The staff of the Michigan Association of School Boards is here to serve the needs of MASB members and others interested in public education. Please note that we have included all staff members in this directory, arranged by department.
he/him
Executive DirectorExecutive Staff
Don has worked at MASB for more than 25 years and loves the dedication to community and kids that our members show. He has two degrees from Western Michigan University. Married for more than 25 years to Laura, who he met while they were in high school. His daughter, Maddie, will be attending WMU in fall 2023 to be a high school teacher and his son, Max, is in middle school.
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
Association strategic priorities; Board of Directors; external relations; member outreach; overall association management
Executive Staff
Kent joined MASB in January 2020, having retired from Petoskey Schools where he worked as their CFO for more than 20 years. He has significant experience with school millage campaigns, bonds, construction management, operations, budgeting and finance. Kent is a lifelong learner with a bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University, an MBA from Grand Valley State University and a doctorate from the University of Michigan. Kent's wife of 30+ years is a special education teacher, his son is an engineer from U of M and his daughter is working on her Ph.D. in chemistry from MSU.
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
Association budget; association-wide project management; capital budget; human resources
Executive Staff
Cheryl started working at MASB more than 25 years ago in Government Relations with Don Wotruba and Labor Relations and Legal Services with Brad Banasik. As she took on the responsibility of the Board Liaison, who knew that Don Wotruba would eventually take on the Executive Director position and we would continue to work together!
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
Board of Directors/Executive Director/Deputy Director; Committees: Board Policy, Executive and Resolutions and Bylaws; Delegate Assembly; Director Elections; Member Assistance Fund
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Director of Communications, Public Relations and MarketingCommunications, Public Relations and Marketing
After leading communication efforts in higher education and economic development for more than a decade, Jessie joined MASB in January 2023. She is a skilled content creator, but her real strengths lie in her unending curiosity, ability to connect and her passion to contribute to a greater good. Jessie is always up for a challenge, and we appreciate her big laugh and big personality.
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
Community relations; marketing plan/strategy; media relations; sponsorships/VIP programs
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Assistant Director of Communications and Public RelationsCommunications, Public Relations and Marketing
After many years at health and human services nonprofits, Chrissy joined the CPRM Department in 2023. She holds degrees from the University of Michigan, Florida State University and Michigan State University and looks forward to bringing her skills and personality to MASB.
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
Annual Report; DashBoard e-newsletter; LeaderBoard magazine; Member Matters webinars; member-facing communication; new board member onboarding; nonmarketing mass emails; press releases/statements; proofreading; website
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Assistant Director of MarketingCommunications, Public Relations and Marketing
Larissa joined the team in 2021 and brings a background of both creativity and analysis to her marketing role at MASB. She graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, minoring in Art History and Visual Culture. She also holds a Master of Professional Studies in Marketing Analytics from Pennsylvania State University. You can typically find her reading a psychology or thriller book, traveling with her husband, spending time with her three cats, or playing with colorful makeup and nail art.
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
Exhibit Show; Get On Board campaign; marketing campaigns/brand oversight; marketing mass emails; new board member onboarding; project management
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Graphic DesignerCommunications, Public Relations and Marketing
Laura joined the MASB team in 2024. She graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. In her spare time you can catch her hanging out with friends or learning how to make specialty coffee drinks.
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
Brand consistency; Brochures/flyers/Annual Report; Publication design; graphics/concept development
she/her
Marketing CoordinatorCommunications, Public Relations and Marketing
Stacy started as an Administrative Assistant in the CPRM Department at MASB in 2005. Since that time, her responsibilities have grown and evolved into the Marketing Coordinator for the department. Need books? Stacy is also your go-to person for all things MASB Bookstore. Besides being an MASB historian, she is also the proud, loving mother of two incredible children, Darius and Naia.
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
#MASBHealthy; BoardBook; Bookstore; Exhibit Show coordinator; Pay Schools/purchasing cards; School Board Recognition Month; social media; sponsor ads
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Video Production CoordinatorCommunications, Public Relations and Marketing
Brought into a brand-new position at the time, Phil joined the team back in 2014. More than just internal video production, he has created videos for districts across the state, produces our podcast, MISoundBoard, and even illustrated the cover of MASB's Winter 2022 LeaderBoard magazine. He is always one to use humor to lighten anyone's mood.
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
MI SoundBoard podcast; video production—external and internal
Finance and Business Services
Julie started with MASB in November 2020 after 25 years as a School Business Official. She brings accounting expertise to MASB for the day-to-day operations, but also offers a real-life edge to instructing our finance-related CBA courses because she's been there and done that.
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
Accounts payable; audit oversight and coordination; financial department staff oversight; new vendor processing; payroll
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Accounting ManagerFinance and Business Services
Amy graduated from Michigan State University, lived for a year in Florida, but missed the seasons. She moved back north and joined MASB in 2010. Amy is an Excel guru, which comes in handy for her role as the Accounting Manager, and will help anyone learn or solve a problem in it.
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
Accounts receivable/revenue transactions; dues; financial statement distribution; invoicing; reconciliations; refunds
Finance and Business Services
Sam is married and has two beautiful daughters. He has lived in the Lansing area since 1983 and graduated from Michigan State University. His family migrated from Lebanon to find better opportunities.
