|
PSC STAFF
jbails@pscinc.com
Jack D. Bails is vice president and senior consultant
for natural resources at Public Sector Consultants. He provides
strategic counsel and research services to private and public
sector clients at the local, state, and national levels, to
facilitate solutions to site-specific environmental issues
and to assist in formulating public policy for the sustainable
use and protection of natural resources. In addition, he manages
the staff support for the $22-million Great Lakes Fishery
Trust, which makes grants to government entities and nonprofit
organizations for projects to mitigate fish losses at a large
hydroelectric facility. He has been with the firm since 1992.
Prior to joining PSC, Mr. Bails held various
research, management, and policy positions during a 28-year
tenure with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR)
that included eight years as a deputy director. Prior positions
with the department include chief of the Environmental Enforcement
Division and chief of the Office of Program Review during
the mid-1970s through early 1980s, when major environmental
policy and legislation were developed in Michigan. Mr. Bails
has extensive experience in developing, implementing, and
enforcing environmental regulations in Michigan.
Mr. Bails holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in environmental
sciences from Michigan State University.
cbarish@pscinc.com
Carol Barish is a consultant for health policy
at Public Sector Consultants. She conducts research and writes
reports, articles, and analyses on health policy legislation
and issues; assists in conducting focus groups; and monitors
state and national public health policy activities. She has
worked with PSC since 1993.
Prior to joining PSC, Ms. Barish was employed
in Lansing as assistant for board services for the American
Board of Emergency Medicine; before that she was business
manager for the Environmental Economics Research Group.
Ms. Barish holds a B.B.A. from Northwood University
and an M.S.A. from Central Michigan University.
jmettybennett@pscinc.com
Julie Metty Bennett is senior consultant for
natural resources at Public Sector Consultants. She joined
the firm in 2000. Ms. Bennett conducts research and analysis
and writes reports for the firm and its clients on natural
resources and public policy issues. In addition, she serves
as assistant manager for the Great Lakes Fishery Trust and
program manager for People and Land (PAL), both private foundations
managed by PSC. In this capacity, she oversees the daily business
of these organizations and provides grant-management services.
Prior to joining PSC, Ms. Bennett worked for the Michigan United Conservation Clubs as an en-vironmental policy specialist, representing the organization before local, state, and federal policymakers on energy, air quality, and waste management issues. She then joined the National Wildlife Federation, educating and mobilizing individuals, organizations, and federal, state, and local policymakers in furtherance of Great Lakes water-quality issues.
Ms. Bennett holds a B.A. in interdisciplinary
studies in social science with a concentration in environmental
policy and a second major in political science; and an M.S.
in resource development with specialization in environmental
toxicology from Michigan State University.
mcoscarelli@pscinc.com
Mark A. Coscarelli is a senior consultant for
Great Lakes and environmental policy at Public Sector Consultants.
He has been with the firm since 2001. Mr. Coscarelli conducts
research and analysis and writes reports on the environment
and public policy for the firm and its clients. He also serves
as assistant manager for the Great Lakes Fishery Trust.
Prior to joining PSC, Mr. Coscarelli was a senior
environmental specialist in the Office of the Great Lakes,
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. As manager of
the Michigan Great Lakes Protection Fund, he was responsible
for administration and oversight activities of the fund to
enhance and protect the Great Lakes. He also served as a statewide
expert for the control of harmful nonindigenous species in
Michigan. In this capacity, he developed and implemented a
control program targeting harmful species and served as liaison
to the executive branch, the legislature, and the Michigan
Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). Mr. Coscarelli has
also been employed as an environmental quality analyst in
the Surface Water Quality Division of the MDNR as well as
a resource specialist working in the Michigan State University
Groundwater Education Program.
Mr. Coscarelli holds a B.S. in environmental
and natural resource studies from Michigan State University.
Kate Flore
kflore@pscinc.com
Kate E. Flore is a consultant for health policy
at Public Sector Consultants. Ms. Flore conducts research,
evaluation, and analysis on health policy issues, writes reports,
monitors state and national public policy activities, and
assists in the provision of strategic counsel and facilitation
services to clients.
Prior to joining PSC in 2002, Ms. Flore held
several positions in the field of health policy and research.
