LANSING, Mich., Jan. 20, 2026 – With decades of experience in policymaking, two new hires at Business Leaders For Michigan (BLM) will help the organization in its mission to impact key policy changes for Michigan’s growth, including making education a defining mission for incoming elected leaders.
Becky Burtka and Steven Liedel will assume the roles of Vice President of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs, and Chief Counsel and Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, respectively. Together, their experience strengthens BLM’s ability to translate research into action and drive sustained, bipartisan progress on the priorities outlined in the organization’s recently released Michigan in a New Era plan.
“Michigan needs sustained, bipartisan progress to improve education outcomes, raise incomes, and strengthen competitiveness,” said Jeff Donofrio, President and CEO of Business Leaders For Michigan. “Becky and Steve bring the experience to help us partner across sectors to advance Michigan in a New Era and deliver results for Michigan’s workers, families, and communities.”
Becky Burtka is an experienced public affairs leader known for navigating the legislative process and crafting effective messaging and advocacy strategies. She previously worked at the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, where she focused on member engagement and business advocacy. Prior to that, Becky served on the leadership team of several Republican speakers of the state House, with a portfolio including developing annual state budgets and ensuring effective internal and external communications. Becky also previously worked in advocacy for AT&T Michigan and is a graduate of Oakland University.
Steven Liedel is a trusted counselor on government relations, public policy and legal matters across the public and private sectors. He comes to BLM from Dykema Gossett where he worked with a diverse set of stakeholders and leaders of both parties to advance policy solutions. Steve previously served as General Counsel to Gov.-Elect Gretchen Whitmer, and was Chief Legal Counsel to former Gov. Jennifer Granholm. Steve also held staff positions with the state Legislature in both Michigan and Illinois. He obtained his law degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University.
Burtka and Liedel will join BLM’s advocacy and communications team alongside Tim Sowton, Vice President of Policy and Research, who is a 16-year veteran of the organization. Together, they will work with elected officials, the business community, nonprofit organizations, and advocacy partners—including Launch Michigan—to advance collaborative solutions that improve education outcomes, strengthen Michigan’s business climate, and expand economic opportunity statewide.
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About Business Leaders For Michigan: Business Leaders For Michigan is a statewide, nonpartisan organization driven by CEOs from the state’s leading employers, all working toward a shared goal: making Michigan a Top 10 state for jobs, talent and a thriving economy. Guided by research and diverse perspectives, they develop strategies, shape public policy and drive initiatives that bring people and ideas together to ignite change – for growth, shared prosperity, and lasting progress. For Michigan.