FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from Progress Michigan
April 10, 2023
Contact: Sam Inglot, 616-916-0574, sam@progressmichigan.org
Scott Announces Departure from Progress Michigan After a Decade of Leading the State’s Premier Progressive Organization
Deputy Director Sam Inglot named as Scott’s successor
MICHIGAN – On Monday, Progress Michigan Executive Director Lonnie Scott announced he we will step down from leading one of the state’s largest progressive organizations after nearly a decade at the helm. Scott’s departure and transition plan was approved by the Board of Directors at their March meeting and his resignation is effective June 1, 2023. Deputy Director Sam Inglot has been named the new executive director and former Progress Michigan employee, Denzel McCampbell, will also rejoin the organization in a senior leadership role.
Since assuming leadership of the organization in July 2013, Scott has transformed the once-small affiliate of the ProgressNow national network into a formidable force for progressivism. Through his visionary guidance and strategic direction, the organization has grown into a progressive powerhouse, leaving an indelible mark on the political landscape.
“Lonnie’s tireless service has been instrumental in our repeated victories in progressive battles,” said Patrick Schuh, board chair of Progress Michigan. “Although we’re sad to see him go, we’re grateful for the incredible legacy he’s leaving behind and for preparing the next generation of leadership to carry the torch.”
“Leading Progress Michigan has been the highlight of my professional career and a defining time in my life,” said Lonnie Scott. “Almost 10 years ago, I began a journey as executive director of Progress Michigan with a vision of elevating the organization and establishing it as a prominent force in the progressive community. Looking back at those early years, I am filled with gratitude for everyone who helped turn that vision into a reality. Working alongside extraordinary staff in the fight for a better Michigan has been an incredible honor, and I am proud of all that we have accomplished together. As I prepare to pass the torch to Sam and Denzel, I am confident that Progress Michigan will continue to thrive and make meaningful progress in the years to come. I look forward to seeing the great things that lie ahead for this organization and its passionate, dedicated team. Thank you for the memories, the camaraderie, and most of all, the impact we have made together.”
Under Scott’s leadership the organization has had many notable accomplishments. He led the team in blowing the lid off the scandalous Aramark contract under the Snyder administration, resulting in the cancellation of the nine-figure contract. Since 2016, he has pushed for major changes to how progressive activists engage with digital media, not only in Michigan, but across the country which led to major progressive victories. Scott has also championed key reforms to Michigan’s broken transparency and accountability laws and used the Freedom of Information Act to expose major problems in state government, like the Flint Water Crisis. Over the last 10 years, Progress Michigan’s staff has tripled and their reach and impact has been felt across not only the progressive community, but the entire state.
Inglot was Scott’s first hire as Executive Director and has been a critical part of the organization’s success.
“Lonnie’s leadership, mentorship and friendship has been a foundation for me to grow with this organization and I cannot thank him enough for all he’s done for Progress Michigan and setting us up for future success,” said Sam Inglot, deputy director of Progress Michigan. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead Progress Michigan into the next chapter and work alongside one of the best teams in the state. There has never been a better time in Michigan’s history to create a bold, progressive future for our state and Progress Michigan will be at the front with our partners pushing for that change.”
McCampbell most recently served as Communications Director for Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib and will round out the senior leadership team as the organization’s managing director.
“I can honestly say that I would not be who am I today and where I am today without Lonnie’s leadership, guidance, and belief in me,” said Denzel McCampbell. “I’m grateful for Lonnie and I know he will continue to work to make the lives of our neighbors across the state better. I am extremely excited to be returning to Progress Michigan as the incoming managing director. Michiganders across the state want a government on all levels made up of people who will work on their behalf, not of corporations and greedy CEOs. I know Progress Michigan has been a leader for nearly two decades in Michigan pushing for progressive policies and a government that is truly of, by, and for the people. I look forward to helping push the organization’s mission even further.”
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