Gov. Whitmer Announces Appointments to Every Child Reads Champions Council

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 3, 2026

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Gov. Whitmer Announces Appointments to Every Child Reads Champions Council

New council will bring together leaders from education, business, philanthropy and communities to accelerate Michigan's literacy efforts and help every child become a strong reader

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the Every Child Reads Champions Council, a new advisory body created through Executive Order 2026-12 to champion, advise on, and strengthen Michigan's statewide literacy plan and ensure every child becomes a strong reader, writer and communicator.

"Every kid deserves the chance to become a strong reader and writer," said Governor Whitmer. "In Michigan, we're delivering the resources to help them get there. But improving literacy outcomes for all kids is a marathon, not a sprint. The Every Child Reads Champions Council brings together leaders from across Michigan to ensure our literacy efforts deliver for students in every community long into the future. I look forward to their partnership as we continue investing in early starts, proven methods, and extra supports to help Every Child Read."

The Council brings together leaders with diverse expertise including lifelong education, business, philanthropy, community organizations, and tribal communities. Champions Council members represent multiple perspectives including urban, suburban, and rural areas; early childhood education; out-of-school time; special education; and English learner populations.

"Literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning. We must seize this moment and leverage Michigan's historic investments in literacy to ensure our system is delivering for our children and our future," said Kevin Polston, superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools and chair of the Every Child Reads Champions Council. "Michigan has gained important momentum, and now is the time to step on the gas and accelerate the progress our educators are working tirelessly to achieve, our parents expect, and our children deserve."

"MiLEAP is committed to supporting literacy across Michigan, and we are proud to house the Every Child Reads Champions Council," said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, executive director of MiLEAP. "We look forward to the Council's work to bring together leaders and partners from across Michigan to advance our shared literacy goals and address the opportunities and challenges facing learners and communities. Literacy is foundational to learning, and strengthening those skills early helps support Michigan learners from birth through their lifelong learning journeys."

The Champions Council is building on significant statewide momentum to improve literacy outcomes for all kids. The FY27 state budget delivers a historic $502 million investment in literacy including:

• $129.1 million for early starts including PreK for All, early intervention, and family engagement.

• $146.1 million for proven methods including ensuring educators have the knowledge, tools, and support to deliver effective reading instruction and interventions.

• $195.6 million for extra help including high-impact tutoring, out of school time, and adult education.

Since launching Every Child Reads, kids, families, and educators can see tangible progress in their community.

• More 4-year-olds are enrolled in PreK giving children a strong start and saving parents an estimated $14,000 a year.

• More educators are participating in training in the science of reading-including more than 13,200 that have enrolled in or completed LETRS training.

• More districts are adopting proven curriculum and assessments with state incentives and in alignment with the 2024 Reading for All law.

• More literacy coaches are helping educators strengthen literacy instruction and improve outcomes for kids.

• More communities are offering literacy programming and before, after, and summer programming that helps kids stay on track.

The Champions Council members will help Michigan build on this momentum and continue improving outcomes for kids. The Council is housed within MiLEAP, which will provide staff support for its work.

Every Child Reads Champions Council members

Kevin Polston, of Grand Haven, has served as superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools since 2021. Previously, he served as superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools in Wyoming. Prior to becoming a superintendent, he served as a teacher, coach, principal and curriculum leader at Grand Haven Area Public Schools for 15 years. Polston holds a bachelor's degree in education from Michigan State University, a master's degree in educational leadership from Grand Valley State University and a doctorate in educational leadership from Central Michigan University. Polston is appointed as a member from the lifelong education sector with expertise in the science of reading for a term commencing September 3, 2026, and expiring September 2, 2030. Polston is also designated as Chair of the Council for a term commencing September 3, 2026, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.

