LANSING, Mich. – Wednesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced changes in her executive office and the state budget office. In the executive office, the governor announced former Chief Deputy Attorney General Christina Grossi as Chief Legal Counsel, former state Senator Curtis Hertel Jr. as Director of Legislative Affairs, Korey Hall as Detroit Regional Director, Kristi James as Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs for the Senate, Ryan Bardoni as Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs for the House, and Jada Weatherspoon as the House Associate Liaison.   

“Our new team members bring years of experience to their roles," said Governor Whitmer. “I look forward to working with them to get things done that make a real difference in people’s lives. Let’s take advantage of our economic momentum to lower costs for working families and move Michigan forward.”   

Executive Office

Christina Grossi, Chief Legal Counsel 

Grossi served in the Michigan Department of Attorney General for 12 years, most recently as Chief Deputy Attorney General. During her tenure with the Department, Grossi worked on several high-profile cases and investigations, including securing the injunction against Michigan’s 1931 abortion law. She is an adjunct professor at Michigan State University. Grossi is a Michigan State University graduate and received her JD at Western Michigan University’s Cooley Law School.   

Curtis Hertel Jr., Director of Legislative Affairs 

Hertel served in the Michigan Senate from 2015 through 2022. He brings years of experience and strong relationships on both sides of the aisle to the executive office. He will work with members, several of whom he has served with, to deliver on the kitchen-table issues. Hertel is a graduate of James Madison College at Michigan State University. He and his wife are proud parents of four.   

Kristi James, Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs, Senate Liaison 

James, previously the Deputy Legislative Director for the House, will now work with the Senate. She brings years of legislative experience and will continue building on her work over the last year on the governor’s team. James is a graduate of James Madison College at Michigan State University. She volunteers and serves on several community boards in Lansing.   

Ryan Bardoni, Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs, House Liaison 

Bardoni served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Democratic Minority Leader Donna Lasinski. Previously, he was with the Michigan Nurses Association and held several positions in the legislature over the last decade. Bardoni is a University of Michigan graduate.   

Jada Weatherspoon, House Associate Liaison  

Weatherspoon served as a staffer in the Michigan House, assisting constituents, handling a range of issues, and working with local stakeholders. She is a graduate of Wayne State University.   

Korey Hall, Detroit Regional Director 

Hall, previously the Director of Community Affairs, will serve as the governor’s new Detroit Regional Director. Previously, he was Political Director for U.S. Senator Gary Peters, Regional Manager for Southeast Michigan in the office of U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, and Director of Public Policy and Outreach for the Detroit Branch NAACP. Hall graduated from Fisk University and holds a Master of Public Administration from Baruch College.   

State Budget Office

Additionally, State Budget Director Chris Harkins is excited to welcome new members to the State Budget Office that are critical to successfully enacting the state’s budget. Kyle Guerrant will serve as Deputy Budget Director and Libby McGaughey will be the Director of External and Legislative Affairs.    

Kyle Guerrant, Deputy Budget Director 

Guerrant has been with the Michigan Department of Education for 17 years, most recently as Deputy Superintendent of Finance and Operations. He is a graduate of Long Island University (LIU) Post and earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan.   

Libby McGaughey, Director of External and Legislative Affairs 

McGaughey served as Chief of Staff to Democratic Leader Donna Lasinski. Previously, she was Executive Vice President at Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan and held several other policy roles. McGaughey is a University of Michigan graduate and earned a Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University.   

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