Alumni Spotlight: Mandy Bolter

Mandy Bolter holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Western Michigan University and is a proud Bronco. Earlier this year, she joined the Lansing based, Muchmore, Harrington, Smalley & Associates (MHSA). MHSA is a lobby firm consistently ranked one of the largest and most effective advocacy firms in Michigan. They also represent Western Michigan University and are an integral part of WMU’s advocacy efforts.

As former legislative and political staff, as well as a current Kent County Commissioner (Immediate Past Chair), Mandy has over 24 years of public policy, legislative, and political experience - specializing in state appropriations, local government, health policy, mental health and child welfare. Prior to her role at MHSA, Mandy was employed as an Advisor at Spectrum Health System (now BHSH) in Government Relations.

In her role as the Kent County Board Chair, she led a bipartisan board of 19 members and an annual budget of approximately $600 million dollars, funding the 25 departments and agencies and approximately 1700 employees. Officially beginning her service in 2014, Mandy has served or currently serves on the Kent County Convention and Arena Authority Board, the Kent County Community Corrections Advisory Board, the Downtown GRI Advisory Board, the Grand Valley Metro Council, chaired the Human Services Committee, chaired the county Legislative and Human Services Committee and served as Vice Chair of the Board of Commissioners for two years prior to be elected as Board Chair in 2019. In addition, she has participated in the county’s bond rating presentation, representing the board in front of Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s, to assist the county in obtaining their AAA bond rating from both agencies (a dual rating less than a handful of counties across the country can claim).

As an Advisor at Spectrum Health, she was responsible for working both internally and externally with local and state policy makers to assess and analyze the needs of the organization, foster collaboration and further the organization’s mission throughout the community. Before joining Spectrum Health and MHSA, Mandy served in various legislative, political and non-profit roles, serving five members of the Michigan Legislature; former Reps. Don Gilmer (Kalamazoo/Calhoun), Mary Ann Middaugh (Van Buren), Joanne Voorhees (Wyoming), Speaker Pro-Tempore Jerry Kooiman (Grand Rapids), Senate Majority Leader and Congressman Mike Bishop (Oakland), and most recently, former Senate Majority Floor Leader, Peter MacGregor (Kent).  Other previous employers include: the Michigan Association of Realtors and various non-profits.

In addition to her public service and professional roles, Mandy has been an active volunteer with K-Connect Housing Stability Alliance in Grand Rapids, MI (past co-chair), D.A. Blodgett-St. John’s home, Habitat for Humanity and is active in her children’s public school activities in the Forest Hills School System.

She resides in Cascade Township with her husband, Alan and their two sons, Hayden and Hudson. We asked Mandy to provide some insight and advice to the entire BAN community on what being a Bronco means to her and how to be an effective advocate for WMU…

BAN: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

MB: “In addition to the professional overview shared earlier, coming from a small town in southern Michigan, WMU was a perfect fit for me. I felt comfortable approaching faculty and eventually reached out to the Chair of the Political Science department for help in choosing my major. That unscheduled conversation resulted in an unexpected offer to help me secure an internship at the state capitol and began my career in politics and public policy.”

BAN: What drew you to WMU and what degree did you obtain?

MB: “Growing up, my family didn’t have the means to cover my tuition. WMU was close to home, which allowed me to continue working while attending classes at a world class university. Having friends and family attend prior to my enrollment made the campus feel familiar and comfortable. After having several great professors in some of my political science classes, I chose to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in that field.”

BAN: How do you use/apply the skills you gained through your education at WMU in your professional life?

MB: “Simply put, the internship I obtained with the help of Dr. David Houghton at WMU truly changed my life and set me on a course that I couldn’t have ever imagined coming from my small town of Bronson, Michigan. It was one of a couple of fortuitous instances in my career that, sometimes I still look back on, and just feel so incredibly thankful to have experienced. I often think about the choices we make and the opportunities that present themselves along our journey that set you on your path – my internship started it all. I wouldn’t be where I am today without that opportunity, and I am forever grateful.”

BAN: What advice do you have for current students and fellow alumni who might be looking to get more involved in advocating for WMU?

MB: “WMU’s students and Alumni are, hands down, the best advocates for the university. When legislators hear directly from someone who has personally experienced all that the university has to offer, how it has changed lives, created prosperity, served the community in so many ways, it is the most effective message that can be shared. Any students or alumni who wish to help the university through advocacy or even willing to share their stories should reach out to WMU’s Government Relations team and ask for ways they can help.”

BAN: How should fellow Broncos approach engaging with elected officials? What works? What should they avoid?

MB: “Elected officials are people, just like you and me. I think often times, people feel intimidated by someone with a title, and they absolutely should not. In this tense, politically charged environment that we all now find ourselves in, elected officials are very receptive to hearing from constituents, of course when there are issues to fix, but also just to get to know who they are representing.

In my 18 years as legislative staff, I sadly can count on two hands the number of times I opened a correspondence from a constituent who was approaching their elected official with an unsolicited “thank you” or an unsolicited offer to get to know them or meet them without a specific ask or complaint. The most effective voices are those that take the time to get to know who they are voting for and who is representing them before they need to reach out to change a law, complain about an issue or critique a vote or position. Loud voices that reach out only to criticize legislators without a rational approach or a reasonable request are heard but not typically welcomed or effective.

I always recommend that you approach those who represent you with an open mind. Don’t assume because they are of a specific party, they will not listen to your concerns. The most important voice is the voice they represent. Maybe they won’t always agree with you on every issue, but there is always another opportunity to find a way to work together on the next issue.”

BAN: Any other advice or thoughts you want to share with our readers?

MB: “Get involved, be a critical thinker, read stories beyond the headline and twitter feeds, get to know those that represent you and advocate for WMU!”