Personnel... — Richard Wiener — Raj Wiener — Elizabeth Weihl — Peter Ruddell — Melissa Cupp — Monique Field — Mary Van Halst — Deborah Rock — Austin Neilson   Richard N. Wiener Richard Wiener, founder, returned to Wiener Associates in January of 2006, after serving as Chief of Staff to Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. He was admitted to the practice of law in 1976, served for two decades as a senior advisor to several elected officials, and as a top organizer in more than 20 political campaigns in Michigan. He spent four years as a legislative staff member in both the Michigan House of Representatives, and served as director of Michigan operations for United States Senator Carl Levin. He also served as a key advisor to former Governor James Blanchard and to former United States Congressman William Brodhead. Rick is a graduate of Wayne State University and Michigan State University College of Law, at which he currently also serves as Adjunct Professor, teaching Election Law. He is the President of the Historical Society of Michigan. Back to Top Raj M Wiener Raj Wiener, partner, admitted to the practice of law in 1984, joined the firm in 1991 after serving as Director of the Michigan Department of Public Health (now Michigan Department of Community Health). Prior to this, she was the Chief of the Bureau of Health Facilities, which licenses health care facilities and reviews Certificate of Need applications, and served as Deputy Director of the Department of Licensing and Regulation (now Department of Consumer and Industry Services), with responsibility for licensed health care professionals and liaison with the Insurance Bureau. She also served as a Legislative Assistant and key political advisor to former United States Congressman Bob Traxler. Raj is a graduate of Saginaw Valley State University and the Columbus School of Law, Catholic University of America. Back to Top Elizabeth L. Weihl Elizabeth Weihl, partner, admitted to the practice of law in 1997, joined the firm in 1997 after serving as Assistant Director of the Michigan Council for Maternal and Child Health, a statewide advocacy coalition of health care institutional providers and advocacy groups. She coordinated member communications and supervised the Council's grassroots advocacy network, as well as direct legislative lobbying. She also served as Chair of the Medical Services Advisory Council for the Michigan Department of Community Health and Chair of the Michigan Coalition for Children and Families. Elizabeth is a graduate of Michigan State University, Thomas M. Cooley Law School, and Western Michigan University with a Masters in Public Administration. Back to Top Peter B. Ruddell Peter Ruddell, partner, admitted to the practice of law in 2001, joined the firm in 2001 after spending nearly ten years as legislative staff for a variety of lawmakers, including the Senate Majority Leader, House Majority Floor Leader and Chair of the Senate Finance and Education committees. Peter also served on various successful statewide campaigns, including campaign manager for three Michigan Supreme Court Justices. Peter is a graduate of James Madison College, Michigan State University and Michigan State University College of Law. Back to Top Melissa D. Cupp Melissa Cupp, associate, admitted to the practice of law in 2003, joined the firm in 1999 after earning her bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University. Prior to earning her juris doctor at Michigan State University College of Law, Melissa was a policy analyst and registered lobbyist here at Wiener Associates. She has spent the past seven years honing her Certificate of Need drafting skills, immersing herself in CON regulations, and building important relationships within the State. Upon earning her law degree Melissa has become the lead attorney for all Certificate of Need regulatory work, both policy and program and is recognized as an expert in her field across the State. Back to Top Monique C. Field Monique Field joined the firm in 2007 after serving as the Director of Government Affairs for the Michigan Department of Management and Budget. Prior to that, she served as the Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs in the Office of Governor Jennifer Granholm and as the Criminal Policy Advisor to the Michigan House of Representatives. She also serves as an elected member of the Michigan State Bar Representative Assembly. Monique is a graduate of Michigan State University and Thomas M. Cooley Law School where she is an Adjunct Professor of Legislative Process. Back to Top Mary M. Van Halst Mary Van Halst, office manager, joined the firm in 1994, and is in charge of daily operations for our office. She is responsible for all election law reporting for lobbying activities for both our office and our clients as well as all PAC reporting. Mary also assists with scheduling responsibilities for the office. Mary has an Associate of Applied Science degree in Administrative Services - Legal Secretary from Davenport College and a Legal Assistant-Paralegal degree from Lansing Community College. Back to Top Deborah L. Rock Deb Rock, scheduler and network administrator, joined the firm in 1998. Deb oversees the information technology systems and assists with legislative tracking, clerical and scheduling responsibilities along with the Certificate of Need work. Deb has obtained certificates in numerous networking foundations and oversees our IT systems. Back to Top Austin Neilson Austin Neilson, Project and Research Assistant, joined the firm in 2007. He is responsible for research involving the Michigan State Legislature and other legislative items, as well as assisting with day-to-day operations of grassroots activities. Austin received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Western Michigan University, where he graduated with honors. Back to Top