John Truscott is one of the foremost experts in the area of public relations and politics in Michigan. When you need to develop a message, assemble a strategy or generate publicity, nobody does it better. Having served the Governor of Michigan and worked on the Senate and House staff, he possesses a depth of knowledge and breadth of experience few can match.

Since 2001, Truscott has been President of the John Truscott Group, one of the leading public relations and issue management firms in Michigan. He has consistently been recognized for his expertise and knowledge and, more importantly, for his ability to get the job done.

You’ll find Truscott involved in some of the most important issues of the day. From health care reform legislation to tort reform measures to new technologies for wind energy, John Truscott plays a leadership role.

For over a decade, Truscott served as Director of Communications and Press Secretary to Governor John Engler of Michigan. When Engler took office, Truscott was the youngest press secretary in the country and became the longest serving press secretary for any governor. He was the primary contact from the Governor’s office to the media in Michigan and throughout the country. He was responsible for developing communication strategies for the Engler Administration, wrote speeches, press releases and developed collateral material. He was considered the Dean of Communications Directors among the nation's Governors.

Truscott Chaired the Emergency Public Information Committee by appointment of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The committee was mandated by Congress and analyzed the country’s preparedness in communicating during a crisis, especially bio-terrorism and major public health incidents.

He also took part in the Bush/Cheney transition office and was a member of the Bush/Cheney recount team in Florida. Truscott also served as spokesman for the Bush/Cheney campaign in Michigan.

Truscott began his career as a Staff Assistant for Senator Doug Cruce and moved on to the House Republican Press Office as a Legislative Press/Video Specialist.

He is a 1988 graduate with Honor from Michigan State University’s Honors College, earning a bachelor’s degree in Communications and a major in Political Science. He graduated Valedictorian from Lansing’s Sexton High School in 1984.

Active in volunteer and philanthropic activities, Truscott is also a community leader and serves as Chairman of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. He has served as a speaker and panelist for many media and government related conferences, including the National Governor’s Association and the State Bar of Michigan. He is a sponsor and supporter of Ele’s Place and has volunteered for the March of Dimes, American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Chance at Childhood Foundation, Easter Seals and Toys for Tots.

To promote democracy, Truscott volunteered as a trainer on communications and media issues with members of Parliament in Ukraine.

Truscott and his wife, Marsa, live in Okemos.

Email John: jt@truscottgroup.com

Marsa Truscott was born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan. While finishing her studies at Michigan State University, Marsa worked in the office of State Senator John Kelly. After graduating from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Labor Relations, she worked as Special Assistant to the Senate Majority Floor Leader advancing the legislative process. Immediately following, Marsa was the Legislative Liaison for the Michigan Department of Corrections working on both policy and budget matters. In 1998 she became the Legislative Liaison of Appropriations for the Michigan Department of Community Health where she managed the appropriations process for an $8.5 billion budget.

Just prior to leaving her public service career, Marsa accepted an appointment by Governor John Engler as the Executive Director of the Michigan Women's Commission. While working on women's issues at the State Department of Civil Rights, Marsa worked with women and civic groups throughout Michigan on matters pertaining to women's health, education, careers, and finances. In October 2001, Marsa joined her husband at The John Truscott Group. She is currently involved in fund development and conference planning at the firm.

Marsa has been an active member in community-based organizations. She is a member of the Board of Directors for Ele's Place, a healing center for grieving children and families. Every year, since her board membership began, Marsa has chaired the largest annual fundraiser for this non-profit organization where she has successfully exceeded the annual fundraising goal. She also recently joined the MSU Safe Place Board of Directors, a domestic violence shelter serving the Michigan State University community. For many years she has been active in republican politics, including the Ingham County Republican Party as a member of the Executive Board and as Vice Chairwoman, Ingham County Young Republicans, as a volunteer for the Bush for President campaign, Dole for President campaign, Engler for Governor campaign, and the Senate Republican Campaign Committee. Marsa also volunteered and advised Spencer for School Board campaign in 1994. She currently is a member of the Mid-Michigan Republican Women's Club and is involved in various fundraising activities in the community.

Marsa is married to John Truscott, the former Press Secretary and Director of Communications for Governor Engler. They currently reside in Okemos, Michigan.

E-mail Marsa: mt@truscottgroup.com

Jeremy W. Steele brings his extensive knowledge of the media industry and experience as an award-winning journalist to The John Truscott Group.

Previously, Jeremy was a business reporter at the Lansing State Journal, where he covered the economy, development, financial services and technology in Michigan’s capital city. He’s also worked for the Michigan Business Review, Port Huron Times Herald, Flint Journal, Jackson Citizen Patriot and Cincinnati Enquirer. His reporting has been honored by the Michigan Associated Press Editorial Association, Michigan Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press.

Jeremy has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University, where he was editor of The State News, one of the largest student-run daily newspapers in the country. He serves as president of the State News Alumni Association, a nonprofit member-based organization that supports the student newspaper and its staff with scholarship and mentoring programs.

He’s also an adjunct faculty member at Michigan State University’s School of Journalism, where he teaches newspaper design.

Since 2007, Jeremy has served as a regional director on the board of the Society of Professional Journalists, the nation’s largest journalism advocacy group, and is a past president of SPJ’s Mid-Michigan Pro Chapter. His work on behalf of SPJ to improve journalism and promote First Amendment and open government issues has led Jeremy to speak before the Michigan Supreme Court and in front of hundreds of high school and college journalists.

Jeremy lives in Lansing near the city’s historic Old Town district. He’s a native of Lake Odessa, where three generations of Steeles have run the family farm.

Email Jeremy: jeremy@truscottgroup.com

Cathie Blumer started with The John Truscott Group in August 2007. Prior to joining the firm she managed offices for Booth Newspapers Lansing Bureau and the University of Michigan Office of the Vice President for Government Relations, Lansing Service Center.

In her capacity as administrative assistant, she fills many roles for the firm including overseeing the day-to-day office operations, and assisting our President and account executives to achieve their objectives. Cathie's positive attitude and willingness to take on new projects and responsibilities make her a valuable addition to our office.

Cathie served as board member of the Principle Shopping District, chairing the event committee for 'Art in the Streets' and the 'Michigan Walk of Fame'. She has served on a variety of festival committees in Lansing's Old Town including Festival of the Sun and the Santa Sampler. She continues to volunteer at the Creole Gallery for concerts.

Email Cathie: cathie@truscottgroup.com