2026 Agenda

It’s your first taste of the Mission Point Resort experience. Look for Detroit Regional Chamber staff and enjoy a selection of snacks and refreshments.  

Join fellow business and policy leaders for connection, conversation, and insights from legislative leaders on Michigan’s future at A Toast to Michigan, the annual Detroit Regional Chamber Political Action Committee Reception (PAC) . Learn more. 

*Credentialed Media Only 

*Government Officials Only 

Indulge in well-deserved pampering for an extra service fee while enjoying champagne and snacks in the salon suite. Reserve your spa experience at https://www.missionpoint.com/spa/ or call 906.847.3043 and look for Detroit Regional Chamber staff upon your arrival.

Enjoy this timeless tradition featuring premium teas perfectly paired with tastes and bites. 

Host: Ron Shahani, President, Acro Service Corp. 

Facilitated by: Bob Tagatz, Resident Historian, Grand Hotel 

Talent development remains a top priority for Michigan’s economic future, and universities, government, and industry can work together to co-create stronger talent pathways. The discussion will explore how cross-sector collaboration can address shared challenges — from affordable housing and health equity to AI-driven manufacturing and community resilience. 

Panelists: Ronia Kruse, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Optech, LLC and Companies; Co-Founder and Chair, Digital Lakes

Laura Lee McIntyre, Provost and Executive Vice President, Academic Affairs, Michigan State University 

Bob Riney, President and Chief Executive Officer, Henry Ford Health; Chair, 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference 

Moderator: Ridgway White, President and Chief Executive Officer, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation 

This session addresses ways to reinforce civic engagement and trust in the political process essential to sustaining a competitive economy. Participants will receive a strategic and real time perspective on what to expect around the 2026 elections and what business leaders can do to support accessible, secure elections and build confidence in the results, irrespective of which candidates prevail. 

Panelists: Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber 

Jocelyn Benson, Secretary of State, State of Michigan 

Peter Meijer, Former U.S. Representative; Co-Founder and Head of Strategy, The New Industrial Corporation

Moderator: Daniella Ballou-Aares, Chief Executive Officer, Leadership Now Project 

Hear discussions with Michigan legislators and Cabinet members from both parties about the current political and economic issues during programming hosted throughout the Conference. View the speaker lineup here.

This session demonstrates why increasing accessible housing supports economic growth, mobility, and stronger communities statewide, and outlines cross-sector collaborative strategies to make that possible. 

Panelists: Laura Grannemann, Executive Director, Rocket Community Fund and the Gilbert Family Foundation 

Amy Hovey, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Michigan State Housing Development Authority  

Elissa Slotkin, U.S. Senator (D-MI) 

Moderator: Jordyn Hermani, Capitol Reporter, Bridge Michigan 

MI Tri-Share offers a practical solution to child care costs by splitting them equally among the state, employers, and employees, making care more affordable while helping businesses attract and retain talent. This session will discuss how cross-sector partnerships like MI Tri-Share can address complex workforce challenges while strengthening Michigan’s economic future by supporting children and families. 

Panelists: Megan Russell Johnson, Program Officer, W.K. Kellogg Foundation 

Kelli Saunders, Vice President, Policy and Engagement, Small Business Association of Michigan 

Greg VanWoerkom, State Representative (R-Norton Shores) 

Moderator: Beverly Walker-Griffea, Director, Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) 

Speakers: Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber 

Bob Riney, President and Chief Executive Officer, Henry Ford Health; Chair, 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference 

Speaker: Devin Scillian, Journalist and Author 

Speaker: Mike Duggan, Former Mayor, City of Detroit

Interviewer: Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber 

*Breakfast available 6-9 a.m. 

Made for mornings on the move. Look for Detroit Regional Chamber staff upon your arrival. 

* Credentialed Media Only

Join fellow business and policy leaders for connection, conversation, and insights from legislative leaders on Michigan’s future at A Toast to Michigan, the annual Detroit Regional Chamber Political Action Committee Reception (PAC). Learn more. 

*Government Officials Only 

Enjoy a guided sunrise walk or run around Mission Point Resort’s property. Breakfast and coffee will be available in the lobby. 

