Michigan Education Association Executive and Leadership Team

Kay Walker-Telma, the President at Michigan Education Association, directs the overarching strategic vision for teacher representation across the state. Walker-Telma manages high-level negotiations with educational stakeholders to ensure member interests remain protected within the evolving landscape of public instruction. By coordinating with the board, the President aligns organizational resources with the core mission of supporting educators in both K-12 and higher education sectors. This leadership role involves constant engagement with policy makers to influence legislative outcomes that impact classroom environments. Kay Walker-Telma drives initiatives that strengthen the collective bargaining power of the membership, ensuring that professional standards remain high. Through consistent advocacy and strategic planning, the President fosters a unified voice for teachers, ultimately securing better working conditions and professional development opportunities for the entire membership base throughout Michigan.

Barbara Brotherton, the President at Michigan Education Association, focuses exclusively on the operational scaling of member services and internal organizational efficiency. Brotherton architects programs that streamline communication between the central office and local chapters, ensuring that resources reach educators effectively. By analyzing membership data, the President identifies critical gaps in support services and implements targeted solutions to enhance member engagement. This role requires close collaboration with administrative departments to optimize the delivery of legal and professional benefits. Barbara Brotherton drives the implementation of digital tools that simplify member access to essential association resources. Through rigorous oversight of internal processes, the President maintains the structural integrity of the organization, allowing the association to remain responsive to the needs of educators across diverse regional landscapes while upholding the long-standing mission of the association.

Roy Freeman, the Region 5 Mea Board Member, President Dowagiac Esp at Michigan Education Association, manages localized advocacy efforts and regional governance within the southwestern sector of the state. Freeman coordinates the activities of the Dowagiac Education Support Personnel, ensuring that the specific needs of support staff receive adequate attention at the board level. By bridging the gap between local chapters and the state-level leadership, the Board Member facilitates clear communication channels that empower regional members. This role involves active participation in board meetings to shape policies that reflect the realities of support personnel in the field. Roy Freeman drives regional initiatives that promote professional growth and collective action among support staff. Through consistent engagement with local leadership, the Board Member ensures that the broader organizational goals translate into tangible benefits for the regional membership base.

Douglas Wilcox, the USO President at Michigan Education Association, oversees the specialized operations and strategic initiatives related to the United Staff Organization. Wilcox directs the alignment of staff support functions with the broader goals of the association, ensuring that internal personnel receive the necessary resources to serve the membership effectively. By managing the complexities of staff representation, the USO President fosters a productive work environment that supports the overall mission of the association. This leadership role involves navigating labor relations and organizational development to maintain high standards of service delivery. Douglas Wilcox drives the implementation of policies that enhance staff performance and professional satisfaction. Through careful coordination with other executive leaders, the USO President ensures that the internal operations of the association remain robust, efficient, and fully aligned with the needs of the educators represented by the organization.

Lu Battaglieri, the President at Michigan Education Association, leads the external relations and public affairs strategy to elevate the profile of the association in the public sphere. Battaglieri manages high-stakes communications and media outreach to ensure that the perspectives of educators reach the broader public and policy-making bodies. By cultivating relationships with community leaders and educational partners, the President builds coalitions that support the long-term goals of the association. This role requires a deep understanding of the political climate and the ability to articulate the value of teacher representation in modern society. Lu Battaglieri drives campaigns that highlight the contributions of educators to the state, fostering a positive public perception of the profession. Through strategic public engagement, the President secures the necessary support to advance the legislative agenda and protect the interests of the membership at every level.

Steven Cook, the President at Michigan Education Association, concentrates on the financial sustainability and long-term fiscal health of the organization. Cook directs the allocation of budgetary resources to ensure that all programs, from legal defense to professional development, receive adequate funding. By overseeing the financial planning process, the President mitigates risks and identifies opportunities for growth that benefit the entire membership. This role involves working closely with the finance committee to maintain transparency and accountability in all fiscal matters. Steven Cook drives the development of revenue-generating initiatives that allow the association to expand its reach and impact. Through prudent financial management, the President ensures that the association remains a stable and powerful force for educators, providing the necessary resources to support the mission of the organization for years to come.

Melissa Cisneros, the Region 15 President at Michigan Education Association, manages the coordination of member activities and regional advocacy within the designated Region 15 territory. Cisneros directs the efforts of local chapters to ensure that the association's mission resonates with educators at the grassroots level. By facilitating regional meetings and training sessions, the Region 15 President empowers local leaders to address the unique challenges faced by teachers in the area. This role involves constant interaction with members to gather feedback and translate it into actionable strategies for the state-level board. Melissa Cisneros drives regional participation in association-wide initiatives, ensuring that the voice of Region 15 remains strong and influential. Through dedicated leadership and community building, the Region 15 President fosters a sense of unity and purpose among educators, strengthening the overall impact of the association across the region.