Laura Dinehart, Ph.D., of Kalamazoo, is the dean of the College of Education and Human Development and a professor of early childhood education at Western Michigan University. Dinehart is a member and served as president of the Michigan Public Education Deans Committee and serves on the boards of MRC Industries and the Kalamazoo Literacy Council. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Florida International University and a master's degree and doctorate in applied developmental psychology from the University of Miami. Dinehart is appointed as a member from the lifelong education sector with expertise in the science of reading for a term commencing September 3, 2026, and expiring September 2, 2030.

Alesia Flye, Ed.D., of Rochester Hills, is the assistant superintendent and chief academic officer for the Macomb Intermediate School District. Flye serves on the boards of Leadership Macomb and STARBASE, Inc., and the Read to the Final Four Advisory Committee. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a master's degree in education from Wright State University and a doctorate in education from Seton Hall University. Flye is appointed as a member from the lifelong education sector with expertise in the science of reading for a term commencing September 3, 2026, and expiring September 2, 2030.

Dr. Nicole Hamp, M.D., of Ann Arbor, is the chief health and program officer at the Autism Alliance of Michigan and a developmental behavioral pediatrician and adjunct clinical assistant professor at University of Michigan Medicine. Hamp also serves on the boards of Friends of the Children Detroit, the Michigan Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers with Developmental Disabilities and the Early On Foundation. She holds a bachelor's degree in movement science, a Master of Public Affairs and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Michigan. Hamp is appointed as a parent and a member from the nonprofit, community or advocacy sectors with experience in lifelong education and literacy for a term commencing September 3, 2026, and expiring September 2, 2030.

Dr. Darienne Hudson, of Farmington Hills, is the president and chief executive officer of United Way for Southeastern Michigan. Hudson serves on the Detroit Country Day School Board of Trustees, United Way Worldwide Board of Trustees, Hope Starts Here Advisory Council and Detroit Children's Fund Board of Directors, and as chair of the Detroit Public Schools Foundation Fundraising Committee and co-chair of the Detroit Mayor's Workforce Development Board. She holds a bachelor's degree in child development from Spelman College, a master's degree in curriculum development from the University of Michigan, a master's degree in education, policy and management and a doctorate in education from Harvard University. Hudson is appointed as a parent and a member from the nonprofit, community or advocacy sectors with experience in lifelong education and literacy for a term commencing September 3, 2026, and expiring September 2, 2030.

Angelique Power, of Northville, is the president and chief executive officer of The Skillman Foundation. Power holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Michigan and a Master of Fine Arts in writing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She serves on the boards of BasBlue, Council of Michigan Foundations, CultureSource, Detroit Future City, Detroit Public Theatre, Plowshares Theatre Company, The Parade Company, the Detroit Mayor's Workforce Development Board and United States Artists. Power is appointed as a member from the philanthropic, civic or grantmaking sector with experience supporting lifelong education for a term commencing September 3, 2026, and expiring September 2, 2030.

Brandon Gleaton, of Detroit, is a senior portfolio manager for PreK-20 education at Ballmer Group. Gleaton serves on the City of Detroit Master Plan Advisory Group and as co-chair of the Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center Board of Directors. He holds an associate degree from Oakland Community College, a bachelor's degree in education from Wayne State University and a master's degree in public administration and public policy from the University of Michigan. Gleaton is appointed as a member from the philanthropic, civic or grantmaking sector with experience supporting lifelong education for a term commencing September 3, 2026, and expiring September 2, 2030.

Carrissa Rondeau, of Skandia, is a clinical therapist, licensed behavior analyst and the founder and owner of Functional Behavior Services. Rondeau holds a bachelor's degree in sociology and a master's degree in social work from Michigan State University. She serves on the boards of the Upper Peninsula Association of Applied Behavior Analysis and the Superior Health Foundation and is chair of the Small Business Association of Michigan UP Regional Board. Rondeau is appointed as a member from the business sector with experience supporting lifelong education for a term commencing September 3, 2026, and expiring September 2, 2030.

