Contributors

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Host

Anastasha Osborn

Anastasha Osborn is the Communications Director at the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), where she has served since 2018 in a variety of roles. With a degree in public relations and a minor in journalism from Central Michigan University, Anastasha brings a strong communications background and a passion for public service to her leadership. Born and raised in Michigan, she is committed to improving her home state through innovative, people-centered work at LARA. Outside the office, she enjoys reading a good book and soaking up the sunshine.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasha-osborn-9162781ab

Guests

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Guest

Adam Sandoval, LARA Chief Legal Officer and Deputy Director

Adam Sandoval serves as Chief Legal Officer and Deputy Director of the department.  Adam oversees the Legal Affairs Office, the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules (MOAHR), the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA), the Bureau of Fire Services, the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, the Michigan Public Service Commission, and the Michigan Tax Tribunal.


Prior to his role as Chief Legal Officer and Deputy Director, Adam served as a division director at the CRA, director of the Office of Regulatory Reinvention, and an administrative law judge at MOAHR.  In addition, he has held positions at the Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Administration and the Wage and Hour Division, and he served as a deputy legal counsel in the Office of the Governor.

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Courtney Pendleton, Chief Operating Officer

Courtney Pendleton serves as Chief Operating Officer of LARA. Courtney oversees the Bureau of Construction Codes, the Bureau of Community and Health Systems, the Bureau of Professional Licensing, the Bureau of Survey and Certification, the Corporations, Securities, and Commercial Licensing Bureau, the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission, the Office of Communications, and LARA’s Equity and Inclusion Officer. Prior to her role as Chief Operating Officer, Courtney served as a LARA deputy director, deputy operations officer, equity and inclusion officer, and transparency liaison. She also has 25 years of experience working for the State of Michigan and has held positions in the Department of Treasury, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Office of Children’s Ombudsman. 

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Director Marlon Brown

Dr. Marlon I. Brown serves as director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Prior to his appointment as director, Marlon served as the department’s acting director, chief administrative officer, and director of policy and legislative affairs.  In addition, he has held positions at the MI Supreme Court, MDOT, and the State Budget Office.

Marlon earned a bachelor's degree in political science from American University, a master's degree in public administration from the University of Delaware, and a doctorate in public administration from Valdosta State University. 

https://www.michigan.gov/lara/about/leadership/marlon-brown

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Paige Fults, Director, LARA’s Office of Policy and Legislative Affairs

Paige Fults has been the Director of the Office of Policy and Legislative Affairs at the Michigan Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA) since January 2022. In this role, she monitors proposed legislation and regulations affecting department bureaus and licensee holders in the state. She also contacts and confers with members of the legislature, regulatory entities and stakeholders to communicate LARA’s positions on specific proposals, encourages their support or opposition and identifies potential amendments. Prior to joining LARA, Ms. Fults worked for 14 years at the Michigan Health & Hospital Association as the Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs in their Advocacy Division. She began her career at the Michigan House of Representatives. Ms. Fults holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Western Michigan University and her Bachelor’s Degree is in Political Science from Michigan State University.

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