Leigh M. Copen Email & Phone Number

Lansing, Michigan Area

As the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Coordinator, I oversee 90+ FOIA liaisons throughout the state. We process over 7,000 FOIA requests for over 60,000 sites annually. Review records for any potential exemptions as interpreted under the FOIA statute, as well as other laws and rules. Process denial notices when applicable. Regular communication with members of the media, attorneys, and the general public. In this position I have improved the outdated paper system, turning it into an electronic data management system, obtained a marketing URL so requesters can easily locate the FOIA Website, and also reworked the request form to alleviate confusion. Act as a presenter at meetings and conferences. I use my creative writing skills to publish a “Wisdom Wednesday” newsletter that provides educational and informational content to staff in an engaging manner.

Lansing, Michigan

SEMA to the Deputy Director, Economic and Strategic Initiatives, Regulatory Affairs Officer; Senior Policy Advisor and Tribal Liaison; and the Organizational Excellence Coordinator — Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ)

Lansing, Michigan Area

Management Assistant to the Director of Policy, the Regulatory Affairs Officer, and the Senior Policy Advisor/Tribal Liaison. Briefing the Director of Policy on issues prior to meetings. Work independently performing a range of management/secretarial activities that at times are highly confidential and/or sensitive. Attended events/meetings as required; compiled records and reports. Assisted the Regulatory Affairs Officer to create and update all DEQ policies and procedures and forms, as well as assist with documents and filings for the rulemaking process. Ongoing work and communication with the Governor’s staff, Michigan’s Tribal governments, numerous associations, lobbyists, and stakeholders. Participation in the Interdepartmental Collaboration Committee (ICC) on mining, tribal interests in mining, and ICC placemaking efforts. Collaboration on projects with the Quality of Life Departments (DEQ, DNR, and MDARD). Work on special projects assigned by the Governor’s office. Advise student interns on assigned projects.

Responsible for the education of students from diverse backgrounds, including at-risk youth, in various grades — all subjects for grades K, 1, 2, 4, and 5; Language Arts for grades 6 and 7. Developed and taught curriculum according to district and Michigan standards. Behavior and classroom management of students. Daily communication with parents, colleagues, and administration to ensure each student was provided the tools he or she needed to be successful. Maintained leadership and management skills both in and out of the classroom. Especially skilled in the diffusion of chaotic situations with emotionally impaired (EI), learning disabled (LD), and other students. Attended professional development courses on a regular basis. Excellent grammar and writing skills. Ability to multi-task and prioritize, while adjusting for unexpected occurrences.

Worked on an independent basis, under partners of the firm, managing 100+ files in the insurance defense workers’ compensation practice of the firm. Requested under the Freedom of Information Act and/or subpoenaed, reviewed, and summarized medical and other records. Drafted and filed many types of pleadings with the court. Daily contact with judicial offices, opposing counsel, and clients. This position required that I bill my time for each case.Secretary: Duties performed as a secretary for several attorneys, including partners of the firm, to include transcribing dictation, scheduling court dates and depositions, speaking with clients and courts regarding various matters.