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Government Relations Public Policy Committee


About

The primary purpose of the Government Relations Public Policy Committee (GRPCC) is to advance philanthropy’s collective voice in public policy. The GRPPC supports policy engagement consistent with CMF’s mission, vision and values that:  

  • Maintain a healthy philanthropic sector. 

  • Promote and advance equity. 

  • Address the needs of Michigan residents, especially in marginalized communities. 

  • Engage philanthropy as meaningful partners in the development, implementation and oversight of public policies that support, rather than supplant, government services. 


Committee

Government Relations Public Policy Committee members include:

  • Dave Mengebier, Co-Chair, Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation 

  • eMily Aleman-McAlpine, Co-Chair, Wege Foundation

  • Carolyn Cassin, Michigan Women Forward 

  • Jenee Velasquez, The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation 

  • Jennifer Poteat, Harry A. and Margaret D. Towsley Foundation

  • Kelley Kuhn, Michigan Nonprofit Association

  • Laurie Solotorow, Michigan Health Endowment Fund
  • Maria Woodruff-Wright, The Skillman Foundation 

  • Myra Tetteh, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation 

  • Neal Hegarty, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation 

  • Paul Hillegonds, Michigan Health Endowment Fund

  • Paula Gruszynski, M&M Area Community Foundation 

  • Phyllis Meadows, The Kresge Foundation 

  • Punita Thurman, The Skillman Foundation 

  • Randy Maiers, Community Foundation of St. Clair County 

  • Robin Ferriby, Clark Hill PLC 

  • Sharon Mortensen, Midland Area Community Foundation 

  • Wendy Jackson, The Kresge Foundation 

  • Kyle Caldwell, Council of Michigan Foundations 

Advisor Roles are held by:

  • Eric Lupher, Citizens Research Council
  • Jeff Williams, Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy
  • Karen Aldridge-Eason, Office of Foundation Liaison 
  • Monique Stanton, Michigan League for Public Policy

Staff Liaison Roles are held by: 

  • Cassidy Uchman, Council of Michigan Foundations
  • Nathan Murphy, Council of Michigan Foundations
  • Regina Bell, Council of Michigan Foundations

While CMF represents the collective interests of philanthropy in Michigan, it is important to note that membership dues do not go towards advocacy work.  

Advancing Change Through Advocacy

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