CapCon 2024 Program

Dave Hodgkins Legislative Associate, State & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League Dave Hodgkins is a legislative associate for the Michigan Municipal League, where he advocates on behalf of communities in the areas of municipal services, elections,

labor, and parks and recreation. Before joining the League, he worked for the government relations firm Midwest Strategy Group. He worked closely with several municipalities on their specific needs and local government groups, including the League, on the broader impact state government has on Michigan’s communities. Throughout his career in government relations, Dave has led advocacy operations on an extensive portfolio of policy issues, ranging from food access to economic development opportunities—elevating communities by expanding access to resources. He also has extensive experience in issue campaign oversight and coalition building. Dave began his career serving in the Michigan House of Representatives having worked for two state representatives, including former Speaker Pro Tem John Walsh. He earned a bachelor’s in English from Central Michigan University and has been awarded Outstanding Performance in team building and persuasive communication from the Dale Carnegie Immersion Seminar.

Emily Kieliszewski Assistant Director of Member Experience and Learning, Michigan Municipal League Emily Kieliszewski is the Michigan Municipal League’s Assistant Director of Member Experience and Learning, where she oversees programming and learning development for

the League’s 525 member communities, including nearly 4,000 local elected officials and more than 10,000 appointed officials. Emily leads initiatives that include the League’s 16/50 Project and oversees the Elected Officials Academy, the Michigan Women in Municipal Government, executive search services, and member training and development programming. Prior to joining the League in 2016, Emily began her career working with several nonprofit organizations and in a variety of roles in political campaigns. She’s also served as a staff member in the Michigan State Senate. Emily received her bachelor’s degree in political science from Michigan State University, where she was selected as a Dean’s Assistant Fellow. She is also an alumna of the Michigan Political Leadership Program through the Institute of Public Policy and Social Research at Michigan State. Emily participates on several boards and in a variety of nonprofit leadership positions, including as Vice President of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)—Michigan, the NAMI Northeast Michigan formation committee, and as a certified family support group facilitator. She also served her home state as Miss Michigan in 2015.

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