We are blessed in this community to have many fine, experienced leaders. One of the first and foremost among these leaders is Cynthia Willbanks, Vice President for Government Affairs at the University of Michigan. Cynthia will be the guest speaker this week at my Leaders Connect breakfast event.
When we celebrate leaders, we tend to focus on entrepreneurs. Too often we forget about the importance of community and public service. We only need to look at Cynthia’s resume to understand the importance of leadership in the public arena.
As Vice President for Government Affairs, Cynthia directs the University’s government relations programs at the local, state and federal levels. Cynthia also serves the University as special advisor to the president on the development and growth of the University Research Corridor as well as non-research based external economic development activities.
Cynthia, like so many of our best public leaders, has broad experience in government service and has served both sides of the aisle, beginning her career as district director for U.S. Congressman Carl D. Pursell in 1979-92, Washtenaw County field representative for Pursell in 1977-79, and staff assistant for U.S. Congressman Marvin Esch in 1973-76. She also was a candidate for U.S. Congress from Michigan’s 13th District in 1994.
Beyond her success in the public sector, Cynthia’s leadership includes service to a number of community and civic organizations, including serving on the boards of directors of the Bank of Ann Arbor, Center for Michigan and Riverside Arts Center Foundation. She has previously served in leadership roles of the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum Board of Directors and Glacier Hills Retirement Center Board. Past board service includes NEW (Non-Profit Enterprise at Work) and the Junior League Community Advisory Committee.
Cynthia is a pioneering woman leader. In 2002, Wilbanks was named one of the 100 most influential women in Metro Detroit by Crain’s Detroit Business and was recipient of the Spirit Award for outstanding community service in Washtenaw County from Spectrum Prevention Services. In May 2002, she received the Women of Distinction Award from the Girl Scouts of the Huron Valley Council. Wilbanks was named an Outstanding Young Woman of America in 1981 and also received the Director’s Award for Outstanding Service from the Michigan Technology Council.
In a time when we’re talking about how to retain talent in this state, Cynthia is a wonderful example of a Michigan native who committed herself to giving back to where she grew up. Our community should be grateful for Cynthia and leaders like her who dedicate their lives and careers to the improvement of the local community. Many leaders may think about success at the national or international levels, but they should take a lesson from Cynthia about the power and importance of servant leadership.
There are still a few seats available for the Leaders Connect event on Friday. Please email me if you would like to attend.