MARSP’s Mission
Established in 1951, the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel (MARSP) is a non-partisan organization dedicated to protecting the retirement benefits of Michigan’s public school employees and fostering a strong, informed community of current and future retirees.
We work in Lansing to promote dignity and security in retirement for ALL public school employees!
MARSP is focused on five key areas:
- We preserve and enhance public school employees’ retirement income and health benefits through legislative advocacy, oversight of MPSERS, and individual guidance for members.
- We provide news and resources to help public school employees and retirees make informed decisions.
- We educate legislators about the public school system and MPSERS to promote sound policymaking that protects public school retiree benefits.
- We foster a supportive community of current and future public school retirees.
- We promote career satisfaction and longevity among public school employees through retirement planning assistance, advocacy, and professional development support.
MARSP Staff
Royce Humm — Executive Director
Royce Humm joined the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel (MARSP) in 2019 as Executive Director, bringing over two decades of leadership experience within Michigan’s education sector. Royce holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Ferris State University and a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management from Baker College. He is also a graduate of the Michigan Education Policy Fellowship Program, furthering his expertise in educational policy and advocacy.
With a strategic focus, Royce collaborates with MARSP’s volunteer leaders to shape and drive the organization’s vision, aligning resources and initiatives to best serve the evolving needs of its members. Under his leadership, MARSP has expanded its outreach, implemented innovative member services, and strengthened its position as an advocate for retired educators in Michigan.
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Royce enjoys time with family and friends, is an avid reader, and appreciates the unique landscapes and cultural offerings Michigan provides.
Kelli Cherrette — Member Services Coordinator
Kelli Cherrette joined MARSP in 2012 as the Member Services Coordinator. Kelli has 30 years of previous experience primarily in the field of Human Resources. Kelli earned her Associates degree in business from the University of Phoenix and has her Professional Human Resources (PHR) certification. Kelli’s primary focus with MARSP is providing members with exceptional service and improving the value of their membership in MARSP. Kelli and her husband, Patrick, live in Laingsburg. Kelli has a son and daughter and has been blessed with four grandchildren.
Mandy Hitsman — Finance Coordinator
Mandy Hitsman has been with MARSP since 2009. She is the Finance Coordinator. Mandy earned both a Bachelor of Science in Political Science (concentration in Public Administration) and a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University. Mandy’s previous experience includes project and office administration.
Erin Parker — Events Coordinator
Erin Parker joined MARSP in 2011 as the Events Coordinator. Erin is a graduate of Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and a Master of Science in Agricultural Extension Education. Erin is also a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP). Erin’s previous experience includes working for MSU’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources in the Office of Academic and Student Affairs and the Office of Diversity and Pluralism, coordinating events, and advising student groups. Erin lives in the Lansing area and enjoys spending time with her niece and nephew.
Delicia Lockhart — Administrative Assistant
Delicia Lockhart joined MARSP in 2021 as the Administrative Assistant. Most of Delicia’s career was dedicated to higher education at Lansing Community College. She comes to us with years of experience as an administrative assistant. Delicia earned her Bachelor of Management and Organization Development from Spring Arbor University. As the Administrative Assistant for MARSP, she enjoys interacting with the members and assisting the staff members as well. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband, two children and granddaughter.
Chelsea Tanis — Communications Coordinator
Chelsea Tanis joined MARSP in 2022 as the Communications Coordinator. With a BA in Writing from Calvin College and years of experience in communications and program coordination, Chelsea is passionate about enhancing the MARSP community through engaging stories and clear, impactful information.
MARSP’s History
MARSP was founded December 15, 1951, in Detroit by 11 public school retirees and 2 representatives of MEA as Michigan Retired Public School Employees Association (MRPSEA); contribution memberships (not dues) at $.25, $.50, $.75, or $1.00; MRPSEA Constitution approved and included “all public school employees may become members” and “the association shall maintain department status in the MEA and shall be a chapter of the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA)”; Michigan had approximately 800 annuitants.