Ronald Hall, of Bloomfield Township, is the president and chief executive officer of Bridgewater Interiors LLC. Hall serves on the boards of Business Leaders for Michigan, Corewell Health, Grand Valley State University and the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce, and as chair of the Skillman Foundation Board of Trustees. He holds a bachelor's degree in international political economy from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. Hall is appointed as a member from the business sector with experience supporting lifelong education for a term commencing September 3, 2026, and expiring September 2, 2030.

Tan-A Hoffman, of Sault Ste. Marie, is the director of education for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. Previously, Hoffman worked for 25 years as a teacher. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from Lake Superior State University, an Educational Specialist degree from Northern Michigan University and an Anishinaabe Language teaching certificate from Bay Mills Community College. Hoffman is appointed as a member with experience working in a tribal government or educating in tribal communities and supporting lifelong education for a term commencing September 3, 2026, and expiring September 2, 2030.

Arminda Westra, of Alto, is the executive director of the Michigan Education Association Center for Leadership and Learning. Westra holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Western Michigan University and a master's degree in education administration from Michigan State University. Westra is appointed as a member with relevant experience supporting lifelong education nominated by the House Minority Leader for a term commencing September 3, 2026, and expiring September 2, 2028.

Kathy Lester, of South Lyon, is an adjunct instructor at Wayne State University's School of Information Science. Lester is a past president of the American Association of School Librarians and the Michigan Association of School Librarians. Lester holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Michigan State University, a master's degree in mathematics from Eastern Michigan University and a master's degree in library and information science from Wayne State University. Kathy Lester is appointed as a member with relevant experience supporting lifelong education nominated by the Senate Majority Leader for a term commencing September 3, 2026, and expiring September 2, 2028.

Susan Jandernoa, of West Olive, is a retired teacher who taught for 30 years at East Grand Rapids Public Schools. Jandernoa serves on the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees and the Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees. She holds a bachelor's degree in education from Central Michigan University and a master's degree in education from Michigan State University. Jandernoa is appointed as a member with relevant experience supporting lifelong education nominated by the Senate Minority Leader for a term commencing September 3, 2026, and expiring September 2, 2028.

Dr. Glenn Maleyko, of Okemos, serves as the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Prior to becoming State Superintendent, Dr. Maleyko served as Superintendent of Dearborn Public Schools for a decade, during which time Dearborn reached an all-time high graduation rate of 95% and was recognized as one of the top school districts in Michigan. Dr. Maleyko has over 30 years of experience in public education and was named the 2019 Michigan Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Maleyko has also served in various statewide and national leadership roles, including as President of the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators and as a member of the National Superintendent Governing Board for the AASA, The School Superintendents Association. Dr. Maleyko will serve on the Council in the seat designated for the Michigan Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, of Howell, known widely as Dr. Beverly, is executive director of the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), launched by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in December 2023 to enhance educational outcomes for Michiganders from birth through postsecondary. With a notable career in education policy, Dr. Beverly has held key roles at various community colleges across the country, including Montgomery College, Virginia Peninsula Community College and Spokane Community College. Most recently, she served as president of Mott Community College (MCC) in Flint for nearly a decade, where she made history as the first MCC president to be named President Emeritus and the first female and first African American president in the college's 100-year history. A nationally recognized figure, Dr. Beverly also served as president of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges and as a member of the American Association of Community Colleges Board of Directors. In 2023, she earned the title of CEO of the Year by the American Association of Community Colleges. Dr. Walker-Griffea will serve on the Council in the seat designated for the MiLEAP Director.

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

About Every Child Reads

Michigan's Every Child Reads strategy is focused on ensuring every child develops the literacy skills needed to succeed in school, work and life. The statewide approach centers on three priorities: early starts that build strong foundations for learning, proven methods that use evidence-based literacy instruction aligned with the science of reading, and extra help for students who need additional support. Together, these efforts are helping Michigan strengthen literacy from early childhood through K-12 education and ensure students have the tools they need to become strong readers, writers and communicators. Learn more at Michigan.gov/MiLEAP/EveryChildReads.

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