About Us

Our 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.

MARSP represents ALL Michigan public school employees within MPSERS. Whether you work in a classroom, a kitchen, a bus, or a front office, this is your organization.

We serve public school employees and retirees at every stage — from your first year on the job to your last day on the payroll and every year after.

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 History of Advocacy
MARSP Presidents
MARSP State Distinguished Service Award Recipients

MARSP Board of Directors

Board of Directors
PresidentDonald O. Johnson
President elect, Finance Committee ChairHess Bates
Secretary Speedy Bates
Treasurer, Bylaws Committee ChairPaul Lerg
Past-president, Membership Committee ChairSue Jakubiak
Region 1Sharon Ryden
Region 2Steve Gordon
Region 3Les Nixon
Region 4Deb Herrick
Region 5Mike Eagan
Region 6Colleen Ford
Region 7Bob Kucera
Region 8Pam Olech
Region 9Larry McConnell
Region 10Bob McCarrick
Non-Voting Member
Foundation Board ChairMarie L. Wilkerson
Legislative Committee Co-chairCharles E. Abshagen
Legislative Committee Co-chairGeorgia Sharp

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.

Region 1

Regional Director: Sharon Ryden

Chapters:

  • Baraga
  • Dickinson
  • Gogebic
  • Houghton-Keweenaw
  • Iron
  • Marquette
  • Ontonagon

Region 2

Regional Director: Steve Gordon

Chapters:

  • Alger
  • Chippewa-Mackinac
  • Delta
  • Luce-Tahquamenon
  • Menominee
  • Schoolcraft

Region 3

Regional Director: Les Nixon

Chapters:

  • Alpena
  • Crawford-Oscoda
  • Emmet
  • Grand Traverse
  • Leelanau
  • Otsego
  • Presque-Isle

Currently no chapter: Alcona, Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Kalkaska, Montmorency

Region 4

Regional Director: Deb Herrick

Chapters:

  • Kent
  • Manistee
  • Mason-Lake
  • Mecosta-Canadian Lakes
  • Muskegon
  • Oceana
  • Osceola
  • Ottawa
  • Wexford-Missaukee

Currently no chapter: Montcalm, Newaygo

Region 5

Regional Director: Mike Eagan

Chapters:

  • Northern Bay-Arenac
  • Clare
  • Gladwin
  • Isabella
  • Ogemaw
  • Saginaw

Currently no chapter: Bay Area, Gratiot, Iosco, Midland, Roscommon

Region 6

Regional Director: Colleen Ford

Chapters:

  • Genesee
  • Genesee-Southeast
  • Genesee-West
  • Huron
  • Lapeer
  • St. Clair-Sanilac
  • Tuscola

Region 7

Regional Director: Bob Kucera

Chapters:

  • Allegan
  • Barry
  • Berrien
  • Branch
  • Calhoun
  • Kalamazoo
  • St. Joseph
  • Van Bure

Currently no chapter: Cass

Region 8

Regional Director: Pam Olech

Chapters:

  • Clinton-Shiawassee
  • Eaton
  • Hillsdale
  • Ionia
  • Livingston
  • Washtenaw

Currently no chapter: Ingham-Greater Lansing, Jackson, Lenawee, Monroe

Region 9

Regional Director: Larry McConnell

Chapters:

  • Macomb-East
  • Macomb-North
  • Oakland-North
  • Oakland-Farmington
  • Oakland-Suburban
  • Wayne-Detroit
  • Wayne-Downriver
  • Wayne-Metro
  • Wayne-Northwest

Region 10

Regional Director: Bob McCarrick

Chapters:

  • Colorado
  • Florida-Tallahassee/South
  • Georgia
  • Florida-Tri-County
  • Florida-Char-Sota

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

MARSP Bylaws

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 Committee Member Application