leaders in developing civic awareness, leadership skills, and a strong sense of community pride. Through this role, Marissa helps amplify youth voices and create meaningful opportunities for engagement.

Marissa is passionate about building inclusive programs, strengthening public trust, and inspiring the next generation of community leaders.

Session: Youth Movement: Getting Students Engaged in Local Government, 3/11, 1:30–2:30 p.m.

Suzanne Schulz, FAICP

Urban Design and Planning Practice Leader, Progressive Companies

Suzanne Schulz, FAICP is the Urban Planning Practice Leader with Progressive Companies. The practice focuses on innovative land use and transportation planning projects in communities, facilitating development, and creating systemic change. Suzanne is the former Planning Director and Managing Director of Design and Development for the City of Grand Rapids (MI), where she also served as Planning Director. During her 30+ year career, Suzanne has been involved in numerous significant projects throughout Michigan, including the Michigan Association of Planning’s Zoning Reform Toolkit, the Detroit Regional Partnership’s Industrial Development Toolkit, City of Grand Rapids’ Zoning Ordinance, Green Grand Rapids, and many others. She served as Chair for the State of Michigan’s Complete Streets Advisory Council and on the MEDC Redevelopment Ready Advisory Committee. Suzanne currently serves as a Commissioner on the State Transportation Commission and as an AICP Commissioner for the American Planning Association.

Session: What To Do When You’re Expecting: Spending New Transportation Revenue Wisely, 3/11, 3–4 p.m.

Jacob Witte

Senior Associate Attorney, Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes

Jacob Witte, a Senior Associate in Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes Municipal Group, focuses on zoning law, ordinance drafting, and code enforcement. He assists municipalities with the creation and revision of zoning ordinances and has successfully represented clients in zoning-related litigation and civil infractions.

Session: Trial by Fire: Learning Zoning & Planning from the Witness Stand, 3/11, 3–4 p.m.

Henry Yanez

Councilman, City of Sterling Heights

Henry Yanez is in his fourth term on City Council. He previously served as State Representative for the cities of Sterling Heights/Warren.

Session: Youth Movement: Getting Students Engaged in Local Government, 3/11, 1:30–2:30 p.m.