Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2025

Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2025

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County Executive Coulter Announces Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2025

Post Date:04/30/2025 1:10 PM
  • 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
Lawsuit Against Roku for violating Children’s Data Privacy Laws

Lawsuit Against Roku for violating Children’s Data Privacy Laws

Michigan Department of Attorney General Press Release banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 29, 2025

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Files Lawsuit Against Roku for Allegedly Violating Children’s Data Privacy Laws

LANSING – Today, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed a lawsuit (PDF) against Roku, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, alleging that the television platform violates the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. The lawsuit accuses Roku of collecting, and allowing third parties to collect the personal information of children without the required notice or without obtaining parental consent.

Nearly half of American households, including millions in Michigan, utilize the Roku television platform. The platform delivers streaming services, ad-supported programming, and live television to viewers of all ages, including children. Unlike its competitors, Roku does not offer parents the option to create children’s profiles, subjecting both parents and children to many of the same data collection practices.

The lawsuit alleges that Roku systematically collects, processes, and discloses the personal information of children, including their locations, voice recordings, IP addresses, and persistent identifiers that track children’s browsing histories on Roku and across the internet. All of these are categories of personal information protected under COPPA. The Attorney General further alleges that Roku enables third-party channels to collect children’s personal information to attract content providers to its platform and increase advertising revenue. Roku also allegedly enhances its collection and monetization of children’s personal information through partnerships with third-party web trackers and data brokers, some of which have been sued by the Federal Trade Commission for tracking individuals’ locations.

COPPA also places strict limits on the collection of children’s voice data, limits Roku allegedly disregards. The lawsuit also claims Roku actively misleads parents about its collection of their children’s personal information and their rights to protect that data.

“Roku has blatantly violated children’s privacy laws, illegally exposing kids across Michigan to invasive data collection practices,” Nessel said. “We cannot allow companies to jeopardize the security of our children’s personal information. My office remains committed to holding accountable companies that violate the rights of Michigan families and seek to profit at the expense of children’s safety and privacy.”

The Attorney General seeks to stop Roku’s alleged illegal data collection and disclosure practices, to require Roku to comply with federal and state law, and to recover damages, restitution, and civil penalties for Roku’s years of alleged misconduct.

OC Planting Nearly 700 Trees on Government Campus

OC Planting Nearly 700 Trees on Government Campus

Oakland County Planting Nearly 700 Trees on Government Campus While Reducing Fleet Fuel Consumption

Post Date:04/29/2025 11:22 AM
  • These trees have the potential to absorb 15 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year from the atmosphere.
  • The county’s reduction in fuel consumption averted the release of 196 metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, nearly equal to the amount of carbon dioxide released globally every second.
  • Oakland County’s strategic sustainability goal is to reach net zero carbon emissions for county operations by 2050.

Pontiac, Mich. – In Celebration of April as Earth Month, Oakland County is once again demonstrating its commitment to environmental stewardship with the planting of about 700 trees across its government campus. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, these trees will each remove an average of 48 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually once mature or an estimated 15 metric tons of carbon dioxide a year.

In addition to the tree planting, the county continues to make significant strides in reducing emissions from its fleet operations. Despite an increase in fleet size and total miles traveled in 2024, Oakland County’s investment in higher fuel-efficiency vehicles helped save more than 22,000 gallons of gas. This reduction averted the release of 196 metric tons of carbon dioxide, equivalent to removing approximately 46 gasoline-powered vehicles from the road for an entire year.

“This kind of progress underscores our commitment to sustainable practices,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “From our growing canopy of trees to smart fleet management, we’re taking action today to build a healthier, more resilient environment for our children and future generations.”

Building on last year’s momentum, when the county planted 500 trees and saved 123,000 gallons of fuel, Oakland County has now planted 1,200 trees since launching the initiative and averted the release of more than 2.8 million pounds of carbon dioxide in just two years. The initiative is a major step toward achieving the county’s goal of planting 2,027 trees by 2027 and reaching net zero emissions from operations by 2050.

“Our goal is to continually implement best practices that reduce operational emissions and resource consumption while creating a campus that is accessible, safe and enjoyable for all,” said Julie Lyons Bricker, Oakland County’s sustainability manager.

This third year of tree planting began in late April and includes a diverse mix of native evergreen, deciduous shade and flowering trees throughout the campus. Several new apple trees will be added to the orchard near the Oakland County Farmers Market. All trees are planted using the International Society of Arboriculture guidelines to ensure healthy root growth and long-term vitality.

“Proper planting techniques are essential to ensure that the trees thrive,” said Mark Baldwin, chief of landscape services. “Healthy trees purify our air, cool our surroundings and increase biodiversity which is a smart investment for generations to come.”

In addition to fleet and landscaping improvements, new landscaping around the Executive Office Building is now completely herbicide- and pesticide-free, further promoting a sustainable and biodiverse environment.

