LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Jen Flood will lead the State Budget Office as its new director beginning in mid-November after Chris Harkins accepted a new position outside of state government. The governor also announced additional promotions and hires within the executive office.    

“Our budget is a reflection of this administration’s priorities for making Michigan a state where everyone can succeed,” said Governor Whitmer. “Jen knows this job well and has what it takes to deliver. I’ve signed five historic budgets into law that make record investments without raising taxes. She has been my point person with the legislature and the budget office every year as we crafted and passed bipartisan budgets that put Michiganders first. We have a lot of important work to do, so let’s keep our foot on the accelerator to get the job done.”   

“Jen Flood is a skilled collaborator and forward-thinking leader who will take a strategic approach to the budget,” said Jeff Donofrio, President and Chief Executive Officer of Business Leaders for Michigan. “Her work to craft bipartisan solutions and invest in talent, education, and growing the economy will be critical to Michigan’s future. We look forward to working with her in this new role.”   

“Jen Flood is the perfect choice to lead the State Budget Office,” said Buzz Thomas, Co-Founder of Activate Detroit and Former Senate Democratic Floor Leader. “I’ve known Jen for her entire professional career. She’s intelligent, empathetic, and always centers what is best for Michiganders in every decision. Look no further than her work to pass one of the biggest tax cuts for working families in our state’s history or increasing investments in our schools and expanding child care for parents. Jen has been critical to building policies and programs of equity and equal opportunity that create the foundation for families to succeed. I can’t wait to see how she continues to make Michigan a place of incredible opportunity.”   

State Budget Office   

Jen Flood, Incoming Budget Director  

Jen Flood currently serves as deputy chief of staff, overseeing the legislative affairs, federal affairs, policy, appointments, and community engagement divisions within the executive office.     

Flood previously served as the director of legislative and public affairs in the governor's office. Before her work in the executive office, she worked as a government policy advisor at Dykema, and spent time in the Michigan House and Senate, including working for then-Senate Democratic Leader Gretchen Whitmer and former Senate Democratic Floor Leader Buzz Thomas.    

Flood holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and Master of Public Policy from Michigan State University.   

She resides in East Lansing with her husband and son.   

“I am truly honored to join such a talented team of dedicated experts and build on the historic investments Gov. Whitmer has made in education, childcare, roads, talent, and so much more” said Jen Flood, Incoming Budget Director (left). “Far from being just numbers the state budget is about the kitchen-table issues facing so many families. It is an expression of the governor’s priorities and vision – not just today but for future generations. As a mom and life-long Michigander, this work holds special meaning to me. I look forward to working with Chairs Sarah Anthony and Angela Witwer on future budgets to help empower our communities and show that anyone can make it in Michigan.”   

Current State Budget Director Chris Harkins will continue to serve until mid-November and then in an advisory capacity until mid-December when he begins a new position outside of state government. Harkins served as budget director for the past two years and prior to that served as director of the Senate Fiscal Agency.     

“Chris Harkins has done a tremendous job as budget director,” said Governor Whitmer. “The last two budgets that I signed into law will benefit families for years to come, and I want to thank Chris for his wisdom and leadership as we navigated these historic investments. Our state is grateful for his expertise while in state government and wish him well in this new opportunity.”   

“It has been an honor to serve Governor Whitmer and the State of Michigan in this capacity,” said State Budget Director Chris Harkins. “Public service is a noble calling and I consider myself lucky to have worked alongside such dedicated public servants these past several years.”   

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

Executive Office Staff   

In addition to selecting a new state budget director, Governor Whitmer announced additional promotions and hires within the policy, legal, and communications divisions in the executive office.   

Zoe Ahlstrom, Deputy Policy Director 

Zoe Ahlstrom joined the Executive Office of the Governor in March 2023 as a policy advisor. Her portfolio includes housing, agriculture and rural development, natural resources, and military and veterans. She joined the administration from Consumers Energy where she served in multiple roles, most recently being energy assistance manager. She previously served as deputy chief of staff for state Senator David Knezek, and legislative aide for state Representatives Terry Brown and Frank Liberati. Zoe is an alumnus of AmeriCorps NCCC and holds a bachelor’s in political science from Kansas State University.   

Marissa Kreutzfeld, Deputy Legal Counsel 

Marissa Kreutzfeld will join the legal team as deputy legal counsel. She previously worked as a staff attorney at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. Kreutzfeld has clerked for Justice Elizabeth Welch on the Michigan Supreme Court and Judge Anica Letica on the Court of Appeals. She received her J.D. from Michigan State University College of Law and holds a Bachelor of Arts from James Madison College at MSU.       

Amy Lishinski, Deputy Legal Counsel 

Amy Lishinski will join the legal team as deputy legal counsel. She previously worked as counsel at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr, LLP. Lishinski clerked for Judge David Tatel on the U.S. Court of Appeals in the District of Columbia Circuit and for Justice Bridget McCormack on the Michigan Supreme Court. She received her J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School, holds a Master of Arts in Philosophy from Texas A&M University, and received her undergraduate degree from Baylor University.      

Hailey Cherepon, Associate Legal Counsel 

Hailey Cherepon will join the legal team as associate legal counsel. She previously worked as an associate at Wilmer Hale. Lishinski clerked for Judge Arianna Freeman on the U.S. Court of Appeals in the Third Circuit. She received her J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.   

Sarah Alkiek, Communications Liaison 

Sarah Alkiek has been hired as the communications liaison. She joined the executive office as an intern with community engagement. Sarah graduated from the University of Michigan-Flint with a Bachelor of Science in Biology.   

Taylor Gribble, Communications Assistant 

Taylor Gribble serves as the communications assistant. She previously worked as a communications associate for Moment Strategies where she worked with clients like The Michigan Infrastructure Office, Huron Clinton Metro Parks, and Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts from Central Michigan University and is working towards her master's at Wayne State. 

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