County Executive Coulter Announces Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2025
- Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter announced the 2025 class of the Oakland Together 40 Under 40, recognizing young professionals under 40 for their impact in public service, innovation and leadership across diverse industries.
- The 2025 class includes influential leaders such as Michigan Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli, WXYZ-TV Sports Director Brad Galli, Restaurateur Ryan Eli Salter, Motown Museum Curator Drew Schultz and 52-3 District Court Judge Laura Polizzi, each noted for their contributions to justice, media, the culinary and entertainment industry, the arts and community development.
- This marks the 13th year of the Oakland Together 40 Under 40 program, with honorees selected by a panel of leaders and celebrated throughout the year at county events.
Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter, with a team of previous honorees, announced today the Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2025. They are a diverse and dynamic group of changemakers shaping the future of Oakland County. Now in its 13th year, the program highlights young professionals under 40 who are making a meaningful impact in their communities through innovation, leadership and service.
This year’s class features leaders from across industries and communities, including Michigan’s lottery commissioner, a television sports anchor, a restaurateur, a Motown Museum curator and a district court judge.
“This program continues to highlight the people who are transforming Oakland County for the better,” Coulter said. “Each year, I’m inspired by their dedication and the energy they bring to public service, the arts, education, and business. These 40 individuals embody the Oakland Together vision.”
The Class of 2025 was selected by a committee of county leaders and community members and includes entrepreneurs, engineers, educators, attorneys, nonprofit leaders, public servants and innovators. Members of the class will be honored throughout the year and will participate in key county events.
Here are some highlighted class members:
Suzanna Shkreli, commissioner of the Michigan Lottery and resident of Birmingham, has long been a champion for vulnerable children and justice reform in Michigan. Prior to her appointment by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2024, she served as director of juvenile justice reform at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, tackling systemic issues in youth justice. Shkreli’s public service record also includes time as Michigan’s Children’s Ombudsman and assistant prosecutor in Macomb County. She brings a global perspective to her work, having trained law enforcement on victims’ rights in Albania through the U.S. Department of Justice. A graduate of Oakland University and Cooley Law School, Shkreli’s continues to shape policies that support children, families and fairness across the state.
Brad Galli brings his storytelling talent and love for the game to living rooms across Metro Detroit as sports director at WXYZ-TV Channel 7. Since joining the station in 2011, he’s reported from locker rooms and sidelines at nearly every level of sport, from the World Series and Stanley Cup Playoffs to the PGA Tour and NCAA championships. Named Michigan Sportscaster of the Year twice and honored with multiple Emmy Awards, Galli’s deep community ties and commitment to uplifting Detroit’s athletic legacy continue to earn him fans both on and off the air. A Brother Rice and Marquette University alum, Galli lives in Birmingham with his wife and children.
Ryan Eli Salter of Royal Oak is the founder of Salt + Ko, a popular restaurant and lounge in Southfield, and Breadless, a pioneering fast-casual concept specializing in flavorful, gluten-free dining. He also leads Atrium Events Center, curating dynamic private and corporate events that help shape Southfield’s vibrant social and business community. A dedicated community leader, he serves on the Minority Business Council for the Southfield Chamber of Commerce, advocating for local entrepreneurs and minority-owned businesses. His passion for mentorship, experiential hospitality and brand innovation continues to make him a standout figure in Metro Detroit’s hospitality scene.
Drew Schultz of Clawson represents the soul of Detroit’s music scene. At just 19, he began performing with Motown legends the Four Tops, and his career has since included collaborations with the late Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Questlove. As digital media curator at the Motown Museum, Schultz works to preserve and amplify the legacy of one of the most influential musical movements in history. Through his philanthropic “Back To Class” project, he channels proceeds from original recordings – featuring legends like Dennis Coffey and the Funk Brothers – back into Detroit Public Schools music programs. An educator, writer, engineer and performer, Schultz’s work blends creativity with a deep commitment to youth, arts education and Detroit’s cultural heritage.
Judge Laura E. Polizzi of Rochester Hills brings a wealth of legal experience and community service to the bench of 52-3 District Court, where she was appointed in May 2024 by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and won election in the fall. A former attorney handling a wide range of complex legal matters, Judge Polizzi has been named a Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Star every year since 2018. A bilingual advocate for justice, she’s represented numerous Spanish-speaking clients. She serves on the Character and Fitness Committee and is a member of both the Michigan Association of Treatment Court Professionals and the Rochester Bar Association. A graduate of Oakland University and Cooley Law School, Judge Polizzi’s commitment to justice and equity embodies the best of public service in Oakland County.
