Today, the Detroit Regional Chamber announced key changes to its public policy advocacy approach, emphasizing the organization’s position as the leading bipartisan voice for business in government.
As the Chamber continues to refine its focus on making Michigan a leading place to do business, especially for member companies, it has renamed its Government Relations department to Public Policy and Business Advocacy. The new name better reflects the Chamber’s focus on representing the interests of business in the Detroit Region and across the state before policymakers at the regional, state, and national levels.
Brian Shoaf, Vice President of Public Policy and Business Advocacy
To operationalize this enhanced effort, the Chamber has promoted Brian Shoaf to Vice President of Public Policy and Business Advocacy. Shoaf will join Brad Williams, Vice President of Political Affairs, on the Chamber’s executive team. In this role, Shoaf will continue to work diligently in Lansing to represent the organization’s policy priorities and support relationships with government leaders.
“Chamber members continue to indicate that the organization’s political influence and pro-business advocacy efforts provide them with significant value,” said Sandy K. Baruah, the Chamber’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “To best reflect our members’ priorities and continue to maintain one of the state’s most robust advocacy programs, we’re proud to launch an enhanced Public Policy and Business Advocacy initiative and expand the executive team in this critical area with Brian’s Shoaf’s addition.”
These changes in staffing and scope reinforce the importance of ensuring that current and prospective businesses in the Detroit Region and across the state benefit from a pro-growth, business-friendly policy climate. The Chamber will continue to invest in these endeavors as the leading bipartisan voice for business in government. Learn more at detroitchamber.com/advocacy.
About Brian Shoaf
Prior to joining the Chamber in 2022, Brian Shoaf spent more than 20 years working in the Michigan House of Representatives and the Michigan Senate. Most recently, he was the senior budget advisor for the Michigan Senate Appropriations Chair. In this role, Shoaf helped develop and negotiate the state budget and supplemental spending. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University with a major in Economics.
