Nouvel grad named MCC Vice President for Public Policy

Lansing – Michigan Catholic Conference announced today that Tom Hickson has joined the organization as Vice President for Public Policy, effective January 31. Hickson’s primary role will be to act as the chief liaison between state government and the Catholic Church in Michigan.

“Tom has established himself on both sides of the aisle as one of the premier legislative advocates in this state, and we are very pleased he has chosen to bring his many talents and extensive experience in state government to our organization,” said Paul A. Long, MCC President and Chief Executive Officer.

Prior to joining the Conference Hickson was Director of Legislative Affairs for the Michigan Association of Counties, where he was responsible for coordinating legislative strategies to advance that organization’s policy agenda. Tom has also served as legislative liaison for the Department of Environmental Quality, as assistant legislative liaison for the Department of Natural Resources, and as a policy advisor in the Michigan House of Representatives. He has also served as a legislative assistant to former State Representative Andrew Richner and as constituent relations assistant to former State Senator Jon Cisky.

In 2009 Hickson finished second in a MIRS News Insider Survey that ranked the state’s most influential lobbyists. He fills the vice president position left vacant by Paul Long, who in September 2010 was appointed by the MCC Board of Directors to succeed Sister Monica Kostielney as President and Chief Executive Officer. Tom is a 1996 graduate of Albion College, having earned duel bachelor degrees in Economics and Management and Political Science. He attended high school in Saginaw at Nouvel Catholic Central.

Michigan Catholic Conference is the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in this state. Founded in 1963, the Conference presents to state government its positions on a wide range of issues that seek to advance the common good, including education, economic justice, human life, restorative justice, religious freedom and policies that impact children and families.