Hosted by: Brian Calley, President and Chief Executive Officer, Small Business Association of Michigan 

Carrie Leahy, Member, Bodman PLC 

Julie Rogers, State Representative (D-Kalamazoo) 

Bill G. Schuette, State Representative (R-Midland) 

Rachel Stewart, Chief Executive Officer, Gardner White 

Mark Ware, Chief Executive Officer, Mission Point Resort 

This session will discuss how collective leadership and cross-sector collaboration can create durable policies, tangible action, and common ground to deliver measurable impacts for children and families, regardless of affiliation and ideology. 

Introduction: Yazeed Moore, Director, Michigan Programs, W.K. Kellogg Foundation 

Panelists: Elliot Haspel, Senior Fellow, Capita 

Andy Richards, Chief Operating Officer, Duncan Aviation 

Monique Stanton, President and Chief Executive Officer, Michigan League for Public Policy 

Moderator: Regina Bell, Chief Policy Officer, Council of Michigan Foundations 

The 2027 NCAA Men’s Final Four in Detroit is less than a year away. The session will highlight the many activities and events that will take place around the city throughout the weekend, and you will hear from coaches and former players who have participated on the impact the Final Four will have on the Region and state. 

Host: Claude Molinari, President and Chief Executive Officer, Visit Detroit

Introduction: Dave Beachnau, Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Local Organizing Committee, 2027 NCAA® Men’s Final Four®

Nancy Tellem, Executive Chairperson and Chief Media Officer, Eko 

Panelists: Tom Izzo, Men’s Basketball Coach, Michigan State University

Greg Kelser, Television Analyst, Detroit Pistons; Michigan State University Basketball Legend

Dusty May, Men’s Basketball Coach, University of Michigan

Jalen Rose, Founder, JRLA; Chief Executive Officer, Same Page Entertainment; Turner Sports Analyst; NBA Legend 

Moderator: Brad Galli, Host and Anchor, Brad Galli Show

Hear discussions with Michigan legislators and Cabinet members from both parties about the current political and economic issues during programming hosted throughout the Conference. View the speaker lineup here.

Michigan is producing world-class innovation across mobility, aerospace, defense, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, AI, and hard tech. The Innovation Alliance is a new statewide effort designed to better align founders, universities, corporations, investors, and public sector partners so Michigan can compete more effectively for talent, capital, company formation, and long-term economic growth.  

Panelists: Andrew Barnard, Vice President for Research, Michigan Technological University   

Carolina Pluszczynski, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Michigan Central  

Chris Rizik, Managing Partner, Renaissance Venture Capital  

Moderator: Ben Marchionna, Chief Innovation Ecosystem Officer, Michigan Economic Development Corporation 

Host: Michigan Economic Development Corporation 

Speaker: Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber 

Introduction: Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber 

Speaker: Gretchen Whitmer, Governor, State of Michigan 

Introduction: Bob Riney, President and Chief Executive Officer, Henry Ford Health; Chair, 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference 

Speaker: Mike Pence, 48th Vice President of the United States 

Interviewer: Roop Raj, Evening Anchor and Host, The Pulse, Fox 2 Detroit 

Speaker: Pete Buttigieg, Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation 

Interviewer: Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber 

Speaker: Patricia Mooradian, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Henry Ford 

Speaker: Gary Sinise, Actor-Humanitarian and Founder, Gary Sinise Foundation 

Interviewer: Ty Steele, Evening Anchor, WDIV-TV Local 4, NBC

Speaker: Matt Hall, Speaker of the House, State of Michigan 

USA Olympic Hockey Gold Medalist

Acting on Michigan’s AI and the Workforce Plan to assess and guide employers, workers and the workforce system, the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity along with Michigan Works! will release new Michigan-centric data and hold a discussion on the plan’s progress 

Speakers: Brian Calley, President and Chief Executive Officer, Small Business Association of Michigan  

Ryan Hundt, Chief Executive Officer, Michigan Works! 

Ingrid Tighe, President, Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center 

Moderator: Susan Corbin, Director, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity 

As Michigan strives to become a top-10 state in education, there is an opportunity to learn from place-based efforts already underway to reimagine Michigan education from cradle to career. This session will highlight how partnerships between a school district and a university partner, aligned with a comprehensive community and economic development strategy, can improve educational outcomes, quality of life, and economic opportunity. 

