Staff: Ross H. Yednock, Director of the Asset Building Policy Project
Born north of Chicago, Ross has lived in Michigan since 1988. He holds a B.A. in International Relations from the James Madison College at Michigan State University and a Master’s of Public Administration from Western Michigan University. Ross has ten years of experience in state government and campaign management including positions as the executive assistant to former Attorney General Jennifer M. Granholm, director of communications to former State Senator Gary C. Peters and legislative aide to State Representative Alma Wheeler Smith. Ross also worked for both the Michigan House and Senate Democratic Caucuses as an analyst and communications specialist and speechwriter for many current and past legislators.
Since 2008, Ross has worked at CEDAM as the director of the Asset Building Policy Project (ABPP). The ABPP is the coordinating entity for both the Michigan Asset Building Coalition and the Michigan Statewide EITC Coalition and works to strengthen communities by empowering working families and individuals economically to achieve lasting and sustainable financial security and self-sufficiency.
Throughout his career, Ross has become well-versed on working on variety of public policy issues including: the Michigan State Budget, tax policy, corrections, education, health care, tax policy, economic development, financial education, financial services and asset building.
Q&A with Ross:
What drives your passion for neighborhood / community and economic development?
Michigan has a proud history, one that is often overshadowed by our current struggles, and I want to be part of the work that puts us back on an upward swing.
Why do you love Michigan?
Those who look at Michigan with a sense of schadenfreude, seeing us as little more than a declining rustbelt state, don’t get it. They don’t realize that there is no place in the world like Michigan. This is not because we have the world’s longest freshwater coastline and that one is always within 80 miles of a Great Lake. Nor is it because we are home to the car, cat litter, corn flakes and the ballpoint pen and have an official Michigan state flower, state wild flower and state soil in which they grow. It is because Michigan is home to so many creative and resilient people – individuals and families with such a strong sense of community and commitment to the collective success of their neighbors.
How do your family and/or community inspire your work?
My two sisters, both amazing, dynamic individuals, are doing remarkable things to make the world a better place. They are a constant source of inspiration. My parents, with such an infectious generosity of spirit, lead by example. I am so amazed with all that they have done to improve the world around them that I feel like I have to do my part just to keep pace.
What do you do in your free time? (if it exists!)
I watch the Discovery Channel (Shark Week is my favorite week of the year) and play Sudoku.