Detroit City Wire

The Detroit Regional Chamber announced significant changes to its public policy advocacy strategy, reinforcing its role as a leading bipartisan voice for business in government.

As part of this initiative, the Chamber has renamed its Government Relations department to Public Policy and Business Advocacy. This change aims to better represent the interests of businesses in the Detroit Region and across Michigan at various governmental levels.

To support this effort, Brian Shoaf has been promoted to Vice President of Public Policy and Business Advocacy. Shoaf will join Brad Williams, Vice President of Political Affairs, on the Chamber’s executive team. In his new role, Shoaf will continue to advocate for the organization’s policy priorities in Lansing and maintain relationships with government leaders.

“Chamber members continue to indicate that the organization’s political influence and pro-business advocacy efforts provide them with significant value,” said Sandy K. Baruah, the Chamber’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “To best reflect our members’ priorities and continue to maintain one of the state’s most robust advocacy programs, we’re proud to launch an enhanced Public Policy and Business Advocacy initiative and expand the executive team in this critical area with Brian’s Shoaf’s addition.”

These staffing changes emphasize the importance of fostering a pro-growth, business-friendly policy environment for current and prospective businesses in the Detroit Region and statewide. The Chamber remains committed to these efforts as a prominent bipartisan advocate for business interests.

Brian Shoaf joined the Chamber in 2022 after more than 20 years working in both the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate. Most recently, he served as senior budget advisor for the Michigan Senate Appropriations Chair, where he played a key role in developing and negotiating state budgets. Shoaf holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Michigan State University.

Learn more at detroitchamber.com/advocacy.

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