The county’s fleet of more than 900 vehicles accounts for about 16 percent of its greenhouse gas emissions. To address this, Oakland County has introduced 12 electric vehicles and three hybrids, replaces vehicles every six years – well ahead of the national average – and implements rigorous maintenance practices like regular wheel alignments to improve fuel efficiency.

Oakland County buildings, which span nearly 2 million square feet, contribute to 76 percent of operational greenhouse gas emissions. A collaboration between Facilities Management and the Office of Sustainability is driving improvements in energy efficiency, building decarbonization and renewable energy installation.
Oakland County’s environmental sustainability initiatives reflect a long-term commitment to innovation, climate resilience, and the well-being of residents and employees alike.

For more information about Oakland County’s sustainability initiatives, visit oakgov.com/community/sustainability.

Oakland County Student Debt Relief Program with Savi

Oakland County Student Debt Relief Program with Savi

Oakland County Student Debt Relief Program with Savi Has Already Reduced Debt for 1,000 Residents

Post Date:04/28/2025 2:08 PM
  • More than 1,000 Oakland County residents have already reduced their student debt through the Savi partnership, with a projected $20 million in lifetime savings.
  • Collections on defaulted federal student loans are scheduled to resume on May 5, 2025. Oakland County residents in this situation are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the Savi platform now, while free access is available.
  • Free access to Savi’s student debt relief services is available to all residents and county employees through Sept. 30, 2025 at OakGov.com/Savi.

Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County’s partnership with Savi is already delivering powerful results. More than 1,000 residents have had their student debt reduced, with a projected $20 million in lifetime savings on their college loans.

These early outcomes underscore the success of the Oakland County Student Debt Relief Initiative, the first county-wide program of its kind in the nation.

“These results are just the beginning,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “We’re proving that local government can make a real, measurable difference in people’s lives by reducing the financial burden of student loan debt.”

“This is exactly the incredible impact we envisioned when we launched this program,” said Board Chair David T. Woodward (D-Royal Oak). “We’re lowering costs, helping people reduce or eliminate student debt, and together making our local economy stronger.”

After a five-year hiatus during the COVID pandemic, collections on defaulted federal student loans are scheduled to resume on May 5, 2025. Oakland County residents in this situation are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the Savi platform now, while free access is available, to get the help they need before collections begin.

Oakland County’s student debt relief initiative was launched in July 2024 through a collaboration of County Executive Dave Coulter’s administration and the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. The goal is to help residents navigate student loan repayment options and access federal forgiveness programs, all with the support of Savi’s expert tools and personal assistance.

“Savi ended up being a godsend for me,” said Jackie Vermilya, an immunization program specialist in Oakland County Health Division who is a Savi user. “The Savi program helped me so much with the paperwork to take advantage of the Public Loan Forgiveness Program and I was able to get $174,000 forgiven. A huge weight was taken off my shoulders and I will forever be grateful for the help I received from Savi.”

Residents and Oakland County employees can still register for free one-year access to Savi’s services through Sept. 30, 2025 by visiting OakGov.com/Savi.

Through its platform, Savi helps users discover the most effective loan repayment plans, apply for forgiveness programs and navigate the complexities of federal student loan policy. To date, Savi has identified more than $3 billion in potential loan forgiveness nationwide, with average savings exceeding $25,000 per borrower.

Departure Ceremony for Michigan Army National Guard Soldiers 

Departure Ceremony for Michigan Army National Guard Soldiers 

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 24, 2025

Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Attends Departure Ceremony for Michigan Army National Guard Soldiers

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer addressed 100 soldiers assigned to the Michigan Army National Guard’s (MIARNG) 3rd Battalion (General Support), 238th Aviation Regiment, (3-238th GSAB), along with their families and invited guests, at the Grand Ledge Armory as they prepare to depart for their deployment to Kosovo in support of U.S. European Command (EUCOM)

“It was an honor to join the Michigan Army National Guard’s 3-238th GSAB as they depart for their latest mission,” said Governor Whitmer. “The Michigan National Guard is known nationwide for their professionalism and dedication to protecting and serving their fellow Americans. As they once again answer the call of duty, we will continue to have their backs. Together, let’s continue to support our service members and military families and await their safe return.”

“As our Soldiers once again answer the call of duty, it is our solemn responsibility to stand firmly behind them,” said U.S. Army Major General Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.  “We remain committed to upholding our duty to service members and their families as we await their safe return. The unwavering strength, resilience and sacrifice demonstrated by military families during extended separations are indispensable to the success of our forces abroad. Just as they support their loved ones, so too shall we support them with unwavering commitment.”

The soldiers are joining the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) operation, which aims to maintain a safe and secure environment in the region and are anticipated to be deployed for up to a year. The unit’s last deployment was in 2020 to Kosovo in support of KFOR Operation Joint Guardian.