As a consultant with the HIV/STI Prevention Team of the World
Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland, Ms. Flore modeled
the cost-effectiveness of syndromically treating patients
for sexually transmitted infections. Her work with the WHO
also included the costs of treatment of pelvic inflammatory
disease, the analysis of decision-modeling methods, and the
applicability of such tools in resource-poor countries. Ms.
Flore was an assistant researcher in the University of Michigan
Department of Health Behavior and Education in 2000–2001,
where her work included evaluation of factors contributing
to the loss of functional independence in frail older women.
As a health policy and delivery intern with the Michigan Health
& Hospital Association in 1999–2000, she provided
assistance to members on a variety of health policy issues
and designed the 1999 Community Benefits Survey.
Ms. Flore holds a B.A. from Michigan State University
in interdisciplinary studies in social science with a minor
in economics and an M.P.H. in public health policy from the
University of Michigan.
cgarthwaite@pscinc.com
Craig L. Garthwaite is the staff economist at
Public Sector Consultants. He conducts research and writes
policy reports on tax and economic matters for the firm and
its clients and provides technical economic assistance to
staff and clients. Prior to joining PSC, Mr. Garthwaite worked
at the Michigan Municipal League, Municipal Consulting Services,
where he assisted in the development of five-year financial
models for cities throughout the state, researched financial
issues, and developed financial planning tools for local governments.
He held internships in Washington, D.C., in the summers of
1999, 2000, and 2001, working first as a research analyst
with the American Legislative Exchange Council and then in
the field of international economics with the United States
International Trade Commission.
Mr. Garthwaite holds a B.A. cum laude in political
science from the University of Michigan. He was awarded a
master's degree in public policy from the Gerald R. Ford School
of Public Policy, U-M, in 2002.
hmadill@pscinc.com
Holly A. Madill is senior consultant for natural
resources and land use at Public Sector Consultants. She has
been with the firm since 1999 and conducts research and analysis
and writes reports for the firm on issues concerning natural
resources, land use, and public policy. She also serves as
assistant manager for the Great Lakes Fishery Trust, a private
foundation managed by PSC, overseeing the daily business of
the trust and providing land- and grant-management services.
In addition, she assists the Michigan Economic and Environmental
Roundtable with its sustainable development and land use policy
mission.
Prior to joining PSC, Ms. Madill was an academic
specialist at Michigan State University, working in the area
of urban land use. She also has been employed as staff ecologist
for Michigan United Conservation Clubs, environmental scientist
with Peerless Environmental Services in Saginaw, and hydrologist
technician trainee with the U.S. Geological Survey in Lansing,
and she was a participant in MSU's Overseas Study Program
in Wildlife and Ecology Management in Kenya, Africa.
Ms. Madill holds a B.S. degree in environmental
science from the University of Alabama and a master's degree
in urban and regional planning from Michigan State University.
amenzies@pscinc.com
Amanda Menzies is a consultant for health policy
at Public Sector Consultants. Ms. Menzies assists the health
division in all aspects of project management, including database
management, staffing various committees and task forces, scheduling
meetings and events, and working with senior staff to develop
and refine projects. She also conducts research and writes
reports related to current health policy topics. Prior to
joining PSC in 2001, Ms. Menzies was the Program and Fund
Development Coordinator for the National Council on Alcoholism
and Drug Dependence of Michigan.
Ms. Menzies attended Michigan State University
where she received a B.A. degree in public policy/health.
smiel-uken@pscinc.com
Suzanne Miel-Uken is vice president and senior
consultant for community health policy at Public Sector Consultants.
She joined the firm in 1998 and provides strategic counsel
and research and facilitation services to clients.
Prior to joining PSC, Ms. Miel-Uken held several
policy and management positions in the state departments of
Social Services (now the Family Independence Agency), Management
and Budget, and Community Health (formerly Public Health).
In the latter, she managed the development of Michigan's critical
health indicators and the statewide community health assessment
and improvement process. She designed the department's strategic
planning process, which resulted in Healthy Michigan 2000,
the state's first comprehensive plan of priorities, goals,
and objectives for health improvement. She also prepared a
consumer-driven framework to guide the quality-improvement
process of the Michigan Medicaid Managed Care Initiative.
Her expertise includes child welfare; public health, including
maternal and child health, substance abuse prevention and
treatment, infectious and chronic disease, and environmental
health; early childhood education and care; health and human
services integration; and health improvement partnership development.
