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Progress Michigan Staff Bios

Zack Pohl, Executive Director

Zack Pohl is a leading progressive communicator, with extensive campaign, labor, non-profit and public policy experience.

Prior to joining Progress Michigan, Zack served as Communications Director for We Are the People, a statewide coalition that advocates for Michigan's middle class. During 2008 and 2010, Zack served as Communications Director on former U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer's two nationally-targeted congressional races. He also served as Press Secretary in Schauer's congressional office during the health care reform debate of 2009. Zack previously worked as a Communications Advisor in the Michigan Senate, and as a Communications Coordinator for an affordable housing non-profit organization.

As a graduate of Michigan State University, Zack bleeds green. He lives in Okemos with his wife, Stefanie, and their dog, Zuzu.

Chad Cyrowski, Director of Digital Media

Chad Cyrowski is a recent graduate of Michigan State University. While completing his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from the Honors College, Chad worked as a Campaign Manager for Patrick Lindemann's Ingham County Drain Commissioner re-election bid. In what turned out to be a mandate from the public, we garnered 63% of the vote.

Shortly thereafter, Chad became the Director of New Media for Ken Cockrel; managing, designing, and implementing liveblogs, internet townhalls, the website, and social networking operations throughout the campaign. His work was even mentioned in the Michigan Messenger, stating his New Media effort won "hands down."

Chad is passionate about progressive issues and the myriad ways New Media can affect real change.

Joshua Pugh, Communications Specialist

Josh graduated from Alma College with a degree in Political Science, focusing on Comparative Politics and Emerging Democracies. While in college he became very involved in progressive politics, coordinating the Obama campaign’s efforts on campus in 2008 and maintaining his involvement with the College Democrats for all four years. He also spent some time in college working on freshwater policy with Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council in Petoskey. During this time he developed a passion for environmental issues as well as state politics. He also conducted research for Progress Michigan for a few months during the 2010 elections.

Prior to arriving back at Progress Michigan, Josh worked as a Canvass Director with Fund for the Public Interest in Ann Arbor. He enjoys tweeting, golfing, and especially watching the Detroit Tigers.

Chong-Anna Canfora, Michigan Summit Director

Chong-Anna bleeds green as a Michigan State University alum and grew up in the Upper Peninsula and the Thumb.

She is a committed supporter of social justice and believes in the importance of public service and the power of civic engagement. Chong-Anna has worked as a field organizer, political consultant and fundraiser for numerous statewide, congressional and municipal campaigns in Michigan, Louisiana, and Texas. She also served as the Mid-Michigan Regional Manager for United States Senator Debbie Stabenow, as Deputy Finance Director for Stabenow’s successful 2006 re-election and as the Director of Rapid Response for the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth.

In her personal time, she serves as Treasurer of the Ingham County Economic Development Board, is the Vice President and Co-Chair for Development for Fenner Conservancy, and most importantly, Chong-Anna is the proud momma of two beautiful balls of energy, Jackson and Miles, and lives in Lansing with her husband, Luke, and their cat, Ike.