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.
Jessica Tramontana, Communications Director
Jessica Tramontana has an extensive background in communications, and has worked on all platforms of communications.
After working as a reporter with WPBN/WTOM in Traverse City and WOOD TV 8 in Grand Rapids, Jessica decided to utilize her passion for politics and worked with the Senate Democrats as a senior communications advisor. She then joined the House Democrats as their Press Secretary and was later promoted to serve as their Communications Director.
Jessica serves as a board member for the Ingham County Animal Control. She loves to dabble in photography. Originally from Davison – outside of Flint – you’ll see this Spartan fan eating Flint coneys and pulling for the Green and White in every sport.Jessica lives in Lansing with her husband, John, and is proud to be a new mom. Isla Caroline was born in January of 2012, and has two older (furry and four-legged) sisters, Ellie and Mya.
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.
Kim Hunter, Social Justice Coordinator
Kim is a life-long Detroiter whose media work began behind the camera of various Detroit TV stations. He did a stint as host/producer of a multicultural music program on WDET – FM and began media support for nonprofits in the 90s, including promoting free concerts for the City of Detroit’s Chene Park and the plays of Matrix Theatre Company. Kim served as Media Team Leader for the Detroit Region of the US Census Bureau for the 2000 and 2010 Census efforts. As such, he led a three-state team of media professionals educating residents about the benefits of completing and mailing the census form. Kim writes creatively, having authored many music reviews and cultural articles for periodicals and two books of poetry. His short fiction earned him a 2012 Kresge Arts Literary Fellowship. He serves on the Board of the Detroit Waldorf School and co-directs the decade-old Woodward Line Poetry Series at the Scarab Club in Detroit featuring nationally renowned writers from Michigan and across the country.