Gov. Whitmer at MING Deployment

Gov. Whitmer at MING Deployment

Gov. Whitmer at MING Deployment

Gov. Whitmer at MING Deployment

Benson promotes Michigan Organ Donor Registry

Benson promotes Michigan Organ Donor Registry

Secretary Benson banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2025

Contact: Cheri Hardmon

[email protected]

 

Secretary Benson promotes Michigan Organ Donor Registry in honor of Donate Life Month

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson joined state partners and organ and tissue donation advocates to recognize April as Donate Life Month. She spoke alongside Chief Deputy State Treasurer Jeff Guilfoyle, Gift of Life Michigan President & CEO Dorrie Dils, and Eversight President & CEO Diane Hollingsworth. Rachel Kuntzsch, a heart transplant recipient from Lansing, also shared her story on how an organ donation saved her life.

 

Residents can join the Michigan Donor Registry at Michigan.gov/OrganDonation.

 

“Our goal is to make it easier for everyone to sign up to become a donor and give that gift of sight or gift of life,” Secretary Benson said. “Even as we celebrate so many impressive accomplishments this year, there are still more people waiting for transplants than there are organs available. We still need to close that gap – but we have made so much progress and so many lives have been saved and transformed thanks to the many Michiganders who have signed up for something bigger than themselves.”

 

In 2024, more than 206,000 residents joined the Michigan Donor Registry bringing the total across the state up to 4.6 million. Maintained by the Michigan Department of State (MDOS), the registry is a confidential database of residents who wish to be organ and tissue donors. Everyone who signs up to be an organ and tissue donor receives a heart sticker for their driver’s license or state identification card.

 

In 2024, Gift of Life Michigan helped over 530 people become organ donors and a record-breaking 1,960 gave the gift of tissue. Surgeons transplanted 1,110 organs, the state’s second-highest annual total transforming the lives of patients needing bone, tendons, heart valves, and more. The number of people who have lost their lives while waiting for a transplant has decreased in the last four years. From 2020-2024, deaths on Michigan’s waiting list have decreased by 45%.

 

“We are saving more lives than ever before thanks to the tremendous work of our partners at the Secretary of State and Michigan Department of Treasury,” said Dils. “Growing the Donor Registry is critical, as the need for transplants far exceeds the organs available to save the lives of the nearly 2,600 patients waiting in Michigan today.”

 

“Michigan is tireless in their work to grow the registry, and it resulted in 2,477 Michigan donors giving sight in 2024, an 18 percent increase in saying yes to donation. Their selfless gifts restored sight to 1,300 Michiganders,” said Hollingsworth. “Making the choice to be a donor is a shining example of kindness in the world today, with ripple effects that have impacted entire communities. When given the opportunity, Michiganders are overwhelmingly generous in the result to change lives through the gift of eyes, organ and tissue donation.”

 

Michigan offers several convenient ways to join the Michigan Donor Registry and save lives. Michiganders can add their name online through the Online Michigan Organ Donor Registry, at any Secretary of State branch office or self-service station, or when filing their taxes. In 2023, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the Check Your Heart Act into law, making Michigan the first state in the nation to let people add their names to the registry on their state income tax forms. So far this tax season, registrations through the state income tax forms have increased by over 60%.

 

“Last year, 183,000 Michiganders checked the box on their income tax return. Many of those folks were already on the registry, but it led to 14,000 new names being added,” Guilfoyle said. “The checkoff will positively impact lives, potentially saving someone’s mother, someone’s child, or someone’s friend.”

 

In 2018, Kuntzsch was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, a rare idiopathic condition. Ten days later on Thanksgiving Day, she received the gift of life through a heart donation.

 

“Since that time, I’ve had the opportunity to climb mountains across our beautiful country. Next week, I will see my son graduate from college. I have had the opportunity to life a full life with no limitations, and I am so very grateful,” Kuntzsch said. “I also have the opportunity to give back working with Gift of Life Michigan to help send that message that registering to become an organ donor is both a personal decision to the donor and a very personal decision to the recipients. People like me all over the state of Michigan and beyond are so full of gratitude for people who made the choice to give that gift of life.”

 

Learn more about the state organ donation registry online at Michigan.gov/OrganDonation.

 

# # #

Gift of Life News ConferenceAt a Lansing news conference, Secretary Benson encouraged Michiganders to give the gift of life and join the state’s organ donor registry. 

 


Gift of Life News ConferenceSecretary Benson spoke alongside donor and tissue donation advocates. Pictured from left: Eversight President & CEO Diane Hollingsworth, Rachel Kuntzsch, a heart transplant recipient from Lansing, Gift of Life Michigan President & CEO Dorrie Dils, Gift of Life Michigan mascot Hartley T. Heart, Secretary Benson, and Chief Deputy State Treasurer Jeff Guilfoyle.