ABOUT
MISSION STATEMENT
Michiganders for Civic Resilience (MCR) is dedicated to fostering a vibrant democracy founded on trust, dialogue, and accountability. Our mission is to bridge the divides of political polarization, restore civil discourse, and uphold the integrity of U.S. elections.
Through community-driven initiatives and cross-partisan collaboration, we empower Michigan residents with the tools and resources necessary to engage constructively in the democratic process. By nurturing a network of like-minded individuals and partner organizations, we strive to prevent the erosion of public trust and mitigate the risks of violence in our democracy.
At MCR, we believe in the power of collective action to defend America's founding principles and ensure a future where every voice is heard and every vote counts. Our mission is to cultivate resilience in our communities, strengthen the fabric of our democracy, and inspire a renewed sense of civic duty among all citizens.
SENIOR ADVISORS
CHRISTINE GREIG
Democrat
Christine Greig was elected in 2014 to serve as State Representative for Farmington Hills and served as the Democratic Floor Leader from 2017-2018 and the Democratic Leader from 2019-2020. As a lawmaker, she championed legislation on economic development, public education, and reproductive rights. She was a 2015 Fellow for the Council of State Government (CSG) Midwest's Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development Program. She received numerous awards including the National PTA Lifetime Achievement Award, AAUW Michigan Martha Griffiths Equity Award, and numerous Legislator of the Year recognitions.
Post-Lansing, Chris served as Senior Advisor to The Lawmaker Network, a nonprofit organization supporting state lawmakers across the country. She retired in January 2023 but continues to mentor aspiring candidates and community advocates. Prior to serving in the legislature, Chris worked for Andersen Consulting (Accenture) as a business software expert and project manager in payroll, human resources, and benefits administration. In 1994, Chris became co-owner and lead consultant for Fulcrum Computer Services, a small business based in Farmington Hills; she also worked in non-profit management, including launching and leading the Farmington/Farmington Hills Education Foundation.
Chris grew up in rural Indiana with her eleven brothers and sisters before moving to Chicago and then Michigan. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame, majoring in American Studies and Computer Applications. In her leisure time, Chris is a tennis enthusiast and world traveler - recently experiencing the beauty of Australia, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
TONYA SCHUITMAKER
Republican
Tonya Schuitmaker served in the Michigan Senate from 2010-2018 and was chosen by colleagues to serve as the Senate's President Pro Tempore, the second woman to hold the position. She served on the Senate Appropriations Committee and as a Chairperson of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education. She was also a member of the Senate's Judiciary, and Energy & Technology committees.
She is a practicing attorney at Schuitmaker Moraitis Law in Paw Paw, Michigan. She is also Co-Director of the Michigan Political Leadership Program at Michigan State University. Previously, she was a member of the Van Buren County Community Corrections Advisory Board, Paw Mar Rotary, the Paw Paw Optimist Club, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Van Buren County Farm Bureau. She served as president of the Van Buren County Bar Association, the Van Buren County Republican Women, and as Vice-Chair for Van Buren County Republicans. Schuitmaker was named a 2014 Aspen Institute Rodel Public Leadership Fellow. She is currently a Community Board member for Sturgis Bank & Trust Company. Schuitmaker earned her Juris Doctor and graduated Cum Laude from the Detroit College of Law/Michigan State University.
TONYA SCHUITMAKER
Republican