LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Municipal League honored the Elected Officials Academy (EOA) 2026 Graduates on March 10 at the League’s annual CapCon event in Lansing.
The EOA is an ongoing four-level program that educates and recognizes elected officials across the state for their dedication to becoming as professional and knowledgeable as possible in the role of public servants. The voluntary program was created in 1997 by a board of elected officials working with League staff.
“I am encouraged by the strong engagement and meaningful progress demonstrated by this year’s Elected Officials Academy graduates,” said Janet Dillon, Councilmember of Saline and President of the Elected Officials Academy Advisory Board. “It is inspiring to see elected officials prioritizing continued learning to strengthen their leadership and professional skills, enhancing their ability to effectively serve and represent their local communities and the State of Michigan.”
Level One graduates receive the Education Award, which requires 25 Academy credits. This year’s recipients are:
· Eric Bartkus, City of Lowell
· Jackie Boleware, City of Farmington Hills
· Rebecca Cheezum, City of Royal Oak
· Jeffrey Christensen, City of Charlotte
· Carlton Clyburn, City of Highland Park
· Dale Dalman, City of Rockford
· Sierra Donaven, City of Grosse Pointe Farms
· Maureen Eke, City of Mount Pleasant
· Amanda Johnson, City of Big Rapids
· William Mier, City of Madison Heights
· Lori Miller, City of Livonia
· Candice Mushatt, City of Flint
· Donald Nilson, City of Roosevelt Park
· Melanie Nivelt, Village of Ortonville
· Cathy North, City of Douglas
· Nicole Rice, City of Saline
· Erik Rick, City of Mount Clemens
· Muhtasin Sadman, City of Hamtramck
· Jacinta Seals, City of Saginaw
· Devin Shea, City of Holland
· Mark Suchowski, City of Fenton
· Sheila Tomkowiak, City of Grosse Pointe
· Mitchell Treadwell, City of Traverse City
· Nikolai Zerkle, City of Belding
Level Two graduates receive the Leadership Award, which requires 55 Academy credits. This year’s recipients are:
· Jennifer Antel, City of Wayland
· Joshua Atwood, City of Lapeer
· Emily Bauman, City of Westland
· James Barrus, City of Greenville
· Tracy Bottecelli, City of Fenton
· Harry Burdett, City of Springfield
· Joseph Chin, City of Charlotte
· Robert Clark, City of Monroe
· Priscilla Garcia, City of Saginaw
· Amanda Herzog, City of Royal Oak
· Brandon Kolo, City of Royal Oak
· Michelle LaVoy, City of Monroe
· Judy Priestley, City of Flint
Level Three graduates receive the Governance Award, which requires 100 Academy credits. This year’s recipients are:
· Christina DeMoore, City of Petoskey
· Mike DeVore, City of Lowell
· Donald Gerrie, City of Sault Sainte Marie
· Mohammed Hassan, City of Hamtramck
· Joe LaRussa, City of Farmington
· Raylon Leaks-May, City of Ferndale
· Andy LeCureaux, City of Hazel Park
· Larry Moss, City of Greenville
Level Four graduates receive the Ambassador Award, which requires 150 Academy credits. The sole recipient of the Ambassador Award this year was Anita Ashford, mayor of Port Huron.
“It was a humble honor and achievement to have reached level four, receiving the Ambassador Award,” said Mayor Ashford. “This journey provided countless opportunities and experiences to empower and engage me in my role as an elected official. This has truly equipped me to be the best public servant for the people. I am grateful to the MML and the EOA for making this program available.”
“I’d like to congratulate the 2026 graduates of the Elected Officials Academy,” said Emily Kieliszewski, Assistant Director, Member Experience and Learning at the League. “Their commitment to lifelong learning and professional development exemplifies excellence in public service. The League is pleased to recognize these local leaders for their efforts to effectively serve their communities.”
