Media contacts: Barbara Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications, 248.260.8466, barbara@eafocus.com; Bob Kittle, Munetrix, 248.797.1337, bob@munetrix.com
Auburn Hills, Mich. – Oct. 3, 2016 – Munetrix, a public sector solutions provider offering data analytics and transparency tools for states, municipalities and schools nationwide, announced Samantha J. Harkins has joined the company in the new role of vice president, government relations. Harkins is widely respected in the municipal and government space and immediately prior to Munetrix, served as President of the Michigan Municipal League Foundation, where she directed operations and served as the lead fundraiser for League programs. In 2014, Harkins was named One of the Top 10 People to Watch in Politics by Crain’s Detroit Business; in 2011 she was ranked the #2 single interest lobbyist by Inside Michigan Politics.
Bob Kittle, president of Munetrix, said Harkin’s extensive public affairs experience and position in the industry make this a pivotal hire for Munetrix.
“We are beyond excited to have Samantha on board,” Kittle said. “She represents the next evolution of Munetrix as we continue to build collaborative relationships in support of the company’s mission to augment its data-driven solutions approach. Her extensive knowledge of state and local governments and solid track record of successfully working with elected officials and community leaders to get things done will solidify Munetrix’s reputation as the leading data company for government transparency and financial planning, while helping us gain a stronger foothold on the national stage for Munetrix data and its companion apps and tools.”
In addition to relationship building and broadening the company’s reach in the public sector, Harkins responsibilities as vice president and member of the Munetrix leadership team include helping shape future marketing, communication and product initiatives.
Prior to the MML Foundation, Harkins led the Michigan Municipal League’s advocacy team as its director of state affairs, initially starting out there as a legislative associate who advocated for Michigan communities before the State Legislature. She also held a government relations position at the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce and was a policy advisor for the Michigan House of Representatives Republican Party Office.
Harkins was appointed to the Capital Region International Airport Authority Board in 2016 and the City of Lansing’s Elected Officers Compensation Commission in 2015. She holds a Juris Doctor from West Virginia University College of Law, Morgantown, W.V., and an undergraduate degree in political science from West Virginia University (WVU).
About Munetrix
Michigan-based Munetrix, offering the award-winning Munetrix cloud-based local government transparency tool and other proprietary apps for a cost effective approach to data analytics and performance management, is among the nation’s largest aggregators of municipal and school district data. With both a corporate and social mission in the spirit of Open Data, Munetrix allows subscribers and academic and non-profit partners across the country to easily access public sector financial and demographic data and companion tools to make meaningful and reliable budgets, financial projections, trend reports and forward looking decisions. Learn more about your community’s Munetrix Score at the Munetrix website.