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
Accounts receivable/revenue transactions; dues; financial statement distribution; invoicing; reconciliations; refunds; assistance with MASA financials
Finance and Business Services
Sophia is a full-time student at Lansing Community College, pursuing her associate's degree in accounting. After graduating, she hopes to transfer to Michigan State University to earn her bachelor's degree. She is thrilled to work with MASB to help support Michigan's education systems!
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
Accounts receivable/revenue transactions; dues; financial statement distribution; invoicing; reconciliations; refunds; assistance with MASA financials
Finance and Business Services
In her life, Kris has been a sous chef, waitress, bartender, office manager for an interior design company, costume designer for community theatre (50+ shows) and fashion consultant. She was working at a hair salon when a customer asked her to come be the Receptionist at MASB. Twenty-plus years later she is still here and her job, which she loves, has advanced to assisting in keeping the Membership Portal accurate.
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
Building maintenance coordination; cash receipt/deposits; manage emails directed to info@masb.org; online membership portal; process all incoming and outgoing mail/packages; process/deposit incoming checks
Finance and Business Services
Kim came to MASB from the cast polymer/plastics/fiberglass industries. She feels blessed to work with the great people at MASB.
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
Accounts payable; cash receipts input; monthly invoice statements; office supply ordering; order invoicing
Government Relations
Jen started at MASB in 2012 and became Director of Government Relations in 2014. Before that, she worked in the Michigan Legislature for *redacted* years. In the category of "other duties as assigned," she has taken on the responsibility of running the office fantasy football league and reminding anyone who will listen, and even those who won't, to VOTE. She is a proud graduate of Western Michigan University and the Bronco Marching Band. She is married to another lobbyist and is mom to three high school boys. In her free time, she is the boys' varsity swim team photographer and high school band mom volunteer.
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
Delegate Assembly; online advocacy system management; lobbyist; News and Views From the Capitol; Resolutions and Bylaws Committee; Government Relations Committee
she/her
Assistant Director of Government RelationsGovernment Relations
Brenda started at MASB in 2023. Her extensive experience includes national, federally funded and local nonprofits, advocacy, and as staff in the Michigan Legislature. Brenda serves as a Board of Trustees member of the Jackson District Library and the Legacy Land Conservancy. When she's not working or volunteering, Brenda releases her inner mother earth, works on her mixology skills and performs with a singularly eccentric quartet of women when given a chance.
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
Delegate Assembly; online advocacy system management; lobbyist; News and Views From the Capitol; Resolutions and Bylaws Committee; Government Relations Committee
she/her
Interoffice AssistantGovernment Relations
Liz made a drastic career shift in March 2023 when she joined the MASB team after working in theatre for most of her life and working as the Artistic Director for All-of-Us Express Children's Theatre for almost a decade. Currently she is looking forward to big things to come in 2023: moving into a new house, seeing Taylor Swift (twice) and (hopefully) adopting a dog.
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
Primary contact for Government Relations and Labor Relations and Legal Services departments; ERiN database maintenance; Government Relations events and registration; online advocacy system management; updating and reporting on MASB surveys
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Director of Information Services and TechnologyInformation Technology
Jason has worked in Michigan's education community since 2003 with a strong focus on implementing technology solutions in various capacities; he joined MASB in 2016. In his role, Jason's responsible for strategic management of the IT infrastructure, information systems and support for not only MASB but also MSBO, MASA and MAISA. He is in constant pursuit of introducing technology that streamlines internal operations and helps optimize strategic benefits.
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
Analyze, plan and implement IT solutions; manage and support technology for MASB, MSBO, MASA and MAISA; system integrations; technology acquisition
Information Technology
Cody previously worked at MASB as a Technical Support Analyst and left in early 2022 to broaden his horizons. Much to everyone’s delight, he returned later that year as Systems Administrator. Cody has a deep background in both technology and customer service and he carries that with him at MASB. He earned his Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity from Davenport University in 2024. Cody has been able to watch the technology at MASB transform over the last few years and has exciting plans for future innovation.
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
Split 50% MASB and 50% for MSBO, MASA and MAISA; Network and server infrastructure in the building, data centers and cloud-based solutions; Wired and wireless connectivity and internet; Network and workstation security; Backup solutions and disaster recovery; Escalated technical support
Information Technology
James grew up in Lansing, but lived out west, mostly in Denver for 20 years. He has worked in IT for about 10 years and has an extensive customer service background from working in sales. James also has worked in the environmental field as both a researcher and teacher.
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
Split 50% MASB and 50% for MSBO, MASA and MAISA; help desk manager: first responder for all support issues; user account and computer management; application and product license management; maintain workstations hardware and software; assure staff are adequately trained and comfortable using technology
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Legal Counsel and Director of Labor Relations/PolicyLabor Relations and Legal Services
Brad grew up in Watervliet. He was introduced to the importance of school board service by his mom, who served on the Watervliet Board of Education for 20 years. After graduating from Western Michigan University with an Education Degree, he decided to give law school a try, which turned out to be a good decision. That eventually led Brad to MASB, but, more importantly, he met MaryJo Dusseau, whom he married the day before their law school graduation.
