Public Policy Associates

Our new eNews is out! In this issue we discuss the ribbon-cutting event for our new home, introduce a new affiliated consultant, and discuss other events happening with our staff. We hope you will check it out! mailchi.mp/publicpolicy/m… #WorkingTogether #Community #MakingaDifference

We are thrilled to announce that PPA’s Dr. Imani Burris participated in a virtual media roundtable on Tuesday, March 24, hosted by our client, the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN). The discussion, moderated by Kate Snyder of Piper & Gold Public Relations, dove into critical updates regarding state policy and the Michigan budget. Imani, one of our expert researchers, particapted in a robust conversation on how these factors impact educational access and opportunity across the state. Stay tuned for additional takeaways! #PublicPolicy #Research #MichiganEducation #HigherEd #StateBudget #Collaboration

This week Dr. Neda Senehi, PPA Sr Research Associate presented for the Home Visiting Applied Research Collaborative (HARC) Webinar Series – Early Career Scholars Special Interest Group! Her talk focused on Navigating Early Career Pathways: Bridging Developmental Science, Home Visiting Research, and Early Childhood Policy. The recorded webinar is available here: lnkd.in/dZvJm6Wq Dr. Senehi would also like to encourage anyone working in or interested in home visiting research to consider joining HARC. She says it's a wonderful community of scholars and practitioners: lnkd.in/dBEQFbaN #HomeVisiting #EarlyChildhood #EarlyCareer #DevelopmentalScience #ChildhoodPolicy #HARC

PPA is excited to announce our newest affiliated consultant Rebecca Cienki, MPH, CAE who adds expertise to our team in the areas of behavioral health integration and Medicaid policy, with particular experience in mental health and substance use disorder systems. Get to know Becky in this new spotlight- publicpolicy.com/news/spotlight… #Interview #MakingaDifference #BehavorialHealth

Last week, PPA was well represented at the MEDC's (Michigan Economic Development Corporation) “Make It in Michigan Leadership Summit." Our CEO, Rob Fowler, joined a panel featuring SBAM (Small Business Association of Michigan) President & CEO Brian Calley, Ingrid Tighe, President of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, and moderator Quentin Messer, Jr. CEcD, MEDC's CEO, to dive into a critical conversation: how Michigan can transform current economic pressures into a foundation for lasting, sustainable growth. Collaborative discussions like these are vital for navigating our state's economic future. A huge thank you to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for hosting such an impactful event and bringing these leaders together! #MichiganEconomy #Leadership #PublicPolicy #EconomicGrowth #MakeItInMichigan

We are #hiring! Do you have experience with accounting for projects? We are looking for an accountant to join our growing ranks. PPA serves a diverse clientele, including government agencies, nonprofits, and foundations, by providing data-driven solutions across key areas such as economic development, education, community and public health, and justice. Learn more about this opportunity- publicpolicy.com/careers/accoun… #HiringNow #JobOpportunity #Employment

From Dan Quinn, Ph.D. "Great meeting today with Dr. Glenn Maleyko, Michigan's Superintendent for Public Instruction! We discussed several issues impacting our state's education system and how Public Policy Associates can support efforts to put students first." #MichiganEducation #PublicPolicy #StudentsFirst #Collaboration #Advocacy

We are pleased to celebrate Senior Research Associate Nathalie Winans. This month marks her 25th anniversary with our company. We can't imagine PPA without her! publicpolicy.com/team/nathalie-…

For our staff in-service day, we met at the J Hub, a former DPS school (Jefferson School) that Invest Detroit (a client) repurposed as an innovation hub. During lunch, we celebrated the upcoming nuptials for two team members and their partners: Craig (and Laura) and Callie (and Billy). It meant a lot for us to celebrate these happy couples. Check out some images from our day- publicpolicy.com/news/ppas-in-s… #Workingtogether #Celebrating #Detroit #GoTigers

As part of our staff in-service day, we received a tour of the Comerica Park in Detroit! Such a great experience! Go Tigers!

Yesterday, PPA's own Director for Healthy Communities Anna Fischer presented at the 2026 Michigan AEYC Annual Early Childhood Conference.

Public Policy Associates (PPA) extends its warmest congratulations to Ryan Fewins-Bliss, Executive Director of MCAN, on his appointment to the Central Michigan University Board of Trustees. We are honored to continue our partnership with Ryan on vital initiatives that move Michigan closer to the Sixty by 30 goal. micollegeaccess.org/news/cmu-board @MICollegeAccess

Happy to be assisting @MICollegeAccess on their Advocacy Day 2026! #Sixtyby30

With nearly 40 years of experience in the public policy arena as an association leader and a board member focused on business, health care, education, and housing, PPA’s CEO, Rob Fowler, provides consulting services to Michigan’s government, philanthropic, and nonprofit organizations. In a recent interview, he discusses his transition from small business advocate to small business owner. Learn more about Rob here: publicpolicy.com/news/making-sm… #LeadershipMatters #SmallBusiness #Evaluation

Are you an #accountant looking for a change? Do you have experience with accounting for projects? We are looking for an accountant to join our growing ranks. PPA serves a diverse clientele, including government agencies, nonprofits, and foundations, by providing data-driven solutions across key areas such as economic development, education, community and public health, and justice. Learn more about this opportunity- publicpolicy.com/careers/accoun… #HiringNow #JobOpportunity #Employment

Dan Quinn, Ph.D., PPA’s Chief Strategy Officer, is a leader in public policy and organizational management. He excels at building agreement and fostering collaboration among diverse organizations. At PPA, he is responsible for executing our strategic direction and growing our presence in Michigan’s public policy circles as we support our clients in the government, philanthropic, and nonprofit sectors. Get to know more about him here: publicpolicy.com/news/spotlight… #leadership #strategicplanning #Planning #Evaluation

Colleen Graber, PPA’s Chief Operating Officer, is one of our longest tenured employees and is a shareholder. As COO, she professionalizes our systems so that our staff can focus on the next 35 years. She is a skilled facilitator, researcher, and manager who excels at leading projects that require complex coordination and the development of unique products. Get to know her- publicpolicy.com/news/step-by-s… #Makingadifference #meetourteam #evaluation #leadership

The Public Policy Associates team was out in Lansing last night for the reception preceding Governor Whitmer’s final State of the State address! We take pride in working closely with our partners to ensure their priorities aren't just on the list, but are leading the conversation. It was a fantastic evening, and we are ready to turn our data into policies for the year ahead.

Colleen Graber, PPA’s Chief Operating Officer, is one of our longest tenured employees and is a shareholder. As COO, she professionalizes our systems so that our staff can focus on the next 35 years. She is a skilled facilitator, researcher, and manager who excels at leading projects that require complex coordination and the development of unique products. Get to know her- publicpolicy.com/news/step-by-s… #Makingadifference #meetourteam #evaluation #leadership

Today, PPA was thrilled to celebrate a ribbon cutting ceremony for our new home in the Prudden Tech Center. Thank you to Mayor Andy Schor and his team for joining us for the event! For 35 years, PPA has been a leader in evaluation, research, and strategic consultation in the Lansing area, and this move and this eventful day starts us on the path for the next 35! #BusinessGrowth #NewLocation #WorkingTogether @andyschor @LansingChamber @lansingmichigan