August 29, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 2025
Contact: press@michigan.gov
Gov. Whitmer Announces Michelle Richard to Return to Executive Office to Boost Literacy Rates, Additional Staff Changes
Additional changes include new staff promotions and hires within the executive office
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced additional promotions and hires within the Executive Office of the Governor (EOG).
"Michelle has made an incredible impact at MiLEAP, and I am excited to welcome her back as we keep working with our partners in the legislature and educators in Michigan classrooms to increase literacy across the state,” said Governor Whitmer. “Since I took office, we have made progress on boosting literacy by implementing Science of Reading (SOR) laws and raising per-pupil funding to record highs. I’m also excited to promote staff members across my team and look forward to all the good work ahead. Together, we’re going to keep lowering costs for Michigan families, create more good-paying jobs, and protect our freedoms. Let’s get it done.”
“I am thrilled to welcome and continue working with these dedicated public servants who help us get things done and make a difference for every Michigan family,” said Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “We have an ambitious agenda to lower costs, grow our economy, and help more Michigan families achieve health and wealth right here in our state. I know these individuals are the right people to Stand Tall for Michigan.”
Michelle Richard serves as the deputy director of higher education at the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). She will return to EOG as the senior literacy advisor. Governor Whitmer has made progress toward increasing literacy rates across the state by signing legislation to implement SOR curriculums across the state. Richard previously served as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s senior advisor on education, specializing in early learning and higher education.
Prior to joining the Whitmer administration, Richard was a vice president at Public Sector Consultants. She started her career as an elementary school teacher in New Orleans. Richard earned a Bachelor of Arts from Saginaw Valley State University and a master’s in education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE
Lily Wenkel, Executive Assistant to Deputy Chief of Staff
Lily Wenkel has been hired as the executive assistant to the deputy chief of staff. Lily joined the Executive Office of the Governor in September 2023 as an intern with the Office of Community Engagement. Lily graduated from Michigan State University in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Psychology.
POLICY
Emma Young, Deputy Director of Policy
Emma Young has been promoted to deputy director of policy. She has been with the executive office for over four years, previously serving as the education policy advisor. Prior to this she worked as a policy analyst, policy assistant, and an issue specialist in EOG. Emma earned a bachelor’s degree in social relations and policy and international relations with a minor in Arabic from Michigan State University’s James Madison College.
Tom Zimnicki, Environment and Climate Policy Advisor
Tom Zimnicki has joined the office as the Environment and Climate Policy Advisor. He brings a decade of experience in the public and private sectors working on water, agriculture, and land use policy in Michigan and the Great Lakes region. He holds a Master of Science in environmental science and a Master of Public Affairs from Indiana University.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Abrielle Matibag, Public Affairs Specialist
Abrielle Matibag has been promoted to public affairs specialist. Abrielle joined EOG in May 2022 as an intern with constituent services. In May 2023, she was hired full-time as an issue specialist and was later promoted to executive assistant to the deputy chief of staff. Abrielle graduated from Michigan State University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Relations and Policy.
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
Jada Weatherspoon, Legislative Advisor
Jada Weatherspoon is now the Legislative Advisor, supporting the Governor’s legislative agenda and relationships in both the House and Senate. Previously, she served as the House Associate Liaison. Prior to joining the administration, Weatherspoon served as a staffer in the Michigan House, assisting constituents, handling a range of issues, and working with local stakeholders. She is a graduate of Wayne State University.
LEGAL
Rebecca Besaw, Deputy Legal Counsel
Rebecca Besaw has joined the legal team as deputy legal counsel. She previously served as an attorney in the Office of the General Counsel and senior advisor in the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Prior to that she served as associate counsel to the mayor’s office in New York City. Rebecca received her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Texas.
###
Author:
