Our Team
Dawn Harding
Administrative Assistant of Administration, Communications, Government Affairs & Public Policy
Administrative Assistant of Administration, Communications, Government Affairs & Public Policy
Jeff Donofrio is President and CEO of Business Leaders For Michigan, a CEO-driven organization of the state’s leading employers working toward a shared goal: making Michigan a Top 10 state for jobs, talent and a thriving economy. Guided by research and informed by diverse perspectives, the organization brings together leaders from business, government and education to advance practical strategies that move Michigan forward.
Under Jeff’s leadership, Business Leaders For Michigan has helped drive significant policy outcomes that strengthen the state’s economic foundation, including improving the business climate, expanding talent pathways and advancing K-12 education reform. He most recently guided the development of Michigan in a New Era, the organization’s blueprint outlining the actions needed to improve Michigan’s prosperity and position the state for the next generation of economic leadership.
Jeff’s perspective on economic and workforce policy has been shaped by a career spanning the private sector and all levels of government, grounded in a focus on how strategy translates into real outcomes for people and communities. Prior to joining Business Leaders For Michigan, he served as Director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, where he led the state’s workforce, economic development, housing, and labor activities, overseeing 2,700 employees and a $1.6 billion budget.
His work in state government built on earlier experience leading Detroit’s workforce strategy during a period of economic transition and resurgence. As Executive Director of Workforce Development for the City of Detroit, he worked to expand training opportunities, reduce barriers to employment, and connect residents to jobs— helping drive economic growth that expands opportunity for people and businesses alike.
Across roles in both the public and private sectors—including leadership positions at Ford Motor Company, in the administration of Governor Jennifer Granholm, and as head of Michigan operations for U.S. Representatives John D. Dingell and Sandy Levin—Jeff developed a practical understanding of how decisions made in boardrooms and capitols impact employers, workers, and communities, and what it takes to turn strategy into action.
That perspective is rooted in his earliest experience working in his family’s multigenerational small business, where he gained firsthand insight into the challenges employers face and the importance of community responsibility. It’s a foundation that continues to shape his leadership approach, with a focus on execution, accountability, and sustained progress over time.
In addition to his executive role, Jeff serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Launch Michigan, Michigan’s bipartisan nonprofit organization to reform K-12 public education, and Chair of the Michigan Workforce Development Board. He also serves on the boards of the Detroit Economic Club, the Michigan Educational Excellence Foundation, the Detroit Mayor’s Workforce Development Board and the University of Michigan Innovation Partnerships National Advisory Board. He served as a Special Advisor for Jobs and the Economy on Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s transition team and as a member of the Workforce, Economic Development and Small Business Committee for Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield’s transition team.
Jeff earned his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and his MBA from Georgetown University.
Becky Burtka is Vice President of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs at Business Leaders For Michigan, a statewide 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.
Becky comes to us from the MI Chamber, where she served as VP of member engagement. Becky managed the execution and growth of the MI Chamber’s Signature Events series and educational programs. She played an active role in shaping the messaging and communications that influenced and connected Michigan’s business community to policy, advocacy, and economic priorities. As member of the Business Advocacy team, Becky utilized her legislative skills to shape policy and state budget related items important to MI Chamber members.
Prior to joining the MI Chamber, Becky spent over half of her career in various leadership roles within the Michigan Legislature, leading development of state budgets and policies that impact Michigan businesses and families. Working on the leadership team of multiple Republican Speakers of the House, she helped direct floor operations, develop legislative agendas, advance policy priorities and craft state budgets. She assisted in managing billions of state and federal dollars to create fiscally responsible budgets while ensuring effective internal and external communication throughout the policymaking process.
In her private sector experience, Becky served as the director of external and legislative affairs with AT&T Michigan, where she aided in the passage of key legislation and developed relationships with local officials throughout the pandemic to assist with distance working and learning.
Becky holds a bachelor’s degree from Oakland University in Rochester, MI. She is the recipient of the 2018 Legislative Leadership Award and two-time nominee for the Jon Farley Exceptional Legislative Staffer Award.
Justin Flynn is the Senior Associate of Public Policy and Strategic Initiatives at Business Leaders For Michigan, a statewide 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.
He supports the organization’s work on talent, innovation, and long-term economic competitiveness.
Previously, Justin served as a fellow in the Office of the Secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce, where he helped implement the CHIPS and Science Act to strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing and innovation. He also held roles in program management at Next Street, a small business solutions firm focused on broadening economic prosperity, and in strategy at ContractPodAi, an AI startup. Justin began his career in Wells Fargo’s commercial real estate group and later worked as a consultant at Ernst & Young.