For more information about Oakland Together 40 Under 40, click on oakgov.com/40Under40. A complete list of the Class of 2025 is below:
- Dr. Mohammed Hussain Abdul Jabbar, Ph.D., of Novi, works at Nissan as the Principal Scientist
- Dr. Ashlee Barnes, of Beverly Hills, works at the University of Detroit Mercy as an Assistant Professor
- Kendal Bowman of Farmington Hills is Principal of Arcos Studio, LLC and Project Architect/Manager at Lott3Metz Crutcher
- Ashley Chambers, of Shelby Township, works at Chief Financial Credit Union as Vice President of Business Development
- Kiesha Colson, of Southfield, works at Planned Parenthood of Michigan as Director of Patient Care Operations
- Sarah Cook-Maylen, of Milford, works at Oakland County Parks and Recreation as Chief of Natural Resources and Environment
- Nathan J. Fink, of West Bloomfield Township, Partner at Fink Bressack
- Doug Furgason, of Clawson, works at Rocket as Procurement Category Manager
- Brad Galli, of Birmingham, works at WXYZ-TV Channel 7 as Sports Director
- Michael Greco, of Waterford Township, works at Voyage Advisory & Greco Career Consulting LLC as Project Management Consultant, Career Consultant
- Russell L. Harris Jr., of Pontiac, Founder and CEO of Warrior Academy
- Dr. Tia Harvey, of Pontiac, Education Director at Accent Pontiac
- Dorian A. Hooker, of Southfield, works at AAA – The Auto Club Group as Sr. Corporate Governance Administrator
- Sgt. Sam James, of Waterford, works at Oakland County Sheriff’s Office as Sergeant
- Christelle Keefer, of Rochester Hills, works at ABB Inc. as Global Business Development Manager for Robotics Education
- Shane Robert Kolo, of West Bloomfield, works at Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
- Shelby Kuhlman, of Lake Orion, works at Stellantis as North America Quality and Warranty Financial Controller
- Brandon Lee, of Royal Oak, works at United Way for Southeastern Michigan as Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice-President
- Shane P. Lewis, of Clawson, works at Oakland University as Director of Admissions
- Luke Londo, of Hazel Park, works at Siren as Senior Account Executive
- Mara Magyarosi-Laytner, of Hazel Park, works at Mara Magyarosi-Laytner | Artist as Artist, Educator, Curator
- Oluwatosin Martins, of Plymouth, works at Center for Employment Opportunities as Regional Director
- Elizabeth McGregor, of Waterford, works at Volkswagen Group of America as Associate Engineer Sr. – Emissions Certification
- Enida Metaj, of Royal Oak, works at Rockwell Automation as Governance, Risk and Compliance Auditor
- Carolina Noguez, of Troy, works at Oakland Thrive as Director of Strategic Partnerships and Outreach
- Lizz Parkinson, of Madison Heights, works at Cranbrook Institute of Science as Head of the Freshwater Forum
- Ryan A. Particka, of Royal Oak, works at United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Michigan as Deputy Chief for Health Care Fraud – White Collar Crime Unit
- Tejaskumar Mangal Balgonda Patil of Troy, works at Qualcomm as Staff Engineer
- Samantha Pickering of Ferndale works at Michigan Environmental Council as Public Environmental Health Policy Manager
- Hon. Laura E. Polizzi, of Rochester Hills, works at 52-3 District Court as District Court Judge
- Dr. Kathryn Rougeau, of Troy, works at Oakland University as an Assistant Professor
- David A. Sahli, of Franklin, works at Rocket Mortgage as Senior Corporate Counsel
- Ryan Eli Salter, of Royal Oak, Co-founder of Breadless
- Drew Schultz, of Clawson, works at Motown Museum as Digital Media Curator and Historian
- Hassan B. Sheikh, of West Bloomfield, works at Wayne County as Director of Economic Development
- Suzanna Shkreli, of Birmingham, works at Michigan Lottery as Commissioner
- Jen Skridulis, of Clawson, works at Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office as Medical Examiner Investigator
- Sarah Whitt, of Royal Oak, works at Detroit Zoological Society as Director of Security
- Melissa (Ann) Williams-Bowman, of Sylvan Lake, works at Oakland County Health Division as an Epidemiologist
- Andrew D. Zaccagnini, CEM, PEM, of Rochester Hills, works at Oakland County Emergency Management as Emergency Management Specialist and the Rochester Fire Department