Ms. Miel-Uken attended Michigan State University,
receiving a B.S. degree in socio-legal social science and
a master's degree in criminal justice administration.
jpowers@pscinc.com
Jane Powers is a senior consultant for health
policy at Public Sector Consultants. She conducts research,
evaluation, and analysis on such health policy issues as Medicaid
managed care, children's health, and hospital conversions;
writes reports, articles, and analyses of legislation; staffs
partnerships, task forces, coalitions, and health care organizations;
conducts focus groups; helps develop and analyze health care
surveys; and monitors state and national public policy activities.
She has been with the firm since 1999.
Prior to joining PSC, Ms. Powers held several
policy planning and analyst positions in the Michigan Department
of Community Health (formerly Public Health), serving most
recently as a senior analyst in the Comprehensive Health Plan
Division. In her work in the department, she coordinated development
of Healthy Michigan 2000, managed creation of the department's
Center for Healthy Infants and Pregnancies surveillance system,
and developed guidance for the statewide community health
improvement process.
Ms. Powers holds a B.S. degree from Michigan
State University in public affairs management with a health
emphasis.
ppratt@pscinc.com
Peter Pratt is vice president and senior consultant
for health policy at Public Sector Consultants. He oversees
health care consulting services and related publications,
conducts research and writes policy reports and program evaluations,
facilitates coalitions, conducts focus groups, and edits the
firm's analyses of health bills introduced in the state legislature.
He has been with the company since 1986.
In addition to research for PSC clients on
health care, Mr. Pratt is widely known for his work on community
health assessment and improvement, consumer health, Medicaid,
access to health care, and hospital and pharmaceutical cost
containment strategies. He is a frequent speaker on a broad
range of health care topics. He also is well versed in ways
in which nonprofit human services organizations can communicate
effectively with policymakers and has made presentations to
state coalitions and national foundations on this topic.
Before joining PSC, Mr. Pratt taught at Michigan
State University. He attended the University of Michigan,
earning a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D., in English.
mriba@pscinc.com
Melissa L. Riba is a consultant for survey
research at PSC. Ms. Riba administers all aspects of survey
research and research design. She consults with clients to
assess survey needs, analyzes results, writes reports, and
presents survey results to clients, media and others. In addition
to survey research, Ms. Riba also has expertise with other
methods of conducting public opinion research, including interviewing
and focus groups. Ms. Riba also provides consultation to PSC
staff regarding aspects of research design, implementation,
and analysis.
Prior to joining PSC in 2001, Ms. Riba held
positions at Michigan State University as a research assistant
at the Institute for Children, Youth and Families and as an
instructor for the Department of Sociology, where she taught
research methodology.
Ms. Riba holds a B.A. in sociology and philosophy
from California State University, Fresno, and an M.A. in sociology
from Michigan State University. She is currently pursuing
a Ph.D. in sociology at MSU.
erivers@pscinc.com
Elias Rivers is a consultant for technology
and public policy at PSC. He designs and maintains databases,
websites, and Web interfaces such as Web surveys and online
registrations using a variety of software programs, including
Microsoft Access, Filemaker Pro, and Macromedia Dreamweaver
and ColdFusion. Mr. Rivers also designs maps for clients based
on data they provide, maintains listservs for both clients
and staff, and helps to maintain PSC's computer network and
support PSC staff. He was previously PSC's senior network
administrator.
Mr. Rivers is a Microsoft Certified Professional
(MCP), skilled in Windows 95, 98, NT, and 2000 and software
such as MS Project, MS Office, Visio, MapInfo Professional,
Acrobat, Illustrator, PageMaker, Paint Shop Pro, Symantec
Ghost, Web Trends, and Backup Exec.
Prior to joining PSC, Mr. Rivers was a website
designer for Owosso Automation Inc.
cruff@pscinc.com
Craig Ruff is president and CEO of Public Sector
Consultants. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Ruff spent eleven
years in Michigan's executive office, first as special assistant
for human services to Gov. William G. Milliken and then as
chief of staff to Lt. Gov. James H. Brickley. He developed
legislation, coordinated interdepartmental policies, reviewed
agency budgets, and worked closely with numerous professional
associations and interest groups.
