Tim Ward is a well-known and respected figure at the Michigan State Capitol, and rightly so. As president of Michigan Legislative Consultants (MLC), he helps clients tackle complex legislative issues with strategic thinking, professionalism, and an unmatched work ethic. At the same time, he devotes himself to causes to strengthen his home state’s future. Just this summer, he completed a nearly 2,300-mile bike ride to help formerly incarcerated individuals get back on their feet. We recently had the opportunity to sit down with this long-time NASL member to learn more about what drives him and his “passion for excellence.” Read our full Q&A below:
MLC is the oldest lobbying firm in the state. What do you believe is its secret to success?
Our people. Each person is wonderfully unique and hired because of their experience and abilities. They were also hired because they brought something new and different to the team, be it life experience, previous jobs, or how they think and problem-solve. The people that we lobby are diverse in many ways, and we have a team that is adept at advocating for them because of our diversity. Our commonality is a strong work ethic and a desire to deliver the highest standard of service to every client.
As MLC president, you are uniquely positioned to collaborate with team members, clients, and external partners. What do you enjoy most about serving in your role?
Strategy development! Be those strategies for the future of MLC, working with a colleague to think through their client issue or an operations team member on the best way the firm can overcome a hurdle on program implementation. Working on strategy allows me to draw on analytical skills honed in law school, nearly four decades of navigating political dynamics, and the common-sense objectives of a business.
You’ve spent much of your career in Michigan’s government sector, including senior leadership roles in the governor’s office. How do these experiences benefit you today? A great appreciation for those we lobby and the factors they weigh when considering policy proposals to reach a decision. And a desire to NEVER run for office! (laughter)
During your career, you’ve served on numerous nonprofit boards. Why is investing in the community a priority for you and MLC?
Government has the potential to help communities but is vexed by bureaucracy, rules it creates, and other factors, often making it hard for it to deliver on its intentions. Nonprofits are laser- focused and mission driven. Even though they lack the resources of government, they can make up for it in commitment and tenacity and being the ones who truly improve situations.
Tell us more about your recent bike ride and involvement with Chance for Life.
It was only seven years ago that I took up cycling. However, I quickly became enthralled by it, hiring a cycling coach with whom I’ve been with for over five years. Beyond the physical and mental health benefits I derive from ultra-distance cycling, I had a desire to apply it to benefit others. Our client, Tom Adams, and his organization, Chance for Life (CFL), was my first and frankly only thought.
Tom is the most positive person I have ever met. He and his executive director, Jessica Taylor, have been on this mission for over 20 years. It’s a tremendous success story – turning around how Michigan’s incarcerated individuals make decisions and resolve conflict, which led to core members of CFL having a recidivism rate of only 6%. And that’s for technical violations, not recommits. Most of the funding for this highly successful program comes from Tom personally.
I wanted to raise some money for CFL, but more importantly, spread their story. So, I created Trace MI, a bike ride that had me circumnavigate our entire state, both peninsulas. I completed the route of 2,232 miles in 22 days of riding, over 25 days, with the three Sundays being rest days. This is believed to be the first time a person has ridden this route, which made for a nice hook for the media!
While I was the only rider for this entire route, our whole MLC team was involved in one way or another to make it happen. It was a success, raising nearly $100,000 and media coverage across the entire state, including TV news, radio, print, and online. We also had an amazing digital team, Andrea Isom and Joe Harris, who used to be in television news. We heard a common theme from friends and friends of friends that it was “fun to follow the event” because of the social media they created.
We’re proud to have you in our ranks. How has being a part of NASL helped support your career and firm?
Just like our firm’s team is comprised of people who are both very different yet committed to the same core principles, NASL is as well, but national in scope. Being the Michigan member for NASL has allowed me to discuss issues and business practices I can’t have with my in town competitors. I believe this gives MLC an edge in Michigan.
Being part of NASL also helps our clients when they need to hire lobbyists in other states. I’ve lost count of the number of our clients who have hired NASL member firms in not just one but multiple states.
Have additional questions for Tim? Connect with him and the MLC team by visiting mlcmi.com.