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Meet the Staff

Meet the Staff

Suann Hammersmith - Executive Director

As the Executive Director for the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC), Suann Hammersmith facilitates and executes the work of the Commission to ensure fair and independent maps for Michigan Congressional, House, and Senate districts. Sue brings more than 30 years of executive experience in nonprofits.

In addition to raising more than $55 million in her home community, Sue redesigned and facilitated Leadership Lenawee and Lenawee Youth Leadership and volunteered in leadership roles with Zonta and Rotary. She also created and facilitated several workshops to strengthen nonprofits with best practices, board development, fund development, and financial stability.
Sue holds a masters in nonprofit management (MNM), as well as the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation. She is nationally certified as a faculty trainer for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and as a nonprofit board consultant through BoardSource.

 

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Suann Hammersmith Suann Hammersmith

Julianne Pastula - General Counsel

Julianne Pastula serves as General Counsel to the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC).

In her role as primary legal advisor, Ms. Pastula assists the MICRC in fulfilling their constitutional obligations as they embark on the inaugural redistricting process utilizing new criteria and procedures. Her advice and guidance are focused on executing a robust, independent, fair, citizenled, and transparent redistricting process. 
Previously, Ms. Pastula worked for the City of Detroit as a Public Policy Analyst for the Research and Analysis Division of City Council then as a Senior Assistant Corporation Counsel in the Municipal Section of the Law Department She also served as General Counsel to the Board of Ethics and was formerly the Law Department’s Liaison to the Detroit City Council.

Ms. Pastula earned her J.D. from the University of Detroit Mercy and has been recognized for both her professional work and her pro bono service.


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Julianne Pastula Julianne Pastula

Edward Woods III - Communications & Outreach Director

As the Communications and Outreach Director for the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC), Edward Woods III leads the awareness and engagement efforts as it relates to redistricting for the Commission. In this role, Edward is responsible for the following:

  • Create and execute a multimedia and inclusive public awareness campaign about the redistricting process.
  • Collaborate with statewide organizations and community groups to engage all Communities of Interest in the redistricting process.
  • Coordinate and respond to media inquiries.
Being a lifelong Michigander, Edward has extensive experience working for governments and nonprofits in senior leadership, communications, and professional development positions. As a two-time elected nonpartisan official and advocate, Edward enjoys this unique opportunity to explain Michigan’s new redistricting process.

 

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Edward Woods III Edward Woods III

Sara Martinez - Executive Assistant

As a lifelong resident of Mid-Michigan, Sara brings a strong work ethic, organizational skills, and top-notch customer service to the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC).

Possessing more than 20 years in office administration, Sara’s knack as a self-starter, QuickBooks expert, and generating operational efficiencies endears her to both the Commission and the public as a trusted resource.
Sara enjoys spending time with her husband, adoring her cats, and traveling.


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Sara Martinez Sara Martinez