Felicia Wasson
John Health/Ascension Health
Director of Public Policy
In 2006, you still don’t see many black lobbyists walking around the Michigan’s Capitol, especially black women. But if you’re there long enough you’ll probably see Felicia Wasson, she’s one of the new crop of mover and shakers roaming the Capitol halls.
Felicia knew lobbying was her career path when her godmother, Edith Suttles, explained to her what a lobbyist did at the age of 12. From that point on she was hooked.
When Felicia entered college at Michigan State, she majored in Social Science, preparing herself to work in politics. After graduation, she took her first job in politics working for former Senator Virgil Smith Sr. of Detroit.
Felicia’s career is a true tale of hard work, vision, determination and a pure love of her career. She rose through the ranks with Senator Smith starting off as his office manager and leaving, seven years later, as his Chief of Staff. While working for the Senator, Felicia got married, had children and earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Western Michigan. Felicia left the Capitol and took a job with AARP Michigan as Associate State Director. After four years with AARP, Felicia joined St. John Health/Ascension Health in October 2004 as their Director of Public Policy.
Felicia is married to Kahlil Wasson and is the mother of three boys. Felicia has a true passion for education and it is evident from her volunteer service with Lansing Public Schools (where her sons attend school). She serves on their district-wide Advisory Council and the Special Task Force on Behavior. Felicia is also active in other Lansing area groups. She is the president of Jack and Jill of America, Greater Lansing Chapter and serves on the board of directors for Lightning Lynx Track Club.
