Our Team

Joseph Cecil

President and CEO
Joseph Cecil serves as the President of SSI and is an alumnus of the SSI LEAD Summer Program. Previously, he worked in the Michigan House of Respresentatives as a Legislative director and Member Advisor. He has also been privileged to work with many local and statewide campaigns. Joseph is passionate about empowering young people and equipping them to be effective leaders in their communities. He has been married to Charlie Ann since 2015 and together they are raising two dynamic boys. Outside of the office, Joseph enjoys spending time with family, collecting books that he will certainly read someday, and being an active member of his church and community.

James Muffett

Founder
James has been active in Michigan’s public arena for over 30 years. Married to Margo since 1979, a father of 5, former pastor, nationally recognized spokesperson for traditional family values in Michigan, statewide organizational leader, and passionate citizen-he brings an experienced view and vibrant vision to Michigan’s cultural landscape. His perspective on how the Bible, history of our nation, current times, and future tie together inspires everyone, leading them into effective cultural engagement -whether running for office, educating their church, or simply enhancing their appreciation of our religious freedom. His motivational speaking trains and inspires leaders for this and the next generation. James’ bucket list includes a visit to an SSI alum in the oval office.

Emily Shaull

Office Administrator
Emily joined the SSI team in the beginning of 2022, after attending just once as a student in 2013. She has loved serving and pouring into students’ lives ever since. When she is not working, Emily loves to perform theatre with he friends and sing at her church. She also loves to write and nerd out over many different topics. She is excited to see where God will lead her next.

Board of Directors

Joseph Cecil

President & CEO of Student Statesmanship Institute, Lansing, MI

James Muffett

Founder of Student Statesmanship Institute, Lansing, MI

William Michell

Development Coordinator of Charles Simpson Ministries & One to One Publications, Williamston, MI

Kelsey Dame

Legal Director for The Joseph Project, Lowell, MI

Denise Pallarito

Legislative Director for State Representative Triston Cole, Waters, MI

Jim Russell

Founding Partner in New Direction Partners, Commerce Twp., MI

Blaine Schultz

President of AccessPoint – Staffing Division, Okemos, MI

Eric Beda

Associate Pastor with the Greater Bible Way Temple Church of the Apostolic Faith, Jackson, MI

Carol Van Curler

President of the Van Curler Foundation, Ann Arbor, MI

Jeff Visscher

Business Manager at Howlett Lock & Door, Inc., Former SSI Chief Operations Officer, Pinckney, MI

Rob Fowler,

CEO of the PPA, Haslet, MI

Kendall Wingrove

Former Communications Manager for Michigan State Police Office of Highway Safety Planning, Okemos, MI