About

  • Well-rounded experience between the court system, private practice, and the corporate world. More than 20 years in the legal field with most of it in a leadership or management role. Served as a corporate attorney with global responsibilities, private practice attorney and as a magistrate, attorney referee, and judicial law clerk. Also very active in the community as a volunteer with both nonprofit and civic organizations.

Experience

  • Magistrate, 75th District Court, Midland, MI
  • Juvenile and Probate Attorney Referee and Court Administrator, 42nd Circuit - Family Division, Midland, MI 
  • Director of Michigan School-Justice Partnership Initiative
  • General Counsel, RightAnswer.com, Inc., Midland, MI
  • Attorney, Cline Close Dyer PLC, Midland, MI
  • In house Legal Counsel, Dow Corning Corporation, Midland, MI
  • Judicial Clerk to the Honorable Paul J. Clulo, Midland County Circuit Court, Midland, MI

Education

  • Juris Doctor, 2003, Michigan State University - College of Law
  • Bachelor of Business Administration, 1999, Northwood University
  • Associate Degree in Arts, Pre-law, 1998, Delta College

Professional Organizations

  • State Bar of Michigan
  • Midland County Bar Association (2009 - 2010 President)
  • Institute of Continuing Legal Education Partner
  • Association of Corporate Counsel 
  • American Bar Association
  • Michigan Trial Lawyers Association

Current and Past Involvement

  • Children's Grief Center (Board Member, Secretary)
  • Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect – Child Protection, Well Being and Permanency
  • Baby Court Steering Committee
  • Midland Noon Rotary Club - Focus on Youth Co-chair
  • Midland County Career & College Access Network (MCCAN) Steering Committee
  • Midland Area Community Foundation Grants Committee
  • Midland Area Community Foundation Scholarship Committee
  • Meridian Quiz Bowl reader
  • Northwood and Midland High Mock Trial Teams mentor
  • Midland 100 Club
  • Michigan School-Justice Partnership Planning Committee
  • Northwood Alumni Project 100
  • Representative Assembly of the State Bar of Michigan - Drafting Committee
  • The Midland County Sexual Assault Response Team
  • Michigan Supreme Court Community Connections Program for Midland County
  • Past Law Day Committee Chair
  • Ask a Lawyer program volunteer
  • Shelterhouse volunteer/pro bono services
  • Legal Services of Eastern Michigan pro bono services
  • Midland Area Community Foundation (Santa House) volunteer
  • 2011 Leadership Midland Graduate
  • Midland Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Humane Society of Midland County volunteer
  • Make a Difference Day volunteer
  • Midland County Probate Court guardianship reviewer
  • Sanford Area Chamber of Commerce - Vice President
  • Village of Sanford - President Pro Tempore