MARSP Board of Directors
| Officers & Chairmen | |
|---|---|
| President | Sue Jakubiak |
| Vice President | Donald O. Johnson |
| Secretary | Speedy Bates |
| Treasurer | Hess Bates |
| Past-president | Steve Gordon |
| Bylaws | Paul B. Lerg |
| Finance | Hess Bates |
| Legislative | Charles E. Abshagen |
| Georgia Sharp | |
| Membership | Les Nixon |
| Foundation | Marie L. Wilkerson |
| VANGUARD Editor | VACANT |
| Area Directors | |
| Area 1 | Sharon Ryden |
| Area 2 | Donald O. Johnson |
| Area 3 | Catherine Tibbett |
| Area 4 | Les Nixon |
| Area 5 | Mila MacNaughton |
| Area 6 | Paul B. Lerg |
| Area 7 | Carol J. Pratt |
| Area 8 | Michael Eagan |
| Area 9 | VACANT |
| Area 10 | VACANT |
| Area 11 | VACANT |
| Area 12 | James Mikus |
| Area 13 | Deb Herrick |
| Area 14 | James Cassis |
| Area 15 | Judith E. Nixon |
| Area 16 | Pamela Olech |
| Area 17 | Mike Sweet |
| Area 18 | Colleen Ford |
| Area 19 | David Vultaggio |
| Area 20 | Gary Maloney |
| Area 21 | Michael Schichtel |
| Area 22 | Robert Kucera |
| Area 23 | VACANT |
| Area 24 | John Baublit |
| Area 25 | Elizabeth Coller |
| Area 26 | VACANT |
| Area 27 | Lois J. Zilka |
| Area 28 | Rod Hopper |
| Area 29 | VACANT |
| Area 30 | VACANT |
| Area 31 | Robert McCarrick |
| Non-Voting Member | |
| Parliamentarian | Nicholas Colovos |
MARSP Standing Committees
MARSP has several state standing committees that are made up of MARSP members. These committees meet regularly throughout the year and focus on a particular topic or area of the organization.
The bylaws committee reviews bylaws on a regular basis and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors.
Current Vacancies: None
The finance committee is directly responsible to the board of directors for all matters dealing with finance including but not limited to budget, budget adjustments, and audits.
Current Vacancies: 3
1 – Central Region
1 – Northern Region
1 – North Central Region
The legislative committee studies and recommends to the Board of Director’s action on various legislative issues affecting school retirees.
Current Vacancies: 4
1 – Central Region
3 – North Central Region
The membership committee recommends to the board procedures for recruitment and collection of dues. Committee members offer assistance and guidance to the local chapters. They also recommend areas to be explored for new chapters.
Current Vacancies: 6
1 – Central Region
1 – Metro Region
1 – Northern Region
3 – North Central Region
How to join a MARSP Standing Committee
Vacancies on committees can happen at any time, so if you are interested, we recommend filling out the MARSP Committee Member Application to let us know of your interest. Appointments are made by the MARSP President, and initial applications will be reviewed annually.
MARSP Regions and Regional Directors
Michigan is geographically divided into six regions: Central, Eastern, Metro, North Central, Northern, and Southwestern. Chapters in each region are provided leadership from elected Regional Director Representatives. MARSP Regional Directors help streamline information between chapters and the state office. Regional Directors are also responsible for monitoring their chapters and providing leadership and assistance.
Central
Regional Director: Mike Sweet
Areas: 16, 17, 24, 29, 30 and all out-of-state chapters
Michigan Chapters:
- Clinton
- Ingham-Greater Lansing,
- Lenawee
- Livingston
- Monroe – South
- Shiawassee
- Washtenaw
Out-of-State Chapters
- Arizona
- Colorado
- FL – Char-Sota
- FL/GA – Tallahassee/South Georgia
- FL – Tri-County
Eastern
Regional Directors: Michael Schichtel, David Vultaggio
Areas: 11, 12, 18, 19 & 21
Chapters:
- Bay – Northern
- Bay Area
- Bay Arenac
- Genesee
- Genesee – Southeast
- Genesee – West
- Huron
- Lapeer
- Macomb – East
- Macomb – North
- Oakland – North
- Saginaw
- St. Clair
- Tuscola
Metro
Regional Director: Elizabeth Coller
Areas: 20, 25, 26, 27 & 28
Chapters:
- Oakland – Farmington
- Oakland – Suburban
- Wayne – Detroit
- Wayne – Downriver
- Wayne – Metro
- Wayne – Northwest
Northern
Regional Directors: Donald Johnson, Les Nixon
Areas: 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6
Chapters:
- Alger
- Alpena
- Baraga
- Charlevoix
- Cheboygan
- Chippewa-Mackinac
- Crawford-Oscoda
- Delta
- Dickinson
- Emmet
- Gogebic
- Houghton-Keweenaw
- Iron
- Luce County/Tahquamenon
- Marquette
- Montmorency
- Ontonagon
- Ostego
- Presque Isle
- Schoolcraft
Southwestern
Regional Director: Deb Herrick
Areas: 13, 14, 15, 22 & 23
Chapters:
- Allegan
- Barry
- Berrien
- Branch
- Calhoun
- Cass
- Eaton
- Hillsdale
- Ionia
- Kalamazoo
- Kent
- Ottawa
- St. Joseph
- VanBuren
North Central
Regional Director: Carol Pratt
Areas: 5, 7, 8, 9 & 10
Chapters:
- Clare
- Gladwin
- Grand Traverse
- Isabella
- Leelanau
- Manistee
- Mason-Lake
- Mecosta-Canadian Lakes
- Montcalm
- Muskegon
- Newaygo
- Oceana
- Ogemaw
- Osceola
- Roscommon
- Wexford-Missaukee