Mr. Ruff has been with the firm since 1983
and president since 1986. As senior consultant to many of
the company's clients, he directs research studies, develops
promotional and advocacy strategies, and oversees the management
of specific issues for clients. He has authored research studies
and publications on health care, education, information technology,
and other public policy issues. As the first holder of the
Robert and Marjorie Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government
at Central Michigan University, he teaches a weekly seminar
on American government and leads two public policy forums
annually. He received the highest recognition—for distinguished
service—from the University of Michigan Alumni Association
in 2001.
He has chaired the boards of the Greater Lansing
Symphony Orchestra and the Ingham Regional Healthcare Foundation
and has served on numerous other statewide and mid-Michigan
health care, education, arts, and youth organization boards.
He is also a member of the Lansing State Journal's
editorial board.
Mr. Ruff attended the University of Michigan,
earning a B.A. in political science and a master's degree
in public policy studies.
wrustem@pscinc.com
William Rustem, is senior vice president of
Public Sector Consultants. Mr. Rustem was Gov. William G.
Milliken's chief staff advisor on environmental matters and
interim director of the Toxic Substances Control Commission.
Following his service with the State of Michigan, Mr. Rustem
became the first executive director of the newly established
Center for the Great Lakes in Chicago and then joined the
Michigan United Conservation Clubs as director of development.
In these positions, Mr. Rustem acquired special expertise
in issue campaigns. He coordinated the petition drive and
campaign in 1976 for the Michigan "bottle bill,"
co-chaired the 1980 campaign to shift education funding from
the property tax to other sources, and coordinated the 1984
statewide campaign for the constitutional amendment creating
a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.
As the firm's senior consultant for environmental
and recreation projects and research, Mr. Rustem chaired the
committee to recommend how to reorganize the Michigan Department
of Natural Resources, directed development of the "Buy
Recycled" campaign for the state, and coordinated a series
of studies advocating additional boating facilities in Michigan.
He also conducted a study of environmental risks in Michigan
funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and administered
by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. In addition
to his work on environmental matters, Mr. Rustem is the principal
coordinator of the firm's work with a major foundation in
its national project to assist its grantees in responding
to the devolution of authority for domestic programs from
the federal to the state governments.
Mr. Rustem was educated at Michigan State University,
holding a B.S. in social science and an M.S. in resource development.
eweston@pscinc.com
Elisabeth Weston is senior consultant for technology
and business processes at Public Sector Consultants. She joined
the firm in 2001 and oversees internal operations for the
firm, facilitates the production of reports and other deliverables,
works with clients on special Web projects, and oversees PSC's
intranet site.
Before joining PSC, Ms. Weston held several
positions in the areas of marketing, technical support, production,
and editing. At the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, she was
director of educational services for Michigan Chamber Services
Inc. She planned, implemented, and promoted seminars and conferences
statewide, edited the Chamber's compliance e-publications,
and supervised their production and distribution. She also
managed the Chamber's partnership member benefit programs
and was the director of its e-commerce initiatives.
Ms. Weston was marketing director for e-commerce
in the state and local government business unit at EDS Corporation
in Herndon, Virginia, and Lansing, Michigan. At the National
Science Teachers Association in Washington, D.C., she directed
a $1.3 million scholarship program and served as art director
and production editor of Quantum magazine. As a legislative
assistant for U.S. Representative Bill Schuette in Washington,
D.C., she researched issues relating to education, health
care, and Social Security.
Ms. Weston earned a B.A. in political science
cum laude from the University of Michigan and an M.B.A. in
strategic marketing cum laude from George Mason University.
jwilliams@pscinc.com
Jeff Williams is vice president for technology
and public policy at Public Sector Consultants. He advises
the firm's clients on technology issues and supervises the
firm's internal and external information services and staff.
Mr. Williams also conducts research and analysis on health
policy and education issues and supervises PSC's public opinion
and stakeholder survey research. He has been with the firm
since 1991, serving first as an administrative assistant for
survey research, then technology consultant, then senior consultant.
Prior to joining PSC, Mr. Williams was a program
officer at the Midwestern Higher Education Commission. While
at the commission, he provided staff support to the Telecommunications
Committee and assisted with management of a nine-state, $18-million
distance learning/interactive video equipment purchase program.
He also provided staff support to the commission's Risk Management
and Academic Course Scheduling Committees.
Mr. Williams holds an undergraduate degree
with honors in international relations from Michigan State
University and a master's degree in technology and public
affairs from the University of Minnesota.
|