Panelists: Jeff Donofrio, President and Chief Executive Officer, Business Leaders For Michigan 

Elizabeth Birr Moje, Dean, Marsal Family School of Education, University of Michigan 

Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent, Detroit Public Schools Community District 

Moderator: Rip Rapson, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Kresge Foundation

As digital infrastructure and energy needs become increasingly central to our economy, Michigan is leading the way on responsible data center development–proving there’s no need to choose between environmental stewardship and economic development. Join Google to examine what Michigan’s model gets right and where more coordination is needed. This panel will surface the policy levers, regulatory frameworks, and public-private partnerships essential to turning data centers into community assets. 

Panelists: Jennifer Granholm, 16th U.S. Secretary of Energy and Former Governor, State of Michigan

John Rakolta III, President, Walbridge   

Liz Schwab, Head, Data Center Market Development and Policy, Google   

Moderator: Glenn Stevens Jr., Executive Director, MichAuto; Chief Automotive and Innovation Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber 

Panelists: Gary Peters, U.S. Senator (D-MI) 

Elissa Slotkin, U.S. Senator (D-MI) 

Moderator: Jason Colthorp, Anchor and Reporter, WDIV-TV Local 4, NBC 

Drop in for a game, a lesson, or to watch fellow attendees. A barbecue lunch near the court is provided.

Hosted by: Lisa J. Baruah 

Indulge in well-deserved pampering for an extra service fee. Reserve your spa experience at https://www.missionpoint.com/spa/ or call 906.847.3043.

Enjoy complimentary croquet, Bocce ball, cornhole, lawn games, and take the opportunity for independent bike rides and mini golf at The Gem. Grand Hotel staff will assist with your bike rental and mini golf reservations.

To sign up for bike rides or mini golf, visit the Woodland Activity Center.

To book a tee time at The Jewel, call 906.847.9218. Additional fees apply.

Hear discussions with Michigan legislators and Cabinet members from both parties about the current political and economic issues during programming hosted throughout the Conference. View the speaker lineup here.

Balance your body with a yoga stretch, unwind, and find a moment of calm during the Conference. 

Hosted by: Rumia Ambrose-Burbank, President, Vendor Managed Solutions

Mallory McMorrow, Candidate for U.S. Senate; Michigan Senator (D-Royal Oak)  

This session will discuss how state leaders are working together to create the infrastructure for transformative education change, the consensus and momentum already underway, and where common ground still needs to be built. 

Introduction: Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent, Detroit Public Schools Community District 

Panelists: Glenn Maleyko, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, State of Michigan 

Michelle Richard, Senior Literacy Advisor, Executive Office, State of Michigan 

Beverly Walker-Griffea, Director, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) 

Moderator: Angelique Power, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Skillman Foundation 

Panelists: Jeff Donofrio, President and Chief Executive Officer, Business Leaders For Michigan 

Sandy Pierce, Corporate Board Executive, CEO Advisor, and Community Strategist 

Bill G. Schuette, State Representative (R-Midland) 

Randy Thelen, Chief Executive Officer, The Right Place 

Moderator: Devin Scillian, Journalist and Author 

Segment One

Speakers: Jack Bergman, U.S. Representative (R-MI 1)

John James, U.S. Representative (R-MI 10)

Interviewer: Chris Renwick, Co-Host, JR Morning, WJR 760 AM

Segment Two

Speaker: Shri Thanedar, U.S. Representative (D-MI 13)

Interviewer: Chris Renwick, Co-Host, JR Morning, WJR 760 AM

Speaker: Matt Elliott, Founder, Blue Lake Ideas

Hosted by: Matt Elliott, Founder, Blue Lake Ideas

John Fikany, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, The Fikany Group

Yasmeen Jasey, Michigan Regional President, Citizens 

Ronia Kruse, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Optech, LLC and Companies; Co-Founder and Chair, Digital Lakes

Dan Ponder, Chairman Emeritus, Franco 

Markeith Weldon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Nexusmind Technologies

Panelists: Anthony Chang, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, BAMF Health 

Anika Gardenhire, Chief Digital and Information Officer, Michigan Medicine 

Laura Lee McIntyre, Provost and Executive Vice President, Academic Affairs, Michigan State University 

Moderator: Dennis Butts, Chief Strategy Officer and Network Development Officer, Henry Ford Health 

Panelists: Joi Harris, President and Chief Executive Officer, DTE Energy 

Ambassador John Rakolta Jr. (Ret.), Chairman, Walbridge 

Garrick J. Rochow, President and Chief Executive Officer, CMS Energy Corporation and Consumers Energy 

