Open to all U-M staff, faculty, students, and the public.
Women represent over 24.7% 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.
Sponsored by: The Michigan Municipal League; 16/50 Project; Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy; Center for Democracy and Civic Empowerment; University of Michigan's Ginsberg Center; Leadership Initiative; and the Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy (CLOSUP)
Emilie LaGrow has served as Village Manager for the Village of Cassopolis since 2015, leading transformative community and economic development initiatives that have attracted more than $280 million in private investment and nearly $30 million in grant funding. An attorney and ICMA-Credentialed Manager, Emilie brings a collaborative, strategic approach to public service, infrastructure, housing, and placemaking. She is a frequent speaker at conferences and professional events, sharing Cassopolis's story and her experiences in community transformation and local government leadership. Emilie serves on several boards, including ICMA's Global Engagement Committee, the Michigan Subnational Diplomacy Group, and the Cass County Land Bank Authority. She holds a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.
Dr. Sheryl L. Theriot is a distinguished municipal leader and City Manager of Albion, Michigan, recognized for her commitment to building vibrant, inclusive, and economically sustainable communities. Dr. Theriot's public service career spans more than three decades, beginning with 13 years supporting the Detroit City Council, followed by 17 years as a Senior Analyst for the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. She later served as City Administrator for Lathrup Village and has served as City Manager in the City of Albion, since March 2026, where she focused on revitalization, economic development, and community engagement. She previously served as Albion City Manager from 2014-2018. She was the recipient of the Michigan Municipal League's Community Builder Award, honoring her impactful contributions to local government and community development.
She earned her Doctorate in Business Administration from Lawrence Technological University in 2014, where her research focused on Priority-Based Budgeting and the role of citizen engagement in aligning government spending with community values. Dr. Theriot is widely respected for her servant leadership approach, emphasizing collaboration, inclusion, and community empowerment. Her legacy continues to inspire through initiatives that promote equitable growth and through honors such as the "Dr. Mitchell Servant Leadership Award," established in recognition of her lasting impact.
Mariah Walton serves as Deputy City Administrator for the City of Ann Arbor, where she leads major organizational initiatives focused on operational excellence, community engagement, and strategic citywide coordination. She previously held multiple executive roles in Eastpointe, Michigan, including City Manager, City Clerk, Director of Personnel, and Assistant City Manager. Walton's earlier public service includes work with the Kent County Circuit Court and youth and family social services in Kent and Ingham counties. She holds a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and a master's degree in public administration from Grand Valley State University. Walton is an active member of ICMA and MME, and serves as Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, advancing inclusive leadership and professional development within the municipal management profession.
Rachel Witherspoon serves as the City Administrator for the City of Gibraltar, Michigan. With a career dedicated to local government leadership, Rachel has previously served as Village Manager for the Village of Pentwater and Assistant to the Village Manager for the Village of Milford. She holds a Master of Public Policy and Administration from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and brings expertise in municipal management, public policy, strategic planning, and community engagement. Rachel is passionate about fostering effective governance and delivering high-quality public services that strengthen communities.
