For Release on:
October 10, 2016

Contact: Eric Lupher
734.542.8001

Citizens Research Council welcomes two new researchers 
Two new researchers have joined the Citizens Research Council of Michigan staff.
“The Citizens Research Council is excited to welcome Jill Roof and Tim Michling to the research staff,” said Eric Lupher, President of the Research Council.  “Both are talented researchers and writers, who are also adept at disseminating analyses to reach policymakers, business and Michigan citizens.  And both will further the Research Council’s reputation as the premier organization for non-partisan, independent analysis of public policy issues.
“We have had a number of very capable people serve on our staff over the Citizens Research Council’s century of working to help Michigan state and local government work better for the citizens of the state,” continued Mr. Lupher. “These two individuals will continue that tradition.”
The Research Council grew from an organization primarily focused on Southeast Michigan to a statewide organization in the 1950s.  While research has focused on many issues on the west side of the state, the organization has continued to face challenges in making connections on that side of the state.  We hope to overcome some of those challenges by creating a west Michigan office of the Research Council.  Jill Roof will staff that office.
The Citizens Research Council’s new West Michigan Office:
P.O. Box 1612
Holland, MI 49422
616-294-8359
Jill Roof, Research Associate
Jill returns to the Citizens Research Council in 2016 after a six-year hiatus, during which her family moved out of state. Jill earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science with a minor in History from Grand Valley State University and a Master’s in Public Administration from Wayne State University. She joined the Research Council in 2004 through a fellowship program and was employed full time from 2005 to 2010, during which she focused on education policy issues and analyzed ballot questions on medical marijuana, affirmative action, and stem cell research. Jill’s focus is on local government issues.
 
Many years ago, the Citizens Research Council’s leadership assessed the cost drivers of state and local government moving forward and identified health care as a major issue.  Since that time, the Research Council has had a researcher focused on health care policy issues in Michigan.  Tim Michling joins the research staff to carry forward that work.
Timothy Michling, Research Associate
Tim joins the Citizens Research Council in 2016 after working seven years as a legislative aide in the Michigan House of Representatives. Tim is an accomplished musician, playing in both the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra and the Michigan Philharmonic. Tim has B.A. degrees in Music and History from the University of Michigan and a a Master’s of Public Administration and a Graduate Certificate in Public Health from Wayne State University.  Additionally, he obtained a Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan and an Artist Diploma from the Colburn Conservatory of Music. Tim’s primary focus is health policy.