Andrew Yang, Entrepreneur, Best Selling Author, and Co-Founder, Forward Party 

Moderator: Devin Scillian, Journalist and Author 

Panelists: Paul D’Amato, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Michigan Capital Network 

Matt Rybar, President and Founder, Michigan Drone Association 

Aaron Slodov, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Atomic Industries 

Elissa Slotkin, U.S. Senator (D-MI) 

Moderator: David Eggert, Senior Reporter, Politics and Policy, Crain’s Detroit Business 

Speakers: Jocelyn Benson (D)

John James (R) 

Perry Johnson (R)

Aric Nesbitt (R)

Ralph Rebandt (R)

Chris Swanson (D)

Kim Thomas (D)

Moderator: Rick Pluta, Senior Capitol Correspondent, Michigan Public

Global disruption is rewriting the rules of trade and manufacturing, and Michigan can help determine what comes next. Drawing on highlights from McKinsey’s latest geopolitical research, this session will spotlight Michigan’s competitive position, emerging opportunities, and practical strategies to build resilience and win in an uncertain world.   

Panelists: Robert Lighthizer, Former U.S. Trade Representative 

Gina Raimondo, Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce; First Female Governor of Rhode Island 

Moderator: Shubham Singhal, Chair, McKinsey Global Institute; Senior Partner, McKinsey and Co. 

Panelists: Sarah Anthony, Michigan Senator (D-Lansing) 

Joi Harris, President and Chief Executive Officer, DTE Energy 

Portia Roberson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Focus: HOPE 

Moderator: Laura Grannemann, Executive Director, Rocket Community Fund and Gilbert Family Foundation 

*Breakfast available 6-9 a.m. 

Made for mornings on the move. Look for Detroit Regional Chamber staff upon your arrival. 

*Credentialed Media Only 

Join fellow business and policy leaders for connection, conversation, and insights from legislative leaders on Michigan’s future at A Toast to Michigan, the annual Detroit Regional Chamber Political Action Committee Reception (PAC). Learn more. 

Ride, refuel, and reconnect while taking in the beauty of Mackinac Island on a leisurely ride from the Esther Williams Swimming Pool House to Mission Point Resort. Enjoy breakfast and then pedal back refreshed and ready for a day of meaningful conversations and bold ideas. Registration and waiver required.

Hosted by: Priscilla Archangel, President, Archangel and Associates LLC

Scott Benson, Member, Detroit City Council, District 3 

Parker Fairbairn, State Representative (R-Harbor Springs) 

John Fitzgerald, State Representative (D-Wyoming) 

Tanya Hill, President and Chief Executive Officer, Forever Fresh

As industries evolve, Michigan’s long-term competitiveness depends on integrating education, employers, upskilling, and emerging technologies to meet changing talent needs. This discussion will explore strategies to enhance Michigan’s workforce pipeline, including AI tools for skills matching, reskilling, and cultivating future-ready talent. 

Panelists: Nancy DeBoer, State Representative (R-Holland) 

Jeannine Kunz, Chief Executive Officer, SME  

Moderator: Greg Handel, Chief Education and Talent Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber 

What happens when housing providers, schools, nonprofits, and public agencies work as one connected system? This session will discuss practical insights into how cross-sector collaboration that reduces duplication, improves access, and expands opportunity can lead to meaningful, lasting change across Michigan. 

Panelists: Sean J. de Four, President and Chief Executive Officer, MiSide Community Impact Network 

Ryan Hertz, President and Chief Executive Officer, Lighthouse 

Aubrey Macfarlane, President and Chief Executive Officer, Volunteers of America – Michigan 

Moderator: Margaret Trimer, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, Delta Dental of Michigan

Speakers: Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber 

Camille Lloyd, Director, Gallup Center on Black Voices 

Marnita S. Harris, Vice President, Equity Initiatives and Regional Relations, Detroit Regional Chamber 

In an era where many institutions face fractured trust, economic challenges, political divides, and rising community expectations, making progress requires courage, clarity, and discipline to bridge differences. Using examples from Michigan, this session will explore what it takes to create lasting partnerships rooted in understanding, accountability, and respect.  