He holds a Master of Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School, a Master of Science in Global Commerce from the University of Virginia, and a Master of Science in Global Strategic Management from ESADE Business School. He is also Chair of the Young Alumni Council at Boston University, where he earned a BSBA in Finance and Real Estate with a minor in Political Science.
Dawn Harding serves as Administrative Assistant of Administration, Communications, Government Affairs and Public Policy at Business Leaders For Michigan, a statewide 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.
Dawn assists with special projects and provides administrative support to the Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, and Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Development. Dawn also plays a supportive role in the organization’s events, board meetings and outreach activities.
Dawn holds an associate’s degree from Baker College and a continuing legal education certificate. She has more than sixteen years’ experience in a law office, serving as a paralegal and legal assistant.
She also has previous experience as a police cadet and executive assistant for the city of Taylor.
Peter Hill is the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Business Leaders For Michigan, a statewide 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.
Peter is leading the organization’s work around talent, innovation and economic growth.
Peter previously was an associate partner at McKinsey & Company in Detroit, where he was a leader in economic development and government performance, working with states and regions on topics from unemployment to technology strategy to regional growth and innovation.
Prior to McKinsey, Peter was a strategist at the New York City Economic Development Corporation, where his work included resiliency planning, sector development, and managing the creation of the city’s workforce development strategy alongside the Jobs for New Yorkers Task Force. He started his career in the nonprofit sector, consulting for mission-based organizations at Root Cause and running youth leadership programs in Mexico and the U.S. as part of Amigos de las Americas.
Peter has a bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Steven C. Liedel is Chief Counsel and Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at Business Leaders For Michigan, a statewide 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.
Steve is a trusted counselor on government relations, public policy, and legal matters to C-level decision-makers in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. He is an adept navigator of complex regulatory environments.
In Michigan, Steve has engaged in a number of bipartisan efforts to reform the delivery of governmental services, including the creation of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Wayne County Airport Authority, the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority, the QLINE Street Railway System, the Detroit Public Schools Community District, land bank fast track authorities, the replacement of personal property taxes, and support for the restart of the Palisades Nuclear Generating Station. He has provided counsel to four governors and served as a special assistant attorney general. He has authored numerous state laws, more than 150 executive orders, and served as legal counsel to multiple state and local ballot question committees.
Before Business Leaders For Michigan, Steve was a member at Dykema Gossett PLLC, served as General Counsel to Governor-Elect Gretchen Whitmer, and was Chief Legal Counsel to Governor Jennifer Granholm. Earlier, Steve held staff positions with the Michigan House of Representatives, the Michigan Senate, and the Illinois Senate.
Steve holds a J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and a B.A. from James Madison College at Michigan State University.
Amy Novak serves as the Executive Assistant at Business Leaders For Michigan, a statewide 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.
Amy provides support to the President & Chief Executive Officer and to the Chief Operating Officer. Prior to this role, she was Special Assistant for Projects and Outreach, where she provided administrative support to the communications, government affairs, administrative and public policy staff.
Before joining Business Leaders For Michigan, she served in an executive support role at Valenti Capital. Amy attended Oakland Community College and has more than 17 years of experience as an executive assistant. Amy lives in downtown Detroit and is very involved in her local community.
Tim Sowton is Vice President of Public Policy and Research at Business Leaders For Michigan, a statewide 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.
Tim is responsible for policy advocacy, policy development, and supporting the organization’s benchmarking efforts.
Prior to joining Business Leaders For Michigan, Tim was Regional Director of Government Relations for R. L. Polk & Co., based in Southfield, Michigan. In that position, Tim managed all government relations efforts for a 17-state region, including Michigan. In addition, he supported the company’s business development efforts, negotiating agreements with private vendors. Tim also served for nine years in the administration of former Governor John Engler, holding several positions focusing on policy and legislation, with his last position being Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs.
Tim has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Michigan.
Stephen Walters is Strategy Analyst at Business Leaders For Michigan, a statewide 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.
Stephen works to improve Michigan’s competitiveness by collecting and organizing data, abstracting trends, researching best practices, and supporting the development of benchmarks and actionable solutions.
Previously, he worked as a public policy and strategy analyst at MJ Capitol Consulting, LLC. In that capacity, he researched and analyzed federal healthcare legislation and regulations, consulting on behalf of the largest healthcare provider in the state of Michigan.
Stephen earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with high distinction from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
Bonnie Zorn is Chief of Staff and Vice President of Administration at Business Leaders For Michigan, a statewide 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.
In her role, Bonnie manages office operations, logistics, events, and countless behind-the-scenes details that keep the organization running seamlessly.
She brings extensive experience from municipal and federal government, having served in leadership positions in a Congressional office and for the City of Taylor. Bonnie holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from the University of Detroit Mercy and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Michigan–Dearborn.
