MTA is pleased to announce that Tom Hickson has joined the Association as its new executive director. Hickson brings nearly 30 years of executive-level public policy experience to his role leading MTA, Michigan’s largest local government association and one of the largest in the nation.
“It is truly an honor to be named executive director of this exceptional organization,” Hickson said. “Township government is closest to the people, and MTA has a wonderful tradition of excellence in advocacy, education and service to Michigan’s 1,240 townships since its inception in 1953. I look forward to helping to support our members as they serve their communities, residents and businesses, offering essential services and quality of life in all areas of the state.”
Hickson comes to the Association after 14 years with the Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC), where he managed all legislative activities for the conference as its vice president of Public Policy and Advocacy. While at MCC, he was voted by his peers as a top lobbyist in 2011 and 2019. Previously, Hickson spent eight years as director of Legislative Affairs for the Michigan Association of Counties, developing legislative strategies on behalf of Michigan’s 83 counties. He was also a legislative coordinator for the then-named Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and served as legislative assistant and scheduling assistant for former Sen. Jon Cisky.
“On behalf of the MTA Board and our member townships, I’m delighted to welcome Tom Hickson as our new executive director,” said 2025 MTA President Harold Koviak, Burt Township (Cheboygan Co.) supervisor. “With nearly three decades of experience working with and for local and state government, Tom is an ideal candidate to help lead the Association as we continue to serve the government of choice for more than half of Michigan’s residents. We look forward to working together to support our members and advance the vital work of township governments across Michigan.”
“Tom’s wealth of professional experience will help to position MTA to move forward with bold strides to educate, inform and represent the interests of township officials across Michigan as they face daily challenges in today’s politically charged world,” said 2025 MTA First Vice President Kevin Beeson, Pine River Township (Gratiot Co.) supervisor, who led the MTA Board of Directors Executive Search Committee.
A Lansing resident, Hickson has been a member of the city’s Board of Public Service since 2020, and was chair for two years. He spent six years on the Habitat for Humanity Capitol Region Board of Directors, serving as board secretary and vice president as well as chair of the nominating committee.