Suzanne
Miller Allen, Chief of Staff to House Speaker Jase Bolger surprised many within
the Capitol with her announcement she will be leaving her position at the end
of August.
A
fixture in the Republican legislative staff for over 20 years, Suzanne will
take a new job working external affairs for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
in northern Michigan, where she and her husband have a home.
“The
House of Representatives and the people of Michigan are all better off because
of the time, talent and dedication Suzanne has devoted to this institution and
this state.” Mr. Bolger said. “I wish nothing but the best for her and the
entire Allen family.”
Her
departure has raised speculation whether her husband, former State Senator
Jason Allen who served in the Legislature from 1999-2010 might be seriously
considering another bid for the U.S. House.
He narrowly lost the 2010 Republican primary in the 1st U.S. House
District to now Congressman Dan Beniskek (R – Crystal Falls).
Suzanne
began her political career in 1989 with then-Senate Majority Leader Dick Posthumus. After managing former Senator George
McManus’s campaign in 1990 she went on to serve on Governor John Engler’s
transition team.
She
has held positions with former House Minority Leader Paul Hillegonds and served
as Chief of Staff to Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema in 2003. In 2006, she took a job in the private sector
with a Republican political consulting firm.
She returned to the Legislature in 2009 as House Minority Leader Kevin
Elsenheimer’s Chief of Staff. In 2011,
Mr. Bolger retained her as Chief of Staff when he was elected Speaker.