Griffin Forums

Learn more about forums hosted by the Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government.

Fall 2024 Griffin Forum

Baldly Bipartisan, Civil Political Talk 

Tuesday, October 22
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Park Library, Sarah and Daniel Opperman Auditorium

Panelists

John Sellek and Adrian Hemond are the bipartisan duo behind Baldly Bipartisan. They offer a bipartisan, insider analysis of what’s happening in Michigan politics and state government policy battles in a conversational, fun way. 

John Sellek is Chief Strategist of Harbor Strategic, a bipartisan PR and public affairs firm based in the shadow of the Capitol Building. Using experiences gained working for speakers of the House, attorneys general, a governor and presidential and gubernatorial campaigns, John helps corporate and political clients navigate the intersection of policy, politics, and the media. He is a sought-after political analyst by the media and was voted by MIRS News subscribers as one of Lansing’s best public affairs professionals.

Adrian Hemond is the CEO of Grassroots Midwest. He founded the firm in 2013 after acquiring a broad range of experience and expertise in politics. A former political science instructor at Saginaw Valley State University, Hemond was Chief of Staff to the Michigan House Minority Leader in 2013 and served as a lobbyist with Governmental Consultant Services from 2007 to 2012. He is known as one of the most effective political strategists in Michigan.

Closeup image of John Sellek wearing glasses and a blue suit jacket standing near a street.

Adrian Hemond standing with his arms crossed while wearing a hat and suit jacket.

Moderator

Jason Griffin, Director of State Government Affairs at Hemlock Semiconductor, will moderate the forum. Griffin previously served as the Regional Manager of Government and Public Affairs for LafargeHolcim and on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's Energy Intensive Advisory Workgroup to the Council on Climate Solutions. He is the grandson of Robert P. Griffin and Marjorie Griffin.

Event sponsors

The Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government organizes two policy forums each year that address social, political-economic, environmental, and other current and important issues. The forums are hosted twice yearly by the Robert and Marjorie Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government within the School of Politics, Society, Justice and Public Service and the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at Central Michigan University.

The Fall 2024 Griffin Forum is sponsored by the Robert and Marjorie Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government, the Philip A. Hart and William G. Milliken Endowed Speaker Series for Integrity in Politics, the School of Politics, Society, Justice and Public Service, and the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.

Past forums

  • Shaping LGBTQ+ Policies in Michigan (10/2/2023)
  • Can Policy Break the Stigma? Mental Health Policy in Michigan (3/14/2023)
  • Ballot Breakdown (10/25/2022)
  • Cannabis Policy: Hashing it Out (3/15/2022)
  • Reporting from Washington: A Conversation with Political Correspondents (4/12/2021)
  • Building Better Communities Through Passion, Power, Politics and Purpose (2/18/2019)
  • The Redistricting Dilemma: How the Political Map Determines Elections (4/9/2018)
  • Off the Record, On the Road: Borders, Boundaries, and Migration (10/30/2017)
  • Civility, Engagement and Polarized Politics: How Can I Make a Difference? Five Perspectives from Distinguished Michigan Leaders (4/17/2017)
  • HUMAN TRAFFICKING! Not in my neighborhood? (3/20/2017)
  • Michigan's Democratic and Republican Parties: In a State of Evolution or Revolution? (9/26/2016)
  • Emergency Financial Managers . . . Do They Have a Legitimate Place in Michigan Government? (3/21/2016)
  • Highway Tax Proposal (4/20/2015)
  • The Future of Healthcare in Michigan: Availability, Affordability, and Quality (4/7/2014)
  • ​​Justice Elizabeth Weaver (10/21/2013)
  • The Future of Labor Unions in Michigan (4/8/2013
  • Predictions for the November Elections (4/2/2012)
  • The Future of Higher Education in Michigan (10/10/2011)
  • And Justice for All? Should Michigan Change the Way We Select Judges? (4/4/2011)
  • Making Public Management Work in the Global Economy (9/23/2010)
  • Changing Michigan's Mitten: How Many Cities, Townships and School Districts Do We Need? (4/14/2010)
  • Michigan's Economic Future: Is There a Light at the End of the Assembly Line? (10/27/2009)
  • Election 2008: What will happen on November 4th and how will the results impact Michigan? (10/22/2008)
  • Can Climate Change Heat Up Michigan's Economy? (4/9/2008)
  • Now What? Managing the Budget Crisis (11/6/2007)
  • Does Michigan Need a New Constitution? (4/11/2007)
  • November 7: What Will Happen? (10/25/2006)
  • Affirmative Action/Racial Preferences: Should They Be Banned? (3/29/2006)
  • Michigan's Economy: Can it be Saved? (10/26/2005)
  • Multiple Threats to Michigan's Water (4/19/2005)
  • Campaign 2004: What Will Happen? (10/19/2004)
  • Future of Gambling in Michigan (4/14/2004)
  • Is the Michigan Judiciary Being Corrupted by Money & Elections? (11/20/2003)
  • Women in Power in Lansing (3/26/2003)
  • Investing in Higher Education in Michigan (11/20/2002)
  • Term Limits (4/18/2002)
  • Political Civility (4/12/2001)