Best, Brightest and Most Beautiful 2009: Todd Tennis

Todd Tennis
Capitol Services Lobbyist
Ingham County Board of Commissioners
District 7

Todd Tennis grew up in Lansing, and apart from a four year stint at the University of Michigan, he has lived here his entire life.  He has been a lobbyist with Capitol Services, Inc. since 1995 working with the Michigan State Legislature.  Todd specializes in representing labor unions and non-profit groups.  His clients include the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the Elder Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan, and the YMCA State Alliance.  Todd is also the co-chair of the statewide public transportation advocacy group Let’s Get Moving.

In 2006, Todd was elected to the Ingham County Board of Commissioners representing the southeast corner of the City of Lansing.  Re-elected in 2008, Todd currently chairs the Human Services Committee which, among other duties, oversees the Ingham County Health Department.  He has been a champion for expanding access to health care and protecting the rights of working families.  Todd also represents the County on the Animal Control Board and the Power of We Consortium.

Before Todd joined Capitol Services, he was often seen on stage in various community theater productions.  Although his career path leaves little time for acting (though some might argue that politics IS acting!), one will occasionally see him doing a staged reading at a local theater or performing with his bandmate Steve Utrup in the guitar duo The Gringo Prophets.

Todd’s community involvement includes a three year term on the Oak Park YMCA Advisory Board and fifteen years as a Red Cross volunteer at their annual Empty Bowls fundraiser.  Todd’s son, Troy, is a student at Lansing Community College.