Administrative Staff

Jacqueline Shinn	Keeli Baker
Rhonda Smith	Cheryl Chapko
Jody Thornton	Holly Mauk

Jacqueline Shinn

Jacqueline Shinn joined MHSA in 2011. Jackie served in three Michigan administrations spanning 27 years. In 2011, she retired as chief deputy director of the Michigan Department of Transportation where she oversaw several major offices and divisions. During her tenure, Jackie was instrumental in the legislative development of the Transportation Economic Development Fund, which provides road improvements to new and expanding businesses that have direct economic and job creation impacts in communities across the state of Michigan.

Ms. Shinn has been administrator of many state and federal transportation programs and has worked closely with the legislature and state and local officials to refine transportation policy and regulatory issues. She has also served on various boards and committees, including the Michigan Economic Growth Authority, the Governor’s Interdepartmental Coordination Council and the Michigan Women’s Commission

Jackie’s extensive experience in governmental processes and access will assist MHSA’s clients through complex regulations and economic development issues.

Rhonda Smith

Rhonda Smith joined MHSA in 1994 and serves as Business Manager and Executive Assistant to MHSA’s partners. She is responsible for coordination of client services, invoicing, accounts receivables, scheduling, overseeing of special events, all internal and external Lobby Law reporting requirements and assisting with campaign finance reporting. Rhonda’s responsibilities include being a liaison with the Executive and Legislative branches, as well as state agencies in Michigan. Her extensive experience with candidates and election activities enables her to maintain MHSA’s continuing grass-roots program.

She has held such positions as Executive Secretary for Blue Cross Blue Shield and Blue Care Network-Health Central and intern for the Mt. Pleasant Chamber of Commerce.

Rhonda holds a bachelor of science degree in Interpersonal and Public Communication from Central Michigan University.

Jody M. Thornton

Jody Thornton joined MHSA in 1995 and serves as Director of Client Services as well as network administrator. She is responsible for legislative tracking, campaign finance reporting, compiling and maintaining candidate and election information, management of the firm’s communications equipment, data transmissions and interfaces with key vendors. She maintains MHSA’s website, information packet and mailing lists. Her previous positions include experience as a dental assistant in Owosso and receptionist with Old Kent Bank in St. Johns.

Jody is a graduate of Ovid-Elsie High School and has attended Grand Valley State University. Her tremendous energy and ability make it possible for MHSA to provide timely information to clients and policy makers.

Keeli Baker

Keeli Baker joined MHSA in 2001 and serves as an Administrative Assistant and as administrator of MHSA’s association management services. She also coordinates the MHSA Comerica Park hospitality suite and the firm’s special events, including client legislative receptions. Keeli also assists with corporate publications and conducts general research.

Keeli is a graduate of Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Prior to joining MHSA, she served as a legislative assistant to the Senate Minority Leader. She is currently pursuing a law degree at Thomas M. Cooley Law School on the weekends.

Cheryl Chapko

Cheryl Chapko joined MHSA in 2005 and serves as Appropriation’s Coordinator and an administrator of association management services. Cheryl adds more than 20 years of legislative experience to the firm, including specialized expertise in the state budget and appropriations process. After advancing through the ranks from a senate staff position to Committee Clerk for the Senate Appropriations Committee, Cheryl served for 12 years as Chief of Staff to the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

As Chief of Staff, Cheryl was the prime liaison on state appropriations and capital outlay issues between the Michigan Legislature, the Governor’s Office, staff of the state department and agencies, and the general public. Because of her expertise and skills, she earned a well-deserved reputation both as the chairman’s point person and as one able to keep Michigan’s appropriations process running smoothly.

Immediately prior to joining MHSA, Cheryl worked for Congressman Joe Schwarz, where she handled Medicare and taxation issues and assisted in transition and organizational issues related to Congressman Schwarz’s move from state to federal office. Cheryl earned a bachelor of science degree, with honors, from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Western Michigan University.

Holly Mauk

Holly Mauk joined MHSA in 2007 and serves as Administrative Assistant and as an administrator of MHSA’s association management services, providing both clients and business associates with prompt attention to their initial contact with the firm. She is responsible for scheduling for the Associates and assists in the coordination of special events, including client legislative receptions.

Holly is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial & Operations Engineering. Prior to working for MHSA, she worked with the Michigan Department of Transportation in data collection, was a sales associate at Playmakers and was a barista at Cosi in Ann Arbor, while attending University of Michigan.

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