Sixty Years of Excellence

Jan 15, 2025

by Liz Gullett

As MLC’s Communications and Social Media Manager, Liz Gullett keeps clients informed and up-to-date on the goings on in Lansing and the Capitol.

Tom Cleary founded MLC in 1965. With one client, he opened the doors to become Lansing’s first multi-client lobbying firm. “I saw an opportunity to serve the business and association community and help guide them through state government,” said Tom. “With one client placing their trust in me, I began the first multi-client lobbying firm in Lansing – establishing Michigan Legislative Consultants.”

Fourteen years later, with an expanded client base, Fritz Benson joined the firm. As MLC continued to grow, Mike Busch joined as the third member of the lobby team in 1987. We’re able to deliver exceptional service to our clients because of our well-rounded team, who come from many experiences and backgrounds and bring the same drive for success to the office each day.

The timeline of team MLC:

    • 1988: Ann Spagnuolo, Business Manager
    • 2002: Tim Ward, President
    • 2004: Brendan Ringlever, Vice President
    • 2009: Liz Gullett, Communications and Social Media Manager
    • 2011: Tony Des Chenes, Partner
    • 2015: Matt Sowash, Partner
    • 2018: Nicole Wandell, Administrative Coordinator
    • 2020: Jennifer Wilson, Assistant to the President
    • 2021: Monica Martinez, Lobbyist
    • 2021: Amber Chandler, Lobbyist
    • 2022: Karli Hensler, Client Services Manager
    • 2022: Kaylee Gingras, Information Management Administrator
    • 2022: Rudy Hobbs, Partner
    • 2023: Emily Simmons, Lobbyist

From that first client to the more than 90 clients we represent today, MLC remains committed to the same high level of service that drives our clients to success in Lansing.

Michigan Legislative Consultants is a bipartisan lobbying firm based in Lansing, Michigan. Our team of lobbyists and procurement specialists provide a wide range of services for some of the most respected companies in America. For more on MLC, visit www.mlcmi.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Recent Posts

State Parties Electing Leadership

State Parties Electing Leadership

This Saturday, the Michigan Democratic Party and Michigan Republican Party will hold state conventions to elect leadership. Michigan is heading into a big election year in 2026, making these positions critical to races up and down the ballot. Michigan Democratic...

Income Tax Changes Introduced

Income Tax Changes Introduced

Legislation exempting tips earned by hospitality workers from income taxes was introduced this week. Key Points: Senate Bill 91 was introduced by Senator John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs). The proposal largely mirrors federal proposals and would provide a 100% exemption...

Supreme Court Chief Justice Resigning

Supreme Court Chief Justice Resigning

Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement announced she is stepping down from the bench and will serve as president of the National Center for State Courts. She informed Governor Whitmer that she would be stepping down no later than April 30, 2025. Key...

Looking for older articles?

We’ve recently made improvements to our blog to provide a better user experience. If you’re searching for older posts, click here to search our archive.

Michigan Legislative Consultants

Michigan Legislative Consultants
110 W. Michigan Avenue
Suite 500
Lansing, MI 48933
517.372.2560
517.372.0130 fax

1001 Woodward Avenue
Suite 500
Detroit, MI 48226

MLC is proud to be the Michigan member of NASL