Robert Schostak, Chairman
Robert “Bobby” I. Schostak was elected as chairman of the Michigan Republican Party in January 2011.
Schostak’s key initiative as chairman is to broaden and strengthen the Michigan Republican Party. Under Schostak’s direction the Michigan Republican Party is aggressively working with local parties to improve communication, build lists, recruit volunteers, and provide training to improve grassroots operations. Since being elected chairman, Bobby Schostak has created a dynamic grassroots organization committed to electing and re-electing Republican leaders across Michigan.
In 2011, the Michigan Republican Party led by Schostak, gained national prominence by hosting the Republican Mackinac Leadership Conference and, in coordination with CNBC, the “Your Money, Your Vote” The Republican Presidential Debate. These national events provided a spotlight on the tremendous grassroots support Republicans receive in Michigan.
Previously, Schostak served as finance chairman for the Michigan Republican Party through the 2010 election cycle. As finance chairman, Schostak raised record funds that resulted in the most successful election for Republicans in 50 years.
Schostak is a longtime conservative activist including roles on campaign fundraising teams for: Senator Spencer Abraham, Dick DeVos for Governor, and McCain for President. Schostak currently serves on the finance committee for the Republican Governors Association.
Co-chairman and chief executive officer of a family-owned business, Schostak Brothers & Company, Inc., Schostak has been active in the commercial real estate business since 1976. Schostak’s extensive background in Michigan business has provided him with firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by Michigan job providers, workers and families today and fuels his drive to help revive Michigan economically and politically.
Bobby and his wife, Nancy, have been married for 35 years. They have three grown children and two granddaughters.
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Sharon Wise, Co-Chair
Helping Republican candidates win for more than 25 years, Sharon Wise is a strong voice for local party activists. Currently the Director of Community Relations for Congressman Dave Camp (MI-04) she also serves on the Board of Directors for the National Charter School Institute and is member of the Traverse Area Chamber of Commerce. She is a former member of the Traverse City Board of Directors.
In addition to having served as the Co Chairman for the state party with Chairman Ron Weiser, Sharon served as Michigan’s Republican National Committeewoman for two terms. Traveling throughout the state, she worked with regional party leaders to build our Party at the local level.
Wise worked as campaign manager for a state representative, a local county (Shiawassee) Party chairman, congressional district chairman and campaign chairman for Congressman Camp. Whenever there was a job to do, Sharon did it.
Her devotion to public service extends beyond GOP political campaigns and organizations. Sharon was elected to the Michigan State Board of Education in 1994. She has continued her commitment to reforming and improving Michigan’s education serving as VP of the National Charter School Institute.
A graduate of Utah State University College of Business, Sharon lives in Traverse City and is the proud mother of two children and one grandchild.
Dave Agema, National Committeeman
Dave’s father was a factory worker and diligently supported his family on a middle class income. Dave is the only one of four children to graduate from college. His dream was to fly. Dave bravely joined the United States Air Force at the height of the Vietnam War. He became an officer and fighter pilot. Dave joined the Air National Guard in 1978. After active duty, he flew for both the Guards and American Airlines. Dave values hard work and has held two jobs for most of his life. For two years, Dave worked as a business manager/consultant in sales and human resources for a small, local machine shop.
Dave stands on principles. People trust his integrity and honesty. He has the guts to stand alone, and the flexibility to represent the diverse needs and interests of the 74th District. Dave is a servant. He has served his God, family, and country well. He has leant his services to faith-based agencies and to business. Now Dave wants to serve you. Dave hopes to bring the “public servant” back to government. Government must keep its promises to the people, without burdening us with wasteful inefficiencies, needless regulation, and meaningless laws. The people should not be taxed with… well, heavy taxation. Dave promotes working, earning, and keeping our wages.
Terri Lynn Land, National Committeewoman
Terri Lynn Land was elected as the National Committee Member from Michigan in May of 2012. She was elected as the 41st Secretary of State of Michigan and took office in 2003. Before her tenure as Secretary of State she served two terms as the Kent County Clerk/Register of Deeds in Michigan. Ms. Land received her B.A. in Political Science from Hope College in Holland, Mi.
