Our Staff

Mike LashbrookMike Lashbrook, CAE
President
Exentsion 14

Mike is the chief executive responsible for oversight of all operations, governance and activities of the association and its subsidiaries.  He is the chief spokesperson before government, the media and the public.   Mike joined the association as its President in 1989.  Prior to joining MB&WWA, Mike held several executive positions with the National Rifle Association in Washington, DC overseeing government relations, membership develoment and public relations.  He holds a BS in Political Science from SUNY Brockport and has earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the American Society of Association Executives.

Spencer NevinsSpencer Nevins
Vice President, Regulatory/ Legal Affairs and Counsel
Extension 15

Spencer is a key member of the associations's advocacy team focusing on regulatory matters before the MLCC and legal issues in the courts.   He is the primary staff resource for members on the Michigan Liquor Control Act and the rules and interpretations of the MLCC.  Spencer also reviews and drafts legislation and serves as MB&WWA Counsel. He joined MB&WWA in 2006 after holding various Michigan state government posts, most recently Tax Counsel in the Department of Treasury.  Spencer holds a BS Degree in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University and a JD from The Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Ellen BiergansEllen Biergans
Administrative Services Director
Extension 11

 Ellen is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the association headquarters, staff human resources, accounting and finances of the association, subsidiary and PAC. In addition, she is the chief meeting planner, directs the random drug and alcohol testing program and assists the president with administration and governance duties. After earning her BS Degree from Western Michigan University, Ellen spent a few years as a high school English and business teacher and served as a staff assistant to a Michigan state senator. Before joining the MB&WWA in 1981, she was the administrative assistant to the Michigan House Minority Leader.

 

Angela MaddenAngela Madden
Director of Legislative and Political Affairs
Extension 17

Another key member of the MB&WWA advocacy team, Angela is responsible for managing the association's day-to-day legislative and political activities, as well as coordinating wholesaler legislative/political/public relations and grassroots programs.  She represents MB&WWA on various coalition efforts in the state capitol and assists in the association's responsible use education programs.  Angela worked in the government affairs programs of two different associations prior to joining MB&WWA in 2007.  She holds a BA in International Relations from MSU and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from The George Washington University.

Brandi TribellBrandi Tribell
Executive Assistant
Extension 12

Brandi provides administrataive support to the president and the association's advocacy team.  She manages MB&WWA's newsletter communication programs including the Today's Wholesaler, Grassroots Advocate, Confidentially Speaking e-newsletter, Annual Membership Directory and the MB&WWA website.  Brandi also assists with the association's responsible use education programs.  Prior to joining MB&WWA in 2007, she worked as an assistant to the Minority Leader of the Michigan House of Representatives and holds a BA in Public Administration from MSU.

Llynn WagnerLlynn Wagner, GBA
Director of Marketing and Member Services
Extension 13

 Llynn plays a key role as the manager of the group insurance program’s staff, interacting with insurance carriers and the membership in the design, implementation and administration of the employee benefit programs. She has earned the designation of Group Benefits Associate through the CEEBS program adding value as a counselor to members on their employee benefits and health insurance needs. In addition, Llynn is instrumental in marketing the MB&WWA 401K and Property & Casualty programs to the membership. Llynn joined the association in 1989 and holds degrees in Nuclear Medical Technology and Business Management from Ferris State University.

 

Tonya BonetteTonya Bonette
Benefit Services Coordinator
Extension 21

 Tonya is the coordinator of enrollment and eligibility for the group insurance program; prepares premium billings; coordinates cafeteria plan administration; aids members with claims issues and assists with the association and the subsidiary’s accounting functions. Before joining the staff of MB&WWA in 1993, Tonya served as a health care service representative for Metropolitan Life and General Motors Benefit Center and liaison between the UAW members and providers.  She holds an Associates Degree from Lansing Community College.

 

Shirly CopelandShirley Copeland
Benefit Specialist
Extension 10

 Shirley assists in the administration and daily operations of the group insurance program and is the primary contact for COBRA benefits. She is a liaison for the members with claims issues, I.D. card distribution, and is responsible for recording premiums and other insurance receipts. Shirley moved to Michigan from Tennessee and joined the staff in 2005. She holds a BS degree from Tennessee State University and is an experienced claims examiner and customer service representative.