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
Board meeting questions; labor relations and legal questions; Legal Trust Fund; Michigan Council of School Attorneys; Neola
Labor Relations and Legal Services
Dan joined MASB at the beginning of 2022. Prior to that, he served for 8.5 years as a policy advisor in the Michigan House of Representatives handling education issues. He attended Michigan State University, graduating in 1997 with two bachelor degrees in International Relations through the James Madison College and Advertising from the School of Communication Arts and Sciences. Prior to receiving his Juris Doctorate in 2006 from Michigan State University (Daniel bleeds green), he worked in public affairs and government.
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
ERiN; labor relations; legal questions; school-related HR questions
Leadership Development and Executive Search Services
With a decade of experience cultivating education leaders and expertise in human resources and facilitation, Greg leads MASB’s Leadership Development and Executive Search Services and serves as a key member of the Senior Management Team. Prior to joining MASB, Greg served as the Director of the Center for Learning and Leadership at Mid Michigan College and the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Kirtland Community College. Greg holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from Adrian College, a masters in Education Leadership from Saginaw Valley State University and a graduate certificate in Human Resource Administration from Central Michigan University.
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
Executive search services; leadership development; manages all facets and team members in the department
she/her
Assistant Director of Leadership DevelopmentLeadership Development and Executive Search Services
Debbie brings a wealth of knowledge to the Leadership and Executive Search Services Department as the Assistant Director of Leadership Development. In addition to teaching CBA courses, she is often found out in districts facilitating workshops and strategic planning processes. With more than 15 years of previous service as a local/ISD school board member in Huron Valley Schools and Oakland Schools, Debbie has a solid foundation to support Michigan's current governance teams. She also served as a member of MASB's Board of Directors before joining the staff 10 years ago. Prior to working for MASB, Debbie served superintendents and principals in her roles at MASA and MEMSPA. In her free time, she enjoys cruising and glamping with her husband Steve, as well as creating stained glass items.
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
Board training and professional development; CASBAs; strategic planning; workshops/retreats
he/him
Assistant Director of Executive Search ServicesLeadership Development and Executive Search Services
Jay is an experienced educator and former school board member. After spending more than two decades working with students and adult learners, Jay currently serves school board trustees as MASB’s Assistant Director of Executive Search Services. By far, Jay’s most beloved roles to date have been that of husband to Angie and Dad to Melissa, Cole and Andrew. In his spare time, Jay enjoys biking, hiking, volunteering in his community, and time with friends and family.
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
Area representative program; executive search services; superintendent evaluation; superintendent support
she/her
Education Programming ManagerLeadership Development and Executive Search Services
MacKenzie serves as MASB's Education Programming Manager where she is responsible for curating content and creating learning experience for boards of education around the state. MacKenzie’s professional life has taken her from the middle school classroom to K-12 curriculum development, from graduate school professor to leader of learning. At the root of all this work is a belief that all people can learn and are worthy of a successful future. With this in mind, she has endeavored to build systems to support, equip and create opportunities for learners. In her current role, MacKenzie combines her skills in instructional design and adult learning theory to create powerful experiences—both in person and online—for association members.
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
Annual Leadership Conference; educational opportunities for MASB members; Institutes; programming collaboration with other departments
she/her
Certification Manager and Instructional DesignerLeadership Development and Executive Search Services
Amy came to MASB after a long career in public education teaching high school science. Since joining the Leadership Development and Executive Search Services team, she has translated her experience into her new role conveying knowledge to school boards across Michigan. She brings not only her impeccable organizational skills, but also her ability to dazzle and entertain coworkers with unbelievable stories from a day in her life (seriously, it should be a sitcom). When Amy’s not designing classes for MASB, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their pets.
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
Board Member Certification (CBA) program; development and delivery of CBA training content; learning management system (Compass); recruitment and assignments for CBA instructors
she/her
Conference and Event PlannerLeadership Development and Executive Search Services
Whitney started her career in the MELG building, working at MSBO/SNAM prior to coming to MASB in March 2020 (two days before COVID shut down the world). She is a born-and-raised Spartan because of growing up in the Lansing area. Her favorite getaways are with her family of five to any sandy beach with sunshine!
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
Meeting logistics, SCECH program
Leadership Development and Executive Search Services
Cindy’s jam is associations. She’s made her career serving members and building strong programs. She came to MASB in 2017 for a newly created position. The role has developed, taking advantage of Cindy’s organizational skills and passion for serving members, coworkers and the organization. Her ability to "see the forest and the trees" makes her a great asset to MASB.
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
Adjunct contact; department and executive search services support; superintendent transition tracking
she/her
Membership Coordinator and RegistrarLeadership Development and Executive Search Services
Katie joined the team in 2024 and has experience with associations. She graduated from Michigan State University with a BA in Psychology. She is a proud dog mom to a Border Collie named Toast.
Fast Facts
Roles and Responsibilities
Board Member Awards Program; CASBAs; event registration; primary contact for board/superintendent secretaries
