Chandra Madafferi has proudly served as MEA President & CEO for the past three years and began her membership at Central Michigan University as a student member more than twenty-five years ago. Elected MEA vice president in 2017, she has held leadership roles at the local, regional, and state levels. She earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Michigan–Dearborn and is a Fellow in MSU’s Education Leadership Policy Program. Chandra taught in Novi Community Schools and served for 15 years as an administrator for Bloomfield SCAMP, a summer program supporting individuals with disabilities.

Campaign Statement

Over the past three years, Chandra Madafferi has led the Michigan Education Association with a focus on strengthening leadership, improving systems, and positioning the organization for long-term success. Chandra believes MEA has kept its promises and made meaningful progress in improving member service by prioritizing systems improvements and working to elevate the education profession to help attract a new generation of educators who will prepare our students for the future.

Working alongside her fellow officers and leaders, Chandra guided the hiring of a new Senior Executive Director, whose leadership is strengthening relationships with staff, improving organizational effectiveness, and reinforcing MEA’s reputation as a trusted and forward-thinking voice in education. She has prioritized systems improvements and partnership expansion to better support members and strengthen MEA’s influence.

Chandra played a key role in launching the Center for Leadership and Learning as the author of the proposal that brought the original concept to the MEA Board of Directors. This initiative has created new opportunities for leaders across the state to access high-quality professional development, utilizing partnerships, experts, our talented staff and amazing members. She is grateful for the dedicated staff within the Center and excited to see continued growth and expanded opportunities for members.

Chandra also reimagined the Presidents’ Academy, shifting focus from primarily skill-based task training toward leadership development grounded in self-reflection and systems thinking. Her work has helped grow leaders who build relationships within their locals to better connect with administrators, community members, and fellow union members in a proactive and problem-solving approach that shifts the mindset from “us versus them” to “we,” working together for the benefit of our students and members.

Chandra is seeking reelection to further build on this progress — strengthening leadership at every level, expanding opportunities for members, and ensuring MEA remains strong, sustainable, and prepared to lead in a rapidly changing educational and political landscape. She stands firmly for members’ rights while working toward thoughtful solutions that protect both our schools and our profession.

As a systems thinker and natural collaborator, Chandra uses data to drive change, ensure accountability, and improve transparency — solving issues before they become problems. Leading from within, she listens to members and works side-by-side with leaders and staff to move important work forward.

Chandra is thankful for the many years of service of Vice President Brett Smith and supports his candidacy for NEA Secretary-Treasurer. She is also excited to run alongside Bob Callender, whose experience, governance knowledge, and leadership will help strengthen MEA and support the continued evolution of leadership development, including expanding the Presidents’ Academy and building the next generation of union leaders.

She is proud of what she has accomplished as vice president and president and remains deeply grateful to those who placed their faith in her leadership. With more than twenty years of experience at the local and state levels, Chandra brings the knowledge, vision, and commitment to make the benefits of membership more visible while continuing to improve services for members.

Guided by empathy and integrity, a business and service mindset, and the strength of the union as a shield, Chandra Madafferi is committed to ensuring the association and profession remain strong, influential, and positioned to serve members and students for generations to come.

[Candidates for MEA offices submit biographies and campaign statements, which are printed verbatim. Elections are held at the MEA Representative Assembly in April.]