Open to all U-M staff, faculty, and students.
Women represent over 23% of Michigan’s local chief administrative officers today, up from just 16% in 2018. Although women continue to be underrepresented as municipal managers, there is a growing contingent of dedicated women serving their communities and challenging the status quo in local government.
Meet the force of women leading communities in Michigan, engage with municipal issues, and learn more about the management profession in this interactive panel session.
Light refreshments will be served.
Haley Bradley, Assistant City Manager, City of Sterling Heights
Melissa Marsh, City Manager, City of Madison Heights
Dana Muscott, City Manager, City of Bay City
Mariah Walton, Deputy City Administrator, City of Ann Arbor
Haley Bradley is a municipal management professional with extensive experience in local government leadership, budgeting, and community development. She currently serves as Assistant City Manager for the City of Sterling Heights, where she oversees city development, community relations, parks and recreation, and the library. Previously, Haley served as City Manager of Albion, Michigan, where she secured over $30 million in grant funding for infrastructure projects, led collective bargaining negotiations, and guided the city through the Redevelopment Ready Community certification process. She has also held various leadership roles, including Interim City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and Deputy Clerk/Treasurer, where she developed expertise in fiscal management, organizational development, and strategic planning. Haley is an active member of Michigan Municipal Executives, Michigan Women in Municipal Government, and the Michigan Infrastructure Council. She is dedicated to creating strong, inclusive communities and promoting innovation in public service.
Melissa Marsh has over 20 years of experience in municipal government and has served as the City Manager of Madison Heights since 2018. Her leadership journey began in 2005 when she joined the City as Finance Director. Over the years, she has worn many hats, serving as Director of Administrative Services, Assistant City Manager, and Deputy City Manager, before ultimately being appointed to lead the organization. Melissa holds a Master of Accountancy from Walsh College, a postgraduate certificate in Human Resources from Central Michigan University, and a bachelor’s degree in Business and Finance from Tusculum University in Tennessee. She takes pride in making a meaningful impact both locally and statewide. Melissa currently serves as the President-Elect of the Michigan Municipal Executives, sits on the Michigan Municipal Services Authority Board, and is a member of the Michigan Municipal League Finance Committee.
Dana Muscott has served as the City Manager of the City of Bay City since 2017 and has worked in local government for 35 years. She began her career in Bay City as City Clerk in 2000 and was promoted to Deputy City Manager in 2004, a position she served in for 13 years. Dana previously worked as Deputy Township Clerk for Saginaw Charter Township. Dana earned the prestigious Certified Michigan Municipal Clerk status in 2014 after obtaining her Master Municipal Clerk status in 2005 from Michigan State University. She served as President for the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks and was later named the 2015 Clerk of the Year by the same organization. She is also a Past President of the Bay County Clerks. With a focus on continued education and leadership development, Dana became a graduate of the Great Lakes Bay Region Leadership Institute and Leadership Saginaw County. Attending Saginaw Valley State University, Dana became a Certified Public Manager as well as a graduate of the Henry Marsh Institute for Public Policy. She serves as a board member for the following organizations: Michigan Municipal Executives, Bay Future, Bay County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Bay City Public Safety & Fire Pension & Retirement System Board, RiversEdge, and the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority Board of Directors and Planning Committee. She is a member of the Bay City Noon Optimist Club and volunteers for many other organizations. Dana and Chris have been married for more than 30 years, and they are the proud parents of two accomplished sons, Cody and Connor.
Mariah Walton is the Deputy City Administrator for the City of Ann Arbor, where she supports citywide operations, strategic initiatives, and interdepartmental coordination. Prior to her current role, she held leadership positions in municipal government and nonprofit sectors, focusing on inclusive policy design and operational excellence. She holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Grand Valley State University and a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Michigan State University.
Sponsored by: The Michigan Municipal League; 16/50 Project; Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy; Leadership Initiative, Ginsberg Center, and Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy (CLOSUP).
