The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent David H. during the 2008-2009 League.
Mission: Action - Interview a Local Leader #2
Brad Snavely
Brad Snavely currently holds the position of executive director at Michigan Family Forum. Since 1997 he has been involved with the Forum and in 2001 he assumed the executive director position.
He attended Hope College, and graduated with a double major in political science and business. While at Hope, he was involved in the Washington Honors program, and he also interned at the American Bar Association’s dispute resolution committee. After returning to Washington in early 1987, he began another internship with Congressman Fred Upton. Instead of attending law school, he chose to work on the re-election campaign for Fred Upton.
Over the next few years, Brad became involved in Michigan politics and moved back to Michigan. Here he worked as the chief of staff for Sen. Doug Carl, lobbied for the Michigan Funeral Directors’ Association and later became the vice-president of legislative affairs for the Healthcare Association of Michigan. In September 2001 he started his current role with Michigan Family Forum.
Brad married his wife Kelly during his senior year and they have been blessed with five children: Jonathan, Christine, Matthew, Sophia and Josiah.
Q: What education and experiences are needed for this type of work and position?
A: I have found that some of the most important skills needed for this position would be the ability to write coherently and persuasively. Secondly, get to know people. Their resources and knowledge will prove invaluable when you need them most.
Q: What motivated you to become involved at Michigan Family Forum?
A: In 2001 the Forum was searching for a new director. I was on the search committee to appoint a new executive director. Concerned about the breakdown of the family and many other issues, I began to pray fully consider the position myself. As I was pondering all of this one day, I heard James Dobson on the radio discussing the statistics from the 2000 census. I became very concerned over the social problems in the U.S. and found myself being called by God to the position of director at the Forum.
Q: What are the greatest rewards of your job?
A: Without question, God is leading in my best efforts. With the help of other people, I have been able to make positive differences in the lives of others. My focus has been to facilitate and strengthen marriage, fatherhood, children, and elders.
Q: What are the greatest challenges of your job?
A: First, as with everything, it is hard to raise money. Everything we do at the Forum is made possible by donations. Secondly, our work is often misunderstood. Things filter into partisan battles and we are constantly facing self-interest from others.
Q: What role does your faith play in your profession?
A: My faith compels me to act. I feel called by God to care for the children who are born into fatherless homes. Every day, I must rely on God’s strength. The battle is tough, but through prayer and his Word, God help me stay positive.
Q: How long have you been involved in the political arena?
A: I have worked in politics since college. My first political internship was with Congressman Fred Upton. I have also been involved with legislative affairs through Health Care Association of Michigan.
