LANSING — Speaker-elect Joe Tate, D-Detroit, today announced key members of his staff for the legislative session that begins January 2023.
“The House Democratic Majority is eager to get to work for the people of Michigan,” said Speaker-elect Tate. “Assembling a team of well-qualified and experienced staff will help us deliver on the promises we made to our constituents and our communities. My goal is to get my team right from the start, and I believe this group of individuals have the skills, passion and experience necessary to help best serve the residents of Michigan from day one.”
Shaquila Myers will serve as Chief of Staff to the Michigan Speaker of the House. Ms. Myers has dedicated 15 years of her career to public service. She currently serves as senior advisor to Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Prior to working for the governor, Ms. Myers served as chief of staff to Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. Ms. Myers is a veteran staffer of the legislature and served the Senate Democratic caucus in various positions. Prior to her years in public service, Ms. Myers was a fixture at community organizations throughout metro Detroit. Ms. Myers received her Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Public Administration degrees from Oakland University.
Joshua Lyman will continue his service to Speaker-elect Tate as External Affairs Director. Mr. Lyman has worked for multiple members of the Michigan House of Representatives over the past several years. He also served in the House Business Office and with the Michigan State Capitol Commission. Mr. Lyman has both a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration degree from Western Michigan University.
Ricardo White will serve as Legislative Director for Speaker-elect Tate. Mr. White previously worked in the administration of Gov. Whitmer and in the Michigan House of Representatives for former Rep. Robert Wittenberg. Mr. White is a veteran of political campaigns and was recently a senior account executive at Moment Strategies. Mr. White received his Bachelor of Science in International Relations and Public Administration degree from Central Michigan University.
Coffiann Hawthorne will continue her service to the House Democratic Caucus as Policy Director for the majority. Ms. Hawthorne has served four Democratic leaders of the Michigan House of Representatives and worked in the administration of former-Governor Jennifer Granholm. She has been a member of the State Bar of Michigan for 21 years and is a current member on the State Bar Character and Fitness Committee and served previously on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. She was in private practice before coming to the legislature. Ms. Hawthorne earned both her undergraduate and law degrees from Michigan State University.
Angela Wheeler is currently House Democratic legal counsel and will continue her work in the Michigan House of Representatives as Majority Legal Counsel. Prior to coming to the legislature, Ms. Wheeler spent 17 years in the Flint City Attorney’s Office, including five years as the Chief Legal Officer for the City of Flint. Ms. Wheeler also has years of experience in private practice. Ms. Wheeler earned her undergraduate degree from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University and a Juris Doctor degree from Michigan State University.
John Mulcrone will serve as General Counsel to the House of Representatives. Mr. Mulcrone is currently chief of staff and counsel to Senate Democratic Leader Jim Ananich and has served as counsel to the Senate Democratic Caucus across multiple legislative sessions. Mr. Mulcrone holds an undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit Law School. Mr. Mulcrone is a decorated veteran of the United States Air Force and the United States Navy.
Amber McCann will serve as Press Secretary for Speaker-elect Tate. Ms. McCann is the current communications director for Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Prior to her time at the Department of Attorney General, Ms. McCann was a staffer and spokesperson for multiple Michigan Senate majority leaders. Ms. McCann has an undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University and a Master of Public Administration degree from Oakland University.