FLINT, Michigan—Mayor Sheldon Neeley met with both Christopher Burtley and Theresa Roach this week to congratulate them on their appointment to the state of Michigan’s newly formed Black Leadership Advisory Council.
The two Flint residents were appointed this week to the council by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. They will serve in an advisory capacity to the governor and will help to develop, review and recommend policies and actions designed to prevent and eradicate discrimination and racial inequity in Michigan.
“Both Chris and Theresa are Flint through and through. I am delighted to see them take on more statewide leadership and I know they will do a great job representing Flint as we all work together to eradicate discrimination and racial inequity in Michigan,” Mayor Neeley said.
The Council, housed in the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, also serves as a resource for community groups and promotes the cultural arts in the Black community.
Christopher Burtley is an associate attorney with Foley & Lardner LLP. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Michigan State University’s James Madison College and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School.
Theresa Roach is the program director of active communities for the Crim Fitness Foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Central Michigan University and a Master of Arts in Communications & Digital Media Design from Saginaw Valley State University.
On the Council, Christopher will serve as a member who is representing Black leadership in law, and a member between the ages of 18-35, and Theresa will represent Black leadership in health and wellness. Their appointments begin today, Nov. 13, 2020, and expire on Dec. 31, 2021.
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