She is married to Dan Hibma and has two children, Jessica and Nicholas. She is also currently a member of the Gerald R Ford International Airport Board and a partner with her son, Nic Hibma, in SVC of GR.
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Kelly Mitchell, Outreach Vice-Chair
Kelly Mitchell has lived in Michigan her entire life growing up in rural Thetford Township. Her activism in Republican advocacy began as a Young Republican. Having been a resident in Genesee and Kent Counties at different stages, she has been a delegate to county and state conventions over the years.
In 2012, Kelly was elected to the Electoral College as one of 16 statutory delegates to be seated if in the Electoral College the people of Michigan favored the Republican Candidate, Mitt Romney. She is a precinct delegate and former 3rd District Committee Member. No activism however, has been met with such interest, energy and success as that of being a grassroots activist. Kelly has served on presidential, gubernatorial, state and local campaigns when called upon.
In Grand Rapids, Kelly may be found volunteering at Art Prize, LaughFest, Mel Trotter Ministries, Heart of the Neighborhood and as a board member for Women’s Life local Chapter 888.
Kelly is married with one adult daughter and resides in Grand Rapids. She is employed as a Sales Executive for a Blueprint Tooling company. She will complete her BS in July 2013.
Linda Lee Tarver, Ethnic Vice-Chair
Linda Lee Tarver is married to Clint and has two adult children, Jennifer and Terrance. Linda Lee is assistant to Michigan Secretary of State, Ruth Johnson and holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology. She is pursuing a doctorate of education in organizational leadership. Linda Lee has been involved in local and state party politics for many years. She serves as Ethnic Vice Chair of the Michigan Republican Party, former Chairwoman of the Ingham County Republican Party, member of the 8th Congressional District Executive committee, and advisory board member of The Frederick Douglass Society of Michigan. Linda Lee is involved with the Mid-Michigan Republican Women’s Club and is the vice chair and co-founder of the Alliance of Black Republicans. In 2008 and 2012, Linda Lee served as a National Delegate to the Republican National Convention and in 2009, Linda Lee was appointed by the state Senate Majority Leader to serve on the Lansing Promise Zone Authority Board. Aside from her political involvement, Linda Lee serves her community as a board member for the Old Newsboy Association and is a member and teacher at Mt. Zion All Nations Bible Church.
Nick Hawatmeh, Grassroots Vice-Chair
Nick Hawatmeh was born and raised in Michigan and currently resides in Macomb County. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Wayne State University and his law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School Of Law, where he served as the Executive President of the Student Bar Association and Vice-President of the Federalist Society. Nick has been involved in Republican politics since the age of 12 years old and has served in several capacities including Executive Committee Member, Youth Chair and Vice-Chair of the Macomb GOP, State Committee of the MIGOP and has volunteered in national, state, and local campaigns for conservative candidates and causes. During the 2012 election, Nick was appointed to serve as a National Co-Chair of Arab-Americans for Romney. He is a member of Our Lady of Redemption Catholic Church where he is a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Blake Elliott Edmonds, Youth Vice-Chair
Blake Edmonds is a College Republican grassroots leader from St. Joseph, MI, that is in his fourth year at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids. Blake formerly served as First Vice Chairman of the Michigan Federation of College Republicans from March of 2012 to April 2013. Blake is currently Youth Vice-Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party and Executive Director of the Aquinas College Republicans. Blake has a passion for being involved in the Republican party and greatly enjoys sharing it with other young people.
Victor Diaz, Coalitions Vice-Chair
Victor Diaz has served our Country as a Marine, a stature he brings to every public engagement. This Marine has crossed all over our State speaking at Lincoln Day Dinners, County Party Meetings, TEA Party meetings and local Republican clubs, discussing door to door trainings, insights from poll challenging, precinct delegate empowerment and Hispanic outreach just to name a few topics. Power and energy are bywords that accompany Victor wherever he speaks with innovative approaches to growing the Republican Party. Victor’s message circles around a core belief that we are the party of growth opportunity and prosperity. Wrapped into measurable objectives this belief system will lead us to victories in coming elections. Contact him and schedule a meeting, a dinner, or a training and let’s continue The Republican Party’s march to victory for Michigan and America!