The Detroit Regional Chamber has announced the 2026 Mackinac Future Leaders cohort. The program provides a select group of forward-thinking leaders representing diverse business and community organizations across the Detroit Region with the opportunity to attend the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference as first-time attendees.
Participants will engage in Conference programming while experiencing a unique, fully immersive opportunity on Mackinac Island designed to foster meaningful connections and accelerate their professional growth. Through tailored experiences, networking opportunities, and direct access to influential leaders, the program equips participants with the insights and relationships needed to expand their impact across their organizations and communities.
Mackinac Future Leaders are rising entrepreneurs and professionals who are making significant contributions or working to solve complex challenges within their industries, organizations, and communities. Selected through a competitive nomination process, participants are recommended by their peers, community leaders, and members of the Chamber’s Board of Directors.
Together, the 2026 cohort reflects the depth of talent and leadership shaping Southeast Michigan’s future. These individuals are committed to driving progress, strengthening their communities, and contributing to the Region’s continued growth.
Congratulations to the 2026 Mackinac Future Leaders:
- Taylor Alpert, Director, Government Relations, Michigan Health and Hospital Association
- Jordan Arocha, President, Munro and Associates
- Kyle Bartell, Program Manager, Neighborhood Economic Development, City of Detroit
- Lem Cartman, Manager, Community Relations, Henry Ford Health
- Ashleigh Chatel, Associate Vice President, Public Relations, Client Services, VVK PR + Creative
- Jennifer Stallings Dewey, Counsel, Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing, General Motors
- Marty Dobek, Executive Director, Detroit Sports Commission
- Tatiana Grant, Principal, 2050 Partners, Inc.
- Michael Hale Jr., Business Development Lead, Atomic Object
- Kevin Heard, Senior Manager, Engagement Programs and Partnerships, USA Today Co.
- Jessica Herron, Partner, Honigman LLP
- Kristiane James, Chief of Staff, Office of Senator Sarah Anthony
- Rebeca Johnson, Manager, Strategy Operations, Priority Health
- Almir Karamovic, Advisor, Strategic Planning, Corewell Health
- Morgan Knies, Group Practice Operations Director, Cancer Service Line, Henry Ford Health
- Will Long, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Numinar
- Madelin Maher, Senior Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager, Business Banking, Bank of America
- Addison Mauck, Director, Visitor Experience, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy
- Will McDowell, Director, Finance, Detroit Labs
- Stephanie Meiers, Director, Marketing and Public Relations, Albert Kahn Associates, Inc.
- Skyler Miettunen, Head of Chief Executive Officer Office, Ancor
- Anum Mughal, Manager, Placemaking, Michigan State University Research Foundation
- Bruno Olvera, Director, Head of North America Diversity Supplier Development, Stellantis
- Larissa Richardson, Director, Regional Partnerships, City of Detroit
- Adam Schira, Deputy Director, Constituent Services, Executive Officer, State of Michigan
- Brian J. Shoaf, Vice President, Public Policy and Business Advocacy, Detroit Regional Chamber
- Andrew Stone, Vice President and Principal, Albert Kahn Associates
- Joe Walters, Project Manager, External Affairs, The Nature Conservancy
- Christina Ware,Founder and Chief Ecosystem Architect, GapBridge Strategies
- Jenise Williams, Director, Teach for America
- Mikey Zlonkevicz, Account Strategist, Google