What is MARSP?
MARSP is a clear, respected voice representing retired school personnel
Established in 1951, MARSP is the premier advocate for all retired school personnel. We make certain that our members’ voices and views are heard in Lansing. MARSP is your lobbying partner on critical issues impacting retirees and an authority on the MPSERS pension and healthcare system.
Expertise spans more than six decades
For over 70 years, MARSP has been the only organization totally dedicated to promoting and supporting the rights and needs of retired public school personnel and serving as their legislative voice. Today, the association has more than 80 chapters in Michigan, Florida, Arizona, and Colorado. MARSP has over 30,000 members in Michigan and throughout the U.S.
MARSP is on the move! With an energized leadership, mission, and organization, MARSP is focused on three key areas:
- Promote the preservation and enhancement of current levels of pension income through legislation, oversight of MPSERS, and individual guidance to members.
- Promote the preservation and enhancement of health care benefits along with timely assistance and information about member insurance.
- Advocate for quality public education in a non-partisan manner, making it possible for all retirees to be involved, regardless of political leanings.
MARSP Staff
Royce Humm — Executive Director
Royce Humm joined MARSP in 2019 as the Executive Director. Royce earned a master’s degree of business administration from Ferris State University as well as a bachelor’s of science degree in information technology management from Baker College of Owosso. He is also an alumnus of the Michigan Education Policy Fellowship Program. Royce works with volunteer leaders from across the organization in developing a vision for MARSP as well as implementing strategies and programs that best meet the needs of our members. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and exploring all the great places Michigan has to offer!
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.
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.
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.
Chelsea Tanis — Communications Coordinator
Chelsea Tanis joined MARSP in 2022 as the Communications Coordinator. Chelsea has a degree in Writing from Calvin College and years of experience in Communications and Program Coordinating. She aims to strengthen the MARSP community and its advocacy efforts through informative, engaging, and collaborative storytelling.
Our 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 | Steve Gordon |
| President-elect | Sue Jakubiak |
| Secretary | Speedy Bates |
| Treasurer | Heston Bates |
| Past-president | Robert Kucera |
| Building & Grounds | VACANT |
| Bylaws | Paul B. Lerg |
| Finance | Heston Bates |
| Legislative | Charles E. Abshagen |
| Georgia Sharp | |
| Membership | Les Nixon |
| Lillian Jones-Thomas | |
| Foundation | Marie L. Wilkerson |
| VANGUARD Editor | VACANT |
| Area Directors | |
| Area 1 | Sharon Ryden |
| Area 2 | Donald O. Johnson |
| Area 3 | Catherine Tibbett |
| Area 4 | VACANT |
| Area 5 | Mila MacNaughton |
| Area 6 | Les Nixon |
| 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 | VACANT |
| Area 15 | Judith E. Nixon |
| Area 16 | Pamela Olech |
| Area 17 | Mike Sweet |
| Area 18 | John Frederick |
| Area 19 | David Vultaggio |
| Area 20 | Gary Maloney |
| Area 21 | Michael Schichtel |
| Area 22 | Charles H. Long |
| Area 23 | VACANT |
| Area 24 | Mark Davids |
| Area 25 | Elizabeth Coller |
| Area 26 | VACANT |
| Area 27 | Lois J. Zilka |
| Area 28 | Karen Orosz |
| 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 building and grounds committee monitors the maintenance of the MARSP building and its grounds and makes recommendations as needed.
Current Vacancies: None
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
The state of 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
MARSP Areas: 16, 17, 24, 29, 30 and All Out-of-State Chapters
MARSP Chapters:
- Clinton
- Ingham-Greater Lansing,
- Lenawee
- Livingston
- Monroe – South
- Shiawassee
- Washtenaw
- Colorado
- FL – Char-Sota
- FL – Greater Daytona
- FL – Sun Coast
- FL/GA – Tallahassee/South Georgia
- FL – Tri-County
- Tennessee East
Eastern
Regional Directors: Michael Schichtel, David Vultaggio
MARSP Areas: 11, 12, 18, 19 & 21
MARSP 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
MARSP Areas: 20, 25, 26, 27 & 28
MARSP Chapters:
- Oakland – Farmington
- Oakland – Suburban
- Wayne – Detroit
- Wayne – Downriver
- Wayne – Metro
- Wayne – Northwest
Northern
Regional Directors: Donald Johnson, Les Nixon
MARSP Areas: 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6
MARSP 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
MARSP Areas: 13, 14, 15, 22 & 23
MARSP Chapters:
- Allegan
- Barry
- Berrien
- Branch
- Calhoun
- Cass
- Eaton
- Hillsdale
- Ionia
- Kalamazoo
- Kent
- Ottawa
- St. Joseph
- VanBuren
North Central
Regional Director: Carol Pratt
MARSP Areas: 5, 7, 8, 9 & 10
MARSP Chapters:
- Clare
- Gladwin
- Grand Traverse
- Isabella
- Leelanau
- Manistee
- Mason-Lake
- Mecosta-Canadian Lakes
- Montcalm
- Muskegon
- Newaygo
- Oceana
- Ogemaw
- Osceola
- Roscommon
- Wexford-Missaukee
MARSP State Officers
| Photo | Officer |
|---|---|
 | President Steve Gordon |
| Photo coming soon! | Vice-president Sue Jakubiak |
 | Treasurer Hess Bates |
| Photo coming soon! | Secretary Speedy Bates |
 | Past-president Bob Kucera |