Public and Governmental Affairs

Public and Governmental Affairs

The Office of Public and Governmental Affairs (OPGA) is the official source of news, information, and outreach involving the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and State Board of Education programs, policies, and initiatives, as well as the liaison between the department and state and federal legislators.

The office oversees:

• Media relations with local, state, and national television, radio, print, and online media on newsworthy department programs, policies, initiatives, and actions
• Government relations - helps provide technical assistance and guidance to members of the state and federal legislatures regarding education policies and systems in Michigan
• Web design, development, approval, and maintenance of content on MDE's website, the state's electronic face on education to the world
• Strategic planning on department initiatives and message development
• Internal communications tools and strategies to share department and state government information to management and staff, including all-staff meetings, employee newsletters, and the department's Intranet and online information resource
• Freedom of Information Action (FOIA) request and responses

Bob Wheaton, Director
517-241-4395
WheatonB1@michigan.gov