Panelists: Monica L. Merritt, Superintendent, Plymouth-Canton Community Schools 

Ned Staebler, Vice President, Economic Development, Wayne State University; President and Chief Executive Officer, TechTown 

RJ Webber, Superintendent, Northville Public Schools 

Moderator: Tansley Stearns, President and Chief Executive Officer, orsa credit union 

Speakers: Brian Peters, Chief Executive Officer, Michigan Health and Hospital Association 

Bob Riney, President and Chief Executive Officer, Henry Ford Health; Chair, 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference 

Hear discussions with Michigan legislators and Cabinet members from both parties about the current political and economic issues during programming hosted throughout the Conference. View the speaker lineup here.

Speaker: Bob Riney, President and Chief Executive Officer, Henry Ford Health; Chair, 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference 

Speaker: Mike Rogers, Candidate for U.S. Senate; Former U.S. Representative 

Interviewer: Rick Albin, Political Reporter, WOOD-TV 8 

In coordination with: Michigan Debate Commission 

Speaker: Cornel West, Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair and Professor, Union Theological Seminary

Moderator: Devin Scillian, Journalist and Author 

Introduction: Jackie Robinson, Senior Vice President, Solutions, Strategic Staffing Solutions 

Speaker: Mary Sheffield, Mayor, City of Detroit 

Speakers: Chris Sununu, 82nd Governor of New Hampshire; Chief Executive Officer, Airlines for America 

Jon Tester, Former U.S. Senator, State of Montana 

Moderator: Zoe Clark, Associate General Manager and Political Director, Michigan Public 

Panelists: Hilary Doe, President and Chief Executive Officer, MoveDetroit 

Jared Fleisher, Chief Executive Officer, Bedrock 

Rachel Stewart, Chief Executive Officer, Gardner White 

Moderator: Dennis W. Archer Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sixteen42 Ventures 

Talent development remains one of Michigan’s strongest areas of bipartisan alignment. This session will explore how Michigan can build common ground to expand career-connected pathways that deliver tangible results. 

Panelists: Brandy Johnson, President, Michigan Community College Association 

Greg Handel, Chief Education and Talent Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber 

Nerita Hughes, President, Bay College and Member, Michigan Workforce Development Board 

Glenn Maleyko, State Superintendent, Public Instruction, State of Michigan 

Moderator: David Egner, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation

Spanning communities throughout the state, Rx Kids is the nation’s first community-wide parent and infant cash prescription program that rises above political divides to provide life-changing financial security during the critical period of pregnancy and infancy. This session will explore bipartisan and business-sector support for Rx Kids and its pragmatic solution to childhood poverty. 

Panelists: Mona Hanna, Founder and Director, Rx Kids 

Michael Horrigan, President, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research 

Megan Murphy, Chief Executive Officer, Superior Health Foundation 

Moderator: Nicole Sherard-Freeman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan 

Panelists: Charles Burke, President and Chief Executive Officer, Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park

Patricia Mooradian, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Henry Ford 

Robin Terry, Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Motown Museum

Moderator: Megan Spanitz, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Strategy Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber

The 2023 expansion of Michigan’s Brownfield program, traditionally reserved for environmental remediation, has made it a powerhouse tool for creating workforce housing. This session will discuss how legislative changes enable developers and communities to partner in delivering housing that would otherwise be unviable. 

Panelists: Brian Farkas, Vice President, Workforce Housing and Local Government Partnerships, Allen Edwin Homes 

Jordan Twardy, Director, Economic Development, City of Dearborn 

Don Wilkinson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Habitat for Humanity of Michigan 

Moderator: Joe Agostinelli, Founder, Michigan Growth Advisors 

Hear discussions with Michigan legislators and Cabinet members from both parties about the current political and economic issues during programming hosted throughout the Conference.

Enjoy complimentary croquet, Bocce ball, cornhole, lawn games, and take the opportunity for independent bike rides and mini golf at The Gem. Grand Hotel staff will assist with your bike rental and mini golf reservations.

To sign up for bike rides or mini golf, visit the Woodland Activity Center.

To book a tee time at The Jewel, call 906.847.9218. Additional fees apply.

Serve up some fun between Conference sessions or indulge in well-deserved pampering, both offered for additional fees. Reserve your spa experience at https://www.missionpoint.com/spa/ or call 906.847.3043.

Take a delicious break with a playful pairing of iconic Mackinac fudge and select wines. Perfect for networking with a side of indulgence. 

