Michigan Education Association Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Michigan Education Association has 10 executives leading key functions including representation, advocacy, and member support.

Driven by a commitment to educator empowerment, Michigan Education Association champions the rights and professional development of its members across higher education and K-12 sectors, solidifying its impact on educational standards.

Leadership Roles at Michigan Education Association

  • President, Lake Education Association (South) - Timothy Allen
  • President - Lu Battaglieri
  • President - Steven Cook
  • Association President - Erin Ulrich
  • President - Barbara Brotherton
  • MEA ESP Caucus President - Connie Boylan
  • President - Karen Christian
  • Secretarial Union President - Kelly Davis
  • Region 15 President - Melissa Cisneros
  • Chief of Staff - Blake Mazurek
  • Timothy Allen - President, Lake Education Association (South)

    Timothy Allen, the President, Lake Education Association (South) at Michigan Education Association, leads regional representation and advocacy for educators in the southern Lake region. Allen spearheads initiatives focused on member rights, professional development, and collective bargaining within this specific geographic area. This executive role involves fostering strong relationships with local school districts and advocating for policies that benefit teachers and support staff. By championing the needs of educators in the southern Lake region, Timothy Allen directly contributes to the broader mission of the Michigan Education Association. The focus remains on empowering local associations and ensuring effective representation at the regional level.

    Lu Battaglieri - President

    Lu Battaglieri, the President at Michigan Education Association, drives the strategic direction and overall mission of the organization. Battaglieri oversees the association's advocacy efforts, focusing on enhancing the professional lives and rights of educators across Michigan. This critical leadership position involves engaging with policymakers, school administrators, and the broader community to advance educational excellence and support for members. By championing key legislative priorities and fostering a strong sense of professional community, Lu Battaglieri ensures the Michigan Education Association remains a powerful voice for educators. The role emphasizes collaborative leadership and a steadfast commitment to member well-being and professional growth.

    Steven Cook - President

    Steven Cook, the President at Michigan Education Association, directs the organization's comprehensive strategy and operational framework. Cook leads advocacy campaigns and member support services, ensuring educators across Michigan receive robust representation and professional resources. This executive position involves close collaboration with state officials and educational stakeholders to champion policies that enhance teaching conditions and student learning environments. By focusing on collective bargaining and professional development, Steven Cook strengthens the association's impact. The leadership ensures that the Michigan Education Association effectively addresses the evolving needs of its diverse membership.
    Steven Cook

    Erin Ulrich - Association President

    Erin Ulrich, the Association President at Michigan Education Association, leads critical initiatives focused on member advocacy and professional standards. Ulrich champions the rights and interests of educators, driving engagement with legislative bodies and educational institutions. This role involves overseeing programs designed to enhance professional development and ensure fair representation for all members. By fostering a collaborative environment, Erin Ulrich strengthens the collective voice of educators across the state. The focus remains on advancing educational quality and supporting the professional well-being of teachers and support staff throughout Michigan.

    Barbara Brotherton - President

    Barbara Brotherton, the President at Michigan Education Association, guides the organization's strategic vision and operational execution. Brotherton spearheads advocacy efforts aimed at improving educational policies and supporting the professional needs of educators throughout Michigan. This leadership role involves fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, including policymakers and community leaders, to advance the association's objectives. By focusing on collective bargaining and professional development opportunities, Barbara Brotherton ensures members receive comprehensive support. The commitment remains to enhancing the quality of education and the professional standing of educators across the state.
    Barbara Brotherton

    Connie Boylan - MEA ESP Caucus President

    Connie Boylan, the MEA ESP Caucus President at Michigan Education Association, leads the advocacy and representation efforts for Education Support Professionals (ESPs). Boylan champions the specific needs and professional development of ESP members, ensuring their vital contributions to education are recognized and supported. This role involves coordinating with various caucuses and leadership to advance policies that benefit ESPs across Michigan. By focusing on collective bargaining and professional growth, Connie Boylan strengthens the voice and impact of ESPs within the broader educational community. The objective is to enhance working conditions and career opportunities for these essential professionals.

    Karen Christian - President

    Karen Christian, the President at Michigan Education Association, directs the organization's strategic priorities and operational effectiveness. Christian leads initiatives focused on advocating for educators' rights, professional development, and improved working conditions across Michigan. This executive position involves engaging with legislative bodies and educational institutions to champion policies that enhance the teaching profession. By prioritizing member support and collective bargaining, Karen Christian ensures the association effectively addresses the evolving challenges faced by educators. The leadership fosters a strong network for professional collaboration and advocacy.
    Karen Christian

    Kelly Davis - Secretarial Union President

    Kelly Davis, the Secretarial Union President at Michigan Education Association, leads representation and advocacy for secretarial staff within educational institutions. Davis focuses on ensuring fair labor practices, competitive compensation, and professional development opportunities for secretarial union members. This role involves negotiating collective bargaining agreements and addressing workplace concerns to enhance the working environment for these critical staff members. By championing the needs of secretarial professionals, Kelly Davis contributes to the overall strength and effectiveness of the Michigan Education Association's membership services. The objective is to secure equitable treatment and career advancement for all represented secretarial staff.

    Melissa Cisneros - Region 15 President

    Melissa Cisneros, the Region 15 President at Michigan Education Association, leads regional advocacy and member engagement initiatives for educators within this specific geographic area. Cisneros focuses on addressing local educational issues and ensuring effective representation for members in Region 15. This leadership role involves coordinating with local associations and state leadership to advance the association's mission. By championing the needs of educators in Region 15, Melissa Cisneros strengthens the collective voice and impact of the Michigan Education Association. The objective is to foster professional growth and secure favorable working conditions for all members in the region.

    Blake Mazurek - Chief of Staff

    Blake Mazurek, the Chief of Staff at Michigan Education Association, directs strategic initiatives and operational efficiency for the organization. Mazurek coordinates cross-departmental efforts, ensuring alignment with the association's core mission of supporting educators. This leadership role involves managing key projects and facilitating communication between executive leadership and various operational units. By optimizing internal processes, Blake Mazurek enhances the association's capacity to serve its membership effectively. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities extend to advising on policy development and implementing organizational changes that bolster member engagement and advocacy efforts across Michigan's educational landscape.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Michigan Education Association Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Michigan Education Association?
    Michigan Education Association is led by Timothy Allen (President, Lake Education Association (South)), along with executives such as Lu Battaglieri (President) and Steven Cook (President).
    Who is part of Michigan Education Association’s executive team?
    The executive team of Michigan Education Association includes leaders such as Timothy Allen (President, Lake Education Association (South)), Lu Battaglieri (President), Steven Cook (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Michigan Education Association have?
    Michigan Education Association has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Michigan Education Association’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Michigan Education Association includes roles such as President, Lake Education Association (South), President, President, Association President, President.