Progress Michigan Staff Bios
Mission Statement :: Staff Bios :: Board of Directors :: Contact Us
Daniel Farough, Executive Director
Before coming to Progress Michigan, Mr. Farough served as Press Secretary for House Democratic Leader Dianne Byrum, the House Democratic Caucus and later House Speaker Andy Dillon. While serving in this capacity, Mr. Farough helped spearhead efforts to take back the State House on strong progressive messaging. Capitol observers credit this team for taking earned media to new levels and driving a populist progressive message in the legislature, even while in the minority. Fighting the outsourcing of Michigan jobs, ending drug company immunity, stopping Canadian trash and raising the state’s minimum wage all became hallmark issues in Michigan during this time.
Mr. Farough has previously worked as a political consultant for progressive Republicans and Democrats, and has served a variety of progressive organizations in Michigan.
Julielyn Gibbons, Online Campaign Coordinator
Julielyn Gibbons is a well known online activist and blogger extraordinaire with a can-do attitude. Ms. Gibbons is one of the leading voices of Michigan Liberal, the State’s premier political blog. She most recently worked with as a consultant for a variety of organizations on a mission to boost their online presence, expand their use of new online tools, and promote online activism. Ms. Gibbons is nationally recognized for building the blogging community in Michigan and has built strong connections with progressive organizations seeking to make inroads into the online world.
Leigh Fifelski, Campaign Organizer
Leigh Fifelski is an accomplished organizer with strong communication skills and a tenacious spirit. Ms. Fifelski is well known in Oakland County for building an incredibly strong environmental community and taking volunteerism to new levels. She has been known to capture Detroit media with innovative ideas like the Woodward “Green” Cruise and Sierra Club energy campaigns. In fact, she was recently highlighted in the Detroit Free Press for her work in building volunteer activism in Oakland County for the Sierra Club.
Emma Richardson, Staff Writer
Emma Richardson has written for a variety of wide-ranging publications, including Detour Magazine, Punchline Magazine, and In The Fray, and continues to work as a freelance writer for magazines and newspapers all over the country. Specializing in entertainment-style writing and satire, Ms. Richardson brings a uniquely wry voice to Progress Michigan table. Before joining the Progress Michigan team, she attended Elizabethtown College (near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania), where she received her B.A. in Professional Writing and Women and Gender Studies.