Administrative Staff

Carolyn A. Sims	Keeli Baker
Rhonda R. Smith	Cheryl L. Chapko
Jody M. Thornton	Holly Mauk

Carolyn A. Sims

Carolyn Sims is MHSA's Business Manager and coordinator of client services. She is also responsible for all Lobby Law reporting obligations, as well as facilitating client reporting requirements. She has served as Administrative Assistant to the Vice President for Planning & Development/Government Relations at Ferris State University and secretary for a governmental consulting firm.

Carolyn has a bachelor of science degree in Office Management and Administrative Assisting from Ferris State University. While at Ferris, Carolyn served as Vice President for the Society for the Advancement of Management and received various awards for contributions made to Ferris.

Directing the internal activities of MHSA since its founding in 1988, Carolyn is intimately aware of the issues and activities of each of the firm's clients. She often acts as liaison with the Secretary of State's Lobby Law and Campaign Finance Divisions.

Rhonda R. Smith

Rhonda Smith serves as Executive Assistant to MHSA's partners. She is responsible for scheduling, coordinating of special events, accounts receivables, facilitating client 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 is MHSA's Office Manager and serves as network administrator. She is also responsible for legislative tracking and for management of the firm's communications equipment, data transmissions and office materials. 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 is an Administrative Assistant at MHSA and serves 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 1995 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.

Cheryl L. Chapko

Cheryl Chapko joined MHSA in 2005, adding 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 serves MHSA as Receptionist, 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 office events, newsletter processing and office clerical activities.

Holly is a 2004 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 and was a sales associate at Playmakers. She is also a math tutor for high school students.

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