Meet the Team

Meet the Mayor's Office Team.

Samantha Harkins


Deputy Mayor
samantha.harkins@lansingmi.gov

As Deputy Mayor Samantha works with community and external partners on proactive and strategic projects. She lives in Downtown Lansing and is passionate about her neighborhood. When she’s not at City Hall Samantha can be found running the Lansing River Trail, having a cocktail on Washington Square or visiting one of the City’s 77 playgrounds with her young son.
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Mark Lawrence


Citizen Advocate
mark.lawrence@lansingmi.gov

Mark works as a concierge to city government on behalf of citizens to achieve positive outcomes when residents request assistance on an issue or voice a concern. Proactively collaborates with the Mayor’s cabinet to improve residents’ customer service experience by making their interactions positive, efficient and comprehensive.

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Taylor Lynch


Graphic Designer / Content Coordinator 
taylor.lynch@lansingmi.gov

As the City of Lansing's Graphic Designer / Content Coordinator, Taylor's role is to assist departments in creating effective website content and designs. She enjoys the high commitment to excellent customer service and professionalism found in the dynamic and fast-paced environment of the Mayor's Office. 
Taylor

Valerie Marc​hand


Communications Manager
valerie.marchand@lansingmi.gov

Valerie leads the City’s overall communication strategy, managing the communications team to create engaging and effective messaging to residents and visitors. She works with various media outlets to help share the City’s news and important information.
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David Maxwell


Director Mayor's Office Community and Faith Based Initiatives
david.maxwell@lansingmi.gov

Bishop David Maxwell is a Senior Staffer to the Interfaith Advisory Council and the Mayor's Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council. He serves as a liaison for a variety of urban issues surrounding socio-economic social justice, educational and inclusionary challenges. He often represents and or accompanies the Mayor at faith, community and social empowerment forums. 
Bishop

Leslie McCarrick


Office Manager
leslie.mccarrick@lansingmi.gov

Leslie handles a wide range of administrative and executive support-related tasks for Mayor Schor; Ensuring and maintaining the smooth operation in all areas of the office while delivering outstanding customer service. She often wears multiple hats: Office Manager* Wife*Mother*Mother-in-law*dog and cat Mom*Daughter*Sister*Aunt*Organizer*Coordinator*Strong coffee aficionado*Medium-rare steak, aged cheese, dark chocolate, and dry red wine connoisseur. Professionally punctual by day, fashionably late by night.


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Nicholas Tate



nicholas.tate@lansingmi.gov

Nicholas Tate is the City’s Chief Labor Negotiator and Chief Administrative Officer.  He negotiates labor contracts and grievances on behalf of the City and oversees day to day internal operations.  Nicholas spends his free time with his family, watching Chelsea Football Club and his beloved Texas A&M  Football Team. 
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