The experience of Junior Leadership Macomb is one I will cherish and take with me forever. JLM not only exposed me to a variety of careers and opportunities but also allowed me to connect with driven peers and accomplished professionals. Now, I feel more prepared and confident in myself and my future.
- Abby D, International Academy of Macomb
About Us
Leadership Macomb empowers individuals who live or work in Macomb County to strengthen their leadership skills, deepen their understanding of community systems, and build meaningful, lasting relationships.
Through an immersive, hands-on approach, participants explore real-world issues and gain behind-the-scenes access to the institutions that shape daily life- from courts and hospitals to military bases and community nonprofits. Along the way, they connect with a diverse network of community leaders, local experts, and fellow professionals.
Leadership Macomb partners with organizations and leaders across the county to ensure its programs remain relevant, impactful, and reflective of the challenges and opportunities facing the region. This county-wide collaboration strengthens relationships, expands perspectives, and reinforces the shared commitment to making Macomb a vibrant place to live and work. Participants leave the program with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose enhancing their personal growth while increasing the value they bring to their organizations and the broader community.
The addition of Junior Leadership Macomb in 2013 expanded our mission to empower junior high school students with confidence, career readiness, and civic awareness. The summer camp program is held the last week in June each summer, meeting at various locations throughout Macomb County. Session topics include, but are not limited to, the Justice System, Healthcare, Leadership, and Community Service.
Experience
Our work is driven by purpose and grounded in a commitment to making Macomb County stronger for everyone.
Connect
We bring together diverse voices and experiences, fostering collaboration across sectors, organizations, and communities.
Engage
Understanding different perspectives is central to our programs — helping participants grow as compassionate, effective leaders.
Leadership Macomb seeks to produce a network of informed community leaders who understand the roles and relationships of people and systems that support and sustain our community, enable graduates and others to engage in civic leadership, and strengthen organizational and community relationships.
– leadership macomb's mission
Meet the Leadership Macomb Staff
Karen Smith, LM X
Executive Director
Karen Smith (LM X) has been the Executive Director for Leadership Macomb, Inc., since 2007. She is responsible for all aspects of running the organization including recruitment, fundraising, curriculum development, operations and marketing. During her tenure the program has experienced substantial growth and has added an additional program for high school students.
Prior to joining Leadership Macomb, Inc., Mrs. Smith worked for the Henry Ford Health System for twelve years, most recently as the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Henry Ford Macomb Hospital – Warren Campus. While there, she successfully spearheaded a nationally recognized re-branding campaign and name change which resulted in increased volume and heightened brand awareness.
She has a Bachelor’s Degree in marketing from Oakland University and a Master of Science in Management degree from Walsh College. She has served as a mentor for teens through the Winning Futures Program, and served on the Board for All the World’s a Stage, a theater group for youth. She was an Athena Award nominee in 2005 and 2010. She is involved with the Sister City program through Clinton Township as a host family for Japanese visitors. She was appointed by County Executive Hackel for a three-year term on the Macomb County Ethics Board in 2011.
Julie Petkoff, LM XX
Program Manager
Julie Petkoff serves as Program Manager at Leadership Macomb, where she supports program development and participant engagement. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Calvin University and brings experience in mentoring, fundraising, and volunteer recruitment. Julie lives in Sterling Heights with her husband, Dan, and their two children, and enjoys reading, bike riding, and spending time at the beach with her family.
Our Board of Directors
Leadership Macomb is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, all of whom have graduated from the program. They represent major sectors in Macomb County and offer their time, talent and treasure to ensure the success of the Leadership Macomb program.
Mike Benoit, LM XVII
Senior Director,
Digital Platform
Management and Services
Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI
Program Council
The Leadership Macomb Program Council is responsible for establishing the agendas for program session days. The group is composed of subject experts, all graduates of the Leadership Macomb Program. The team meets regularly to plan the monthly session agendas encompassing the most relevant topics, speakers, and unique tours.
Defense Industry & Aerospace Day Chair
Steve Ball (LM XVIII)
Public Affairs Officer,
U.S. Army Garrison
Healthcare System Day Chair
Michael Benoit
(LM XVII)
Director, Salesforce CRM and Integration Services,
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Business & Economic Development
Day Co-Chair
Chris Marchand, MBA, CIMA (XXI)
First Vice President, Investments,
Marchand Advisory Group Of Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
Education & Workforce Development
Day Co-Chair
Dr. Alesia Flye (LM XI)
Assistant Superintendent
Instruction/Chief Academic Officer,
Macomb Intermediate School District
Government
Day Chair
Chelsea Schneider (LM XXIII)
Communication Services Director,
Charter Township of Shelby
Education & Workforce Development
Day Co-Chair
John Cunningham (LM XIX)
Facility Manager, Sports & Expo Center,
Macomb Community College
Our Executive Advisory Council
The purpose of the Executive Advisory Council is to retain the wisdom of senior leadership throughout Macomb County to ensure our organization continues to offer the most unique and relevant programming in our community.
Our Sponsors
We would like to thank our sponsors, community partners, and individual donors for their continued support. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Program Council volunteers, and Leadership Macomb staff, your generosity allows us to continue our mission of educating the community about the assets and issues of Macomb County.
