MITA Staff Directory

Michael A. Nystrom

executive vice president

Mike oversees all operations, staff and services at MITA. In his role as Executive VP, he implements policy based on his interaction with the MITA Board of Directors and membership. He prudently manages the organization's resources within approved annual budget guidelines. Mike also continues to work as a registered lobbyist, serves as an industry resource on labor matters and acts as the spokesman for the industry on a variety of issues.

Lance T. Binoniemi

vice president of government affairs

Lance oversees the Government Affairs division at MITA, coordinating political and legislative efforts. His responsibilities include developing and implementing MITA's political strategy with federal, state and local elected officials, regulatory agencies and key policymakers. He evaluates pending legislation and educates lawmakers on the effects that they may have on the heavy construction industry. Additionally, Lance researches, develops and guides ideas through the legislative process. Overseeing the MITA PAC, he manages the association's support of those elected officials who promote and protect our industry.

Glenn J. Bukoski, P.E.

vice president of engineering services

A licensed professional engineer, Glenn brings to MITA over 30 years of transportation-related experience in the areas of construction, design, specifications, materials testing, and research. Glenn serves as industry's lead liaison with MDOT, FHWA, USDOL, MDEQ and county and local agencies. Contact Glenn with any questions related to engineering, project administration, prevailing wage, competitive bidding or prompt pay.

Robert M. Coppersmith

vice president of membership services

Rob oversees the services that are offered to MITA members, including MIOSHA appeals, jobsite inspections, utility locating issues, educational opportunities, meetings and all social functions. Additionally, he participates in labor relation activities on behalf of members.

Doug Needham

vice president of industry relations

Doug provides professional expertise in many areas including: resolving construction issues relating to publicly and privately funded projects; expanding workforce development; working with utility companies and contractors to minimize construction impacts and delays; various labor relations; and advocates on behalf of MITA members with other industry organizations.

Nancy Brown

director of communications

Nancy is a former journalist and public relations professional, and is your main contact for stories and advertising in the MITA Cross-Section Magazine and the Annual Membership Directory. She works with other MITA staff members in the production of MITA print publications, and oversees the state funding website/social media efforts. In addition, Nancy assists MITA’s executive vice president and vice president of government affairs with MITA’s public/media relations. You can also call on Nancy with any questions related to your own company’s public relations and marketing issues.

Patrick Brown

director of safety & workforce dev

Pat is a former sheriff's deputy, firefighter and is still a licensed paramedic. Pat is the go-to-person for MITA jobsite inspections and training opportunities as well as any MIOSHA, OSHA or MSHA appeals and compliance issues. He is experienced in confined space, trench rescue, crisis intervention, Hazmat and much more.

Tiya Kunaiyi-Akpanah

membership services coordinator

Tiya coordinates the association's membership services and is the go-to-person for things such as MISS DIG complaints, blue book rates, membership verification and all other MITA services. She is responsible for assisting prospective members through the application process, as well as creating awareness of the different types of services available to the MITA membership. Working in conjunction with the Director of Communications, Tiya designs a number of the MITA brochures, publications and member advertisements.

Danielle Coppersmith

events coordinator

Danielle's main responsibility is to manage and organize each of MITA's many social, leadership and educational events. She also assists with the MIOSHA appeals and other safety services. Danielle is your first contact for meeting/event questions and reservations.

Mary Moody

accounting coordinator

As the MITA controller, Mary handles all questions pertaining to all account receivables/payables including all invoices. Contact Mary with any questions you might have regarding financial matters and the association.

Janis Strang

executive assistant

Janis is the assistant to Mike Nystrom, the MITA Executive Vice President, and the contact person if you wish to schedule a meeting with him, or if you need to reach him immediately. She also handles many of the administrative duties with regard to labor relations and the MITA Board of Directors for the association.

Anita Lindsay

online information coordinator

Anita coordinates all of the MITA online communications including membership emails and advertisements. She oversees and maintains various web pages, images, and links, manages MITA's membership database, and handles the AV needs both in-house and at various events. She is the go-to-person for all questions concerning the website or membership database issues.

Nicole Cook

outreach coordinator

Nicole works to strengthen and develop member interactions with elected officials. Consistently communicating MITA's position on important issues to the membership requires Nicole to regularly interact with the MITA lobbying team. Nicole is the person to contact if you need assistance in scheduling a meeting with your legislators, or want to communicate a legislative issue or concern to MITA's lobbyists.