A passion for empowering others.

 Lisa obtained her Master’s Degree in Education, specializing in Community Engagement and Government Affairs, following a year-long Fellowship at Merrimack College. (Fun Fact:  She delivered her capstone project from a video platform to a live audience while traveling to Washington DC).  

Prior to this, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Columbia Southern University and has been a Certified Economic Developer through the International Economic Development Council since 2020.

Throughout her career, Lisa has successfully led various local governments and regional economic development teams to enhance community engagement and implement initiatives aimed at improving outcomes. She has developed objective hiring and appointment processes, ensuring that the right individuals are placed in the right roles.

Lisa has also been instrumental in establishing grant programs and conducting grant evaluations, boasting extensive experience in program compliance. Working collaboratively with several Michigan tribes, she has optimized resources through funding source stacking, creating effective financing models that integrate grants with incentives and low-interest lending, ultimately enhancing program results.

Her diverse professional background includes roles in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Lisa actively contributes to her community by serving on multiple non-profit boards, including several foundation boards and business membership organizations, and she currently holds the position of Vice-Chair of the 10-county regional planning agency.