CapCon 2024 Program

General Session Speakers

John LaMacchia II Director, State & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League

John LaMacchia is the Director of State & Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League, where he coordinates the organization’s lobbying activities at the state and

federal level. John was extremely engaged in efforts to secure passage of the American Rescue plan and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and his advocacy work for League members is focused on the areas of transportation, infrastructure, energy, and technology. John oversees special initiatives and projects related to the Urban Core Mayors, City Business Collaborative, and the Coalition for a Strong and Prosperous Michigan. John joined the League in January of 2013 as a Legislative Associate. In 2015, he was honored by the Michigan Society of Association Executives as one of 15 in ’15 Rising Leaders. Prior to joining the League, John served as Chief of Staff for former Sen. John Gleason for six years and previously worked in the office of former Senate Minority Leader Bob Emerson. John has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Michigan State University and lives in DeWitt with his wife, Dana, and three children. Jenell Leonard Owner, Marketing Resource Group, LLC Jenell joined MRG after serving as director of the Michigan Film & Digital Media office. Her tenure was distinguished by program initiatives to support the development of Michigan’s creative industries and computer science education for K–12 students, along with the formation of the Detroit Film Initiative. Previously, Jenell worked in the Michigan House of Representatives and the Executive Office as External and Strategic Affairs Director for Lt. Governor Brian Calley. In 2013, Jenell coordinated the Council of Great Lakes Governors Summit on Mackinac Island. She also served on the 2015 Inaugural Committee. Jenell has managed a range of campaigns and elections up to the federal level. She was the first female recipient of the Frank M. Fitzgerald Public Service award in 2008 and is a 2010 alumna of the Michigan Political Leadership Program. Jenell earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s in public administration. She is married to Tom Leonard, the former Speaker of the Michigan House and current partner at Plunkett Cooney law firm. They live in DeWitt with their children Hannah, Thomas, and a third arriving in July. Jenell Leonard is the owner of Marketing Resource Group, LLC, a federally certified, woman-owned small business that specializes in full-service communications and public relations services.

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