April 24, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2026
Contact: Press@Michigan.gov
Governor Whitmer Announces Staff Updates
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced promotions and new hires for staff in the executive office.
Terry Krinvic, Deputy Chief of Staff
Terry Krinvic has been promoted to deputy chief of staff, where she will oversee scheduling and advance. Previously, Terry served as director of scheduling in the Executive Office of the Governor. Before joining the governor’s office, Krinvic advised a Chicago-based investor and philanthropist. From 2006 to 2018, she held a senior role with the Office of President William J. Clinton and the Clinton Foundation, where she managed logistics and international engagements for the former president. A native of the Philadelphia area and a graduate of Auburn University, Krinvic is an avid golfer, traveler and devoted Eagles fan.
Raena Davis, Director of Scheduling
Raena Davis has been promoted to director of scheduling in the Executive Office of Governor. Previously, Raena served as deputy director of scheduling. She brings nearly two decades of experience in principal offices across government, campaigns, and civic institutions, including the Office of Former Vice President Al Gore and the Office of Former President Bill Clinton.
Madison Ruffin, Director of Advance
Madison Ruffin has been promoted to director of advance. Previously, Madison served as deputy director of advance and scheduling specialist in the Executive Office of the Governor. Madison also served as talent and surrogate scheduler on the governor’s re-election in 2022 and led legislative events on the Michigan Strong inauguration team post-election. She earned a bachelor's degree in political theory from Michigan State University.
AJ Marineau, Associate Legal Counsel
AJ Marineau has joined the legal team as associate legal counsel. He previously served as a law clerk to Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement at the Michigan Supreme Court. AJ received his J.D. from University of Michigan Law School and a Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University. Prior to law school, he served for seven years in the United States Army as an infantry officer, including deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Kuwait.
Aditya Vedapudi, Associate Legal Counsel
Aditya Vedapudi has joined the legal team as associate legal counsel. He has previously worked as an associate at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton. Vedapudi clerked for Judge Joshua Deahl on the D.C. Court of Appeals. He received his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Ross Business School at the University of Michigan.
Owen Purdue, Chief Speechwriter
Owen Purdue has been promoted to chief speechwriter. Owen has been with the executive office since 2019, previously serving as deputy speechwriter and as an issue specialist in the Executive Office of the Governor. He earned a bachelor's degree in political theory from Michigan State University.
Angela Godush, Communications Manager and Associate Speechwriter
Angela Godush was promoted to associate speechwriter. She first joined the Executive Office of the Governor as a communications intern in 2024 and later became a full-time employee, serving as communications manager to Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist. She will remain communications manager to the Lieutenant Governor along with this new title. Angela received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Grand Valley State University.
Tess Klygis, Associate Speechwriter
Tess Klygis has been promoted to associate speechwriter. She first joined the Executive Office of the Governor in 2024 as a communications intern and later rejoined as the correspondence assistant in the Constituent Services Division. Before her time in the governor's office, she worked in leadership consulting and for the U.S. Department of State. Tess is a graduate of the University of Michigan, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Classical Civilizations with a minor in Law, Justice, and Social Change.
Joshua Szewczul, Appointments Specialist
Joshua Szewczul has been promoted to appointments specialist. Joshua joined the Executive Office in November 2023 as an issues specialist in constituent services. He formerly worked for the Michigan Democratic Party during the 2022 election cycle and also served as a field geologist with Big Rock Exploration, an environmental consulting firm. Additionally, he gained experience as an intern in the Brownfield Department at EGLE. Szewczul received his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Geoscience and a minor in Sustainability from Michigan State University.
Bryce Hall, Appointments Specialist
Bryce Hall joined the Executive Office of the Governor in January 2026 as an appointments specialist. Before joining the Whitmer administration full-time, Bryce served as a government affairs Intern at Comcast, where he supported the company's state and federal government affairs team. Prior to that, he interned in the Executive Office of the Governor, supporting the policy team in the office of Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist. He is a former collegiate football player, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from the University of Pennsylvania and is currently virtually pursuing a Master of Science in Finance at Howard University's Graduate School of Business.
Percivierre Whitmore, Community Engagement Specialist
Percivierre Whitmore is now the community engagement specialist in the Executive Office of the Governor, supporting outreach and engagement efforts across Genesee County, Saginaw, and Bay City. Previously, he served as a success coach at the Flint Center of Educational Excellence, where he mentored students and supported families to improve academic and social outcomes. Prior to that, Whitmore served as a career navigator at Mott Community College, helping individuals access workforce training and career opportunities, and founded Share The Keys, a youth-led initiative focused on civic engagement and community empowerment. He previously served on the GCCARD Consumer Sector Board and the Mott Community College Foundation, working to expand access to resources and advance community priorities. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan–Flint.
Fatima Yahya, Issue Specialist
Fatima Yahya has joined the constituent services division as an issue specialist. She brings a range of experience in public service, community engagement, and civic advocacy. Prior to joining the Executive Office of the Governor, she served as district manager for the Michigan House Majority Floor Leader, Abraham Aiyash, where she worked closely with constituents and led district operations. She holds dual bachelor's degrees in political science and philosophy from Wayne State University.
Jolie Lawrence, Legislative Advisor
Jolie has been promoted to legislative advisor in the governor’s legislative affairs office. Jolie first joined the governor's team in 2023 as the Legislative Coordinator. Before that, she worked for state Senators Santana, Geiss, and Shink. Jolie has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Pre-Law from Michigan State University. She is also currently a fellow for the Michigan Political Leadership Program at Michigan State University.
Morrigan Potter, Legislative Coordinator
Morrigan has been hired to the legislative coordinator position in the governor’s legislative affairs office. Before her time in the governor’s office, she worked for Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin as well for the Michigan House of Representatives, Member Services. Morrigan has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science as well as an additional bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University. She also recently graduated with her Master's in Public Policy, with a specialization in Education Policy, from Michigan State University as well.
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