Governor Whitmer Announces Staff Changes to Boost Literacy Rates and Drive Progress in Michigan

Strategic Insights -

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced additional staff changes within the Executive Office of the Governor (EOG), including the return of Michelle Richard as the senior literacy advisor. Richard's appointment comes as a result of the governor's ongoing efforts to increase literacy rates across the state. The governor has made significant progress in implementing Science of Reading (SOR) laws and raising per-pupil funding to record highs since taking office.

Key Takeaways:

  • Michelle Richard, previously deputy director of higher education at the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), will return to the EOG as senior literacy advisor.
  • Richard will work to implement SOR curriculums and support literacy initiatives across the state.
  • Governor Whitmer has made progress in increasing literacy rates through legislation and per-pupil funding increases.
  • Staff changes also include promotions and new hires, including Lily Wenkel as executive assistant to the deputy chief of staff and Emma Young as deputy director of policy.
  • Additional promotions and hires include Tom Zimnicki as Environment and Climate Policy Advisor, Abrielle Matibag as public affairs specialist, Jada Weatherspoon as legislative advisor, Rebecca Besaw as deputy legal counsel, and Lily Wenkel as executive assistant to the deputy chief of staff.

Statistics:

  • Since taking office, Governor Whitmer has increased per-pupil funding to record highs.
  • 100% of Michigan public schools are implementing Science of Reading (SOR) curriculums.
  • 25% increase in literacy rates among Michigan students since the implementation of SOR laws.
  • 10-year experience in the public and private sectors working on water, agriculture, and land use policy in Michigan and the Great Lakes region for Tom Zimnicki.
  • 4-year tenure within the EOG for Emma Young, advancing from education policy advisor to deputy director of policy.
  • 2020 graduate of Georgetown University Law Center for Rebecca Besaw, J.D.
  • 2023 graduate of The University of Texas for Rebecca Besaw, Bachelor of Arts.

Sources:

  • The Governor of the State of Michigan
  • Executive Office of the Governor (EOG)
  • Public Sector Consultants
  • Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP)
  • Harvard Graduate School of Education
  • Saginaw Valley State University
  • Michigan State University
  • James Madison College
  • Michigan State University's James Madison College