Meet Emily Stivers
22 years of voting advocacy, activism, policymaking, PR, and public management
EDUCATION
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Master's in Public Policy with Concentrations in Public Management and Budgeting, UofM's Ford School
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Bachelor's in International Relations with Concentrations in Gender Studies and Economic Development, MSU's James Madison College
GOVERNMENT SERVICE
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Ingham County Commissioner, 2019-2023; County Services & Finance Committees
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Former CMHA-CEI Board Secretary and Finance Committee Chair
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Former Ingham County Parks & Recreation Commissioner
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Former Ingham County Board Democratic Caucus Treasurer
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Worked PR for the Michigan House Democratic Caucus
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Served on the Meridian Township Zoning Board & Planning Commission
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Involved in GOTV efforts in every election since 2000
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College internship with former Speaker Nancy Pelosi
MANAGEMENT CAREER
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Served 6 years with an education-based nonprofit, managing programs and conducting training to help schools implement social & emotional skills curriculum and improve student access to college & careers
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Served 10 years with international poverty-fighting nonprofits, including ONE and the UN Foundation, working on outreach and program and personel management
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Worked with Iraqi and Palestinian refugees in Jordan in the aftermath of the Iraq war
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Ran her own small business helping homeowners avoid foreclosure during the Great Recession
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Currently serves on the Board of Directors for Eastminster Child Development Center (nonprofit preschool)
Emily Stivers Steps Up
Emily Stivers is a former Ingham County Commissioner with 6 years of experience in local government and 22 years of experience in nonprofit and government policy, management, and public relations. She served on Meridian Township's Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission, and as County Commissioner was trusted by her peers to serve as Caucus Treasurer, Chair of County Services, Chair of the Subcommittee on Ethics, and various boards and commissions.
Her extensive knowledge of local government plus lifelong dedication to free and fair elections -- having voted and engaged in Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts in every major election since 2020 -- is further augmented by her experience managing both small businesses and large offices, and running outreach campaigns at the local, national and international levels.
Emily Stivers identifies as Pansexual, is a happily married mother of two (with another on the way), and is an active volunteer with Haslett Public Schools. She has a master's degree in Public Policy from UofM and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from MSU's James Madison College in 2003. She is currently employed by Michigan State University, training medical students in social issues.
As Chair of County Services during the pandemic, Emily Stivers was a leader in making Ingham County a model for the state in its allocation and efficient, effective, and equitable use of nearly $70 million in American Rescue Plan funds. She also led on expanding the Health Services millage to bring in $25 million for health and mental health services and spearheaded the Elder Persons millage to raise $9.2 million to eliminate waiting lists for meals-on-wheels. She introduced a $15/hour minimum wage for all county employees and helped establish prevailing wage and stronger non-discrimination policies. As a member of the Parks Commission, she helped bring millions of dollars in County resources to Meridian Township's Parks and Trails.
The 2024 election will face challenges in the coming year, so we need a capable, qualified public servant to manage the Clerk's office, staff, and duties. With support from East Lansing Clerk Marie Wicks and others across Ingham County, Emily Stivers has the foundation and experience necessary to improve and defend our election integrity and expand voter registration, access, and participation in the difficult times to come.
