In Episode 13, they interview

Rebecca DeVooght:

Rebecca is an experienced government relations professional with a career spanning nearly 25 years in various state and public sector positions. Prior to coming to Michigan State University, she represented the University of Michigan for 11 years as the Director of State Relations, focusing most of her time on state appropriations and on elevating research and academic freedom through strong collaborations with university academic and administrative units on the various intersections with state policy.

Through her direct efforts, she was successful in securing base appropriation increases for the university as well as Capital Outlay support for such purposes as University of Michigan’s School of Dentistry, a joint project between the College of Engineering and School of Information as well as other critical research projects. She has successfully worked to enhance campus engagement and collaboration with a wide range of government and non-government organizations beyond higher education.

Before her time at University of Michigan, Rebecca spent 12 years as a chief of staff and communications director in the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives. During her time in state government, Rebecca championed mental health advocacy, worked to enhance domestic violence and sexual assault prevention policy and increased higher education funding support.

Rebecca was an East Lansing resident for more than a decade earlier in her career, and during that time chaired the East Lansing Planning Commission, where she worked to implement transportation zoning requirements and liquor license approval procedures. She is a proud Spartan alum with strong agricultural and land-grant experience, having earned her Bachelor of Science from MSU.

Questions: ● You’ve built a nearly 25‑year career in government and public sector leadership. What originally drew you to government relations, and how has your purpose evolved over time?
● Michigan State University plays a major role in shaping statewide policy conversations. How do you see MSU’s voice influencing Michigan’s future?
● You work with lawmakers, community leaders and university stakeholders. What makes a partnership truly effective?
● As a woman leading in a high‑impact policy space, what challenges or opportunities have shaped your leadership style?
● What role do universities play in strengthening communities across Michigan?
● What advice would you give to emerging leaders who want to make an impact in public policy?
● You spent 11 years leading State Relations at the University of Michigan before returning to MSU as Vice President for Government Relations. What did that transition mean to you personally and professionally?
● You’ve worked across multiple levels of government, similar to us, from the Michigan Senate and House to two major universities. What have you learned about building trust and influence in political environments that are constantly shifting?
● Higher education is facing significant policy challenges in the coming years. From your perspective, what issues should leaders, especially women leaders, be paying closest attention to?
● This episode focuses on bold leadership. In your work, advocacy often requires courage, sometimes quiet, sometimes loud. Can you share a moment when you had to use your voice in a way that stretched you as a leader?
● You’re a proud Spartan alum. What does it feel like to return to MSU in such a pivotal leadership role, and how does your student experience influence your work today?
● If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, specifically the version of you just starting out in the Michigan Legislature, what would it be?

Show notes: Lorri and Becky sat down with Rebecca DeVooght, Vice President of Government Relations at Michigan State University. In the first segment, Rebecca dives into how she grew up with two parents who worked in social work and how that led to where she took her career, being very motivated from a young age.

In the next segment, Rebecca dives into her passion for higher ed. Rebecca shares her insights on societal trends, public trust and government relations. She shares how women leaders can use what’s going on in the world to become a better leader. Rebecca then goes into how valuable partnerships are, especially living in a smaller town like Lansing.

Sarah Hubbard:

Principal, Acuitas | Regent, University of Michigan

With more than 25 years of experience at the intersection of government relations, public affairs, and higher education governance, Sarah L. Hubbard is a proven leader in navigating complex policy environments, fostering strategic partnerships, and driving organizational success.

Sarah currently serves as Principal and Co-Owner of Acuitas, a Lansing-based government relations and business development consulting firm. In this role, she works with clients ranging from small nonprofits to Fortune 500 companies, providing expert guidance on advocacy strategies, political engagement, and relationship building. Her deep connections with Michigan’s highest-ranking officials — including the governor, legislature, congressional delegation, and municipal leaders — have helped deliver results to her clients.

In addition to her private sector work, Sarah was elected to the University of Michigan Board of Regents in 2020. As a Regent, she has played a pivotal role in overseeing the university’s $15 billion budget and $20 billion endowment. She has served as Board Chair, Chair of the Finance, Audit, and Investment Committee, and Co-Chair of the Presidential Search Committee, demonstrating her ability to lead through complex governance and financial challenges. Sarah has also provided critical strategic input during crises, including cyberattacks, campus safety incidents, and high-profile protests, often serving as a spokesperson to local and national media. Her experience extends to guiding the university’s health system — now larger than its academic units — through risk assessment and long-term capital planning.

Sarah’s earlier career includes 17 years at the Detroit Regional Chamber, where she served as Senior Vice President of Government Relations. In this capacity, she was the Chamber’s primary liaison to policymakers at all levels, representing the interests of 23,000 member organizations. She worked closely with Michigan’s largest corporate leaders to advance shared advocacy goals and served as management’s voice in the Chamber boardroom.

Sarah earned an MBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, a Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan.

Her professional excellence and leadership have been widely recognized, including being named to Crain’s Detroit Business “50 Names to Know in Lobbying” (2020, 2022), “Women to Watch” (2008), and “40 Under 40” (2005). Sarah has also served on numerous boards, including the Public Affairs Council, American Chamber of Commerce Executives, and the University of Michigan Alumni Association.

With a career defined by effective leadership, strategic vision, and a commitment to public service, Sarah L. Hubbard continues to shape the future of Michigan’s public and private sectors through her work as a consultant, university leader, and trusted advisor.

Questions:

• You’ve moved between nonprofit, corporate, and university leadership. How did you know when it was time to make each transition?
• What unique strengths do women bring to the policy and advocacy space?
• As a Regent overseeing a $15B budget and $20B endowment, what leadership lessons have you learned from managing such large, complex systems?
• You’ve helped guide the university through cyberattacks, safety incidents, and high‑profile protests. What does strong crisis leadership look like?
• From your work with Fortune 500 companies to small nonprofits, what trends are you seeing in Michigan’s business ecosystem?
• What makes a partnership truly effective and mutually beneficial?
• You’ve been named a “Woman to Watch” and one of Crain’s “50 Names to Know in Lobbying.” What barriers have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
• What role has mentorship played in your career, and how can women leaders cultivate meaningful mentor relationships?
• What leadership qualities will be most important for Michigan’s next generation of women leaders?
• What’s one piece of advice you’d give to women who want to lead boldly in their industries?