MASSP Staff

Wendy Zdeb-Roper
Executive Director
Email: wendyz@michiganprincipals.org

Wendy joined the MASSP as the Associate Director on August 1, 2011 and after five months of transition, she officially became the Executive Director on January 1, 2012. Wendy began her career in education as a teacher at Warren, Fitzgerald High School where she taught English and coached three varsity sports. She then went on to become the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at St. Clair High School in the East China School District. After three years as an Assistant Principal, Wendy was ready to seek a new challenge and she found it as the Principal at Rochester High School where she worked for seven years. Wendy holds a bachelor's degree in English and History from Western Michigan University and her Master's in Ed Leadership and Education Specialist degrees are both from Saginaw Valley State University.

Wendy is happily married to her husband, Scott Roper- the Principal at Lapeer East High School. Wendy and Scott are the proud parents of a black lab named Izzy. Wendy enjoys golfing, travel, working out, spending time with family and friends and going to sports events.

Colin Ripmaster
Associate Director
Email: colinr@michiganprincipals.org

MASSP is pleased to announce the addition of a new staff member, Colin Ripmaster, who will serve as the Association’s Associate Director.

Colin Ripmaster’s school teaching and administrative experiences — in West Ottawa at the elementary and middle level, Mattawan as the high school principal, and at the state level as an executive board member and President of MASSP — have prepared him well to serve as the Associate Director. Colin is certainly no stranger to the MASSP Membership. While serving as President of the Association, Colin was instrumental in the development of GoObserve and has provided a great deal of professional development.


At this critical time in education, MASSP is striving to provide a high level of member service and support. Colin’s strength as an instructional leader and an advocate for education will further the Association’s mission and vision. He will officially assume the Associate Director position on January 1, 2013.

Bob Kefgen
Associate Director of Government Relations
Email: bobk@michiganprincipals.org

Bob Kefgen comes to MASSP with over ten years of experience in state politics, with a particular focus on education and human services policy. He began his career in the Michigan House of Representatives, where he worked as a legislative aide and eventually chief of staff. He spent two years as legislative liaison for the Michigan Association of School Administrators. Immediately prior to coming to MASSP, Bob worked at the Michigan Department of Human Services where he was involved with a variety of strategic planning and process re-engineering projects, with a focus on child welfare. He has a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University where he studied history and German.

Bob and his wife Kacie live in East Lansing with their two cats. In his free time, Bob enjoys travel, homebrewing, gardening, hunting, woodworking, and cooking.

Todd Burlingham
Director of Student Services
Email: todd@mymassp.com

It takes someone to be one part visionary, one part creative, one part enthusiastic, and the rest filled with spunk to manage the day-to-day operations of MASSP's Student Leadership Programs. Having been involved with the program since his high school years, Todd has over a decade of experience in student leadership in various roles. Volunteering at summer leadership workshops, as an association intern, and in various other roles throughout his adulthood, Todd is no stranger to the association and it's programs. Today, Todd is responsible for the content, programs, promotion, and supervision of all MASC/MAHS programs and events.

Todd knows that Michigan needs a solid base for tomorrow; and he believes it's time to start working with them TODAY! He has taken his life experiences (including his time spent in a variety of jobs, (ranging from library page to security guard), his training and passion in speaking to others (and helping them learn to speak for themselves), and his drive to empower the younger generation from plan to action in order to assist the next generation of Michigan leaders. Under his direction, the Michigan Associations of Student Councils and Honor Societies (MASC/MAHS) serves more than 4,000 of Michigan’s student leaders and 500 student activity advisers in one-day programs, multi-day professional conferences, and two overnight (and zany) leadership camps each summer.

Todd is a proud graduate of Central Michigan University where he spent time working with Leadership Institute programs, advising student organizations, and even teaching public speaking as a graduate instructor. He is a member of the Michigan Society of Association Executives, the National Association of State Student Council Executive Directors, and serves as the treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Alliance for Student Activities. Visit MASSP's student leadership website and learn more about this arm of the association at www.mascmahs.org.

Angel Sanders
Meeting Planner/Membership Specialist
Email: angels@michiganprincipals.org

Angel began her career with MASSP in July 2000. She brought with her an extensive background in customer service, and the exemplary ability to create and maintain relationships with a diverse group of people. Daily, she strives to provide a high-quality level of service to MASSP members. She previously spent 11 years as a customer service and distribution supervisor with a local dairy products production facility and distributor.

Originally a criminal justice major, Angel made a few turns in her professional path. Once settled at MASSP, she realized the Association world was the place for her to build her career. As a member of the Michigan Society of Association Executives, Angel continues to build her professional development.

Along with her exciting professional growth, Angel has also had quite the amazing personal journey over the last few years as well. She set some tough goals and takes pride in accomplishing every single one of them. An avid cyclist (yes, she finally claims the title of cyclist), she has peddled 340 miles from Lansing to the Mackinac Bridge twice on the annual DALMAC tour. She will tell you that you haven’t truly experienced the bridge crossing until you’ve done it on your bicycle. She also enjoys running and swimming and welcomes most physical challenges.

Angel and her husband, Steve, live in Mason and are proud parents of Emily and Jake. Emily is a fourth grader and Jake is a kindergartener - both at Mason Public Schools.

“You’re in the middle of the marathon – enjoy the scenery!”

Chelsey M. B. Martinez
Non-Dues Revenue and Public Relations Coordinator
Email: chelseym@michiganprincipals.org

Chelsey began her work with MASSP in January 2011. She previously spent three years as a Communications Analyst/Writer for the Democratic Caucus at the Michigan House of Representatives doing PR and communications for 13 plus State Representatives and as the second writer for the Speaker of the House. She also garnered extensive election and fundraising experience during her two campaign cycles with the House.

A proud graduate of Michigan State University, Chelsey holds a bachelor’s in Social Relations and Policy from James Madison College and a bachelor’s in Journalism. She's also a graduate of MSAE's Academy of Association Management. When she isn't working, Chelsey enjoys camping, hunting, playing golf and watching her beloved Spartans play just about any sport. She also continues to volunteer on local election campaigns and is an alumnus volunteer for Michigan DECA.

Chelsey and her husband, Brent, recently built their first home in Dimondale where they live with their cat, Lilly, and Australian Cattle dog/German Pointer, Harley.

Gail D. Schupbach
Business Specialist
Email: gails@michiganprincipals.org

Gail joined the MASSP in November 2012 after working for the Michigan House of Representatives for five years. Gail worked as legislative staff and in the Human Resources office.

Gail is a proud Michigan State University grad. Having worked for both Lansing Community College and Sparrow Hospital, Gail brings with her extensive experience with business policies.

Gail and her husband, David, live in Delta Township and are proud to be the parents of Katie, Nate and Ayden and their two dogs. When she has spare time, Gail enjoys reading, crafting, coaching her kids’ soccer team and spending time with her family.

Annie Luke
Office Assistant/Registrar
Email: anniel@michiganprincipals.org

Annie joined the MASSP staff in March of 2012 and brings with her an extensive amount of customer relation experience. She has worked in a variety of service positions and has developed and maintained positive customer relationships in every situation. Annie has over 10 years of experience with the Okemos Public Schools where she worked closely with children of all ages and developed positive relationships and increased responsibility among the staff. Annie is active in her community and has enjoyed participating in many events as both a volunteer and participant.

Most recently, Annie completed a certification in a Computer/Microsoft Specialist program in September 2011 at the Career Quest Learning Center in Lansing.

Annie and her two teenage children live in Okemos. In her spare time, Annie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, walking, working out, gardening and being outdoors.