Stepheni Willis is a communications strategist at Byrum & Fisk. She has more than 30 years of experience leading public affairs, advocacy communications, media relations and strategic messaging efforts for organizations across Michigan. Her background spans government, labor, nonprofit, association and corporate sectors, with extensive experience helping organizations navigate complex policy issues, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and elevate their public presence.

Prior to joining the firm, Stepheni served in senior communications leadership roles with United Food and Commercial Workers Local 951, Food Bank Council of Michigan, Michigan Works! Association, Michigan State University, Michigan Lottery, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and Accident Fund Holdings. She also led advocacy and legislative communications efforts for Michigan Association of REALTORS® and AARP Michigan, where she managed statewide media relations, issue advocacy campaigns, and public policy messaging.

During her time with the Michigan Lottery, Stepheni helped coordinate a press conference that generated international news coverage announcing one of the state’s largest lottery jackpot winners who won half of a $363 million Big Game jackpot. She also secured national media coverage for Accident Fund Holdings, including placement of a front-page story about the abuse of opioids in workers’ compensation cases in The New York Times.

Known for her strategic storytelling and collaborative leadership style, Stepheni has spent her career helping organizations communicate clearly, build credibility, and advance mission-driven initiatives. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University. She lives in West Michigan with her yellow lab, Phoenix.