Hosted by: Rumia Ambrose-Burbank, President, Vendor Managed Solutions 

Rick Hampson, Metro Detroit Market President, Old National Bank 

Julie Hampson 

Kim Montague, President and Chief Executive Officer, Albert Kahn and Associates 

Michael Patrick Shiels, Host, Michigan’s Big Show 

Attendance is limited to 40 participants. Please arrive early to secure your seat. Participation is first-come, first-served. Tournament winners have the opportunity to win Detroit Pistons tickets, Detroit Lions tickets, an autographed Cade Cunningham jersey, and an autographed Jahmyr Gibbs jersey.

Hosted by: Lena Epstein, Principal and General Manager, Vesco Oil Corporation 

Kouhaila Hammer, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ghafari Associates 

Yasmeen Jasey, Michigan Regional President, Citizens 

Ronia Kruse, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Optech, LLC and Companies; Co-Founder and Chair, Digital Lakes 

Paul Mersino, President and Chief Executive Officer, Butzel 

Peter Quigley, Strategic Advisor, Kelly 

Bob Riney, President and Chief Executive Officer, Henry Ford Health; Chair, 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference 

Remarks: Dave Dulio, Director, Center for Civic Engagement, Oakland University

Steve Grigorian, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Economic Club

Participants: Abdul El-Sayed, Candidate for U.S. Senate

Mallory McMorrow, Candidate for U.S. Senate; Michigan Senator (D-Royal Oak)

Haley Stevens, Candidate for U.S. Senate; U.S. Representative (D-MI 11)

Moderators: Nolan Finley, Editorial Page Editor, The Detroit News; Contributor, One Detroit, Detroit PBS

Stephen Henderson, Executive Advisor, BridgeDetroit and Host, Detroit PBS

In coordination with: Michigan Debate Commission

Panelists: Ron Hall, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bridgewater Interiors

Venessa Keesler, President and Chief Executive Officer, Launch Michigan 

Chandra Madafferi, President and Chief Executive Officer, Michigan Education Association

Rick Snyder, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, SensCy; Former Governor, State of Michigan

Moderator: Devin Scillian, Journalist and Author 

The Michigan Labor and Economic Opportunity Department is bringing awareness to the Michigan Women’s Commission’s “Menopause: It’s a Movement!” initiative, with key recommendations for employers and lawmakers to help women thrive in midlife, assist our communities and families, and grow our economy. 

Speakers: Cheryl Bergman, Director, Michigan Women’s Commission  

Tracy Joshua, Vice President, External Supply Chain; Member, Michigan Women’s Commission 

Kelly Saunders, Vice President, Policy and Engagement, Small Business Association of Michigan; Member, Michigan Women’s Commission 

Moderator: Susan Corbin, Director, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity

Honoree: Gary Peters, U.S. Senator (D-MI)

Presenters: Dennis W. Archer Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sixteen42 Ventures

Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber

Mark Hackel, Executive, Macomb County

Lisa Wozniak, President and Chief Executive Officer, Michigan League of Conservation Voters

Speaker: Gretchen Whitmer, Governor, State of Michigan 

Introduction and Interviewer: Tricia A. Keith, President and Chief Executive Officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan 

Honoree: Gretchen Whitmer, Governor, State of Michigan 

Presenters: Dennis W. Archer Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sixteen42 Ventures

Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber

Tricia A. Keith, President and Chief Executive Officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Gary Torgow, Chairman, Board of Directors, Huntington National Bank

*Separate Ticket Required 

Join fellow business and policy leaders for connection, conversation, and insights from legislative leaders on Michigan’s future at A Toast to Michigan, the annual Detroit Regional Chamber Political Action Committee Reception (PAC). Learn more. 

Introduction: Brian J. Shoaf, Vice President, Public Policy and Business Advocacy, Detroit Regional Chamber 

Panelists: Winnie Brinks, Senate Majority Leader, State of Michigan 

Matt Hall, Speaker of the House, State of Michigan 

Aric Nesbitt, Senate Minority Leader, State of Michigan 

Ranjeev Puri, House Minority Leader, State of Michigan 

Moderator: Zoe Clark, Associate General Manager and Political Director, Michigan Public  

Speakers: Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber 

Nolan Finley, Editorial Page Editor, The Detroit News; Contributor, One Detroit, Detroit PBS 

Stephen Henderson, Executive Advisor, BridgeDetroit; Host, Detroit PBS  

Performer: Devin Scillian, Journalist and Author  

*Credentialed Media Only