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Meet Annalisa
Proven Leader
Annalisa is a seasoned leader with experience in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, technology, education, and public service. Her common-sense approach to problem-solving focuses on listening, honesty, and taking a step back to see the bigger picture.
The daughter of Italian immigrants who came to Michigan in hopes of a better life, her dad worked as a UAW-represented Tool and Die maker on the manufacturing line at Ford before pursuing his dream of owning a small business. Together, working alongside her family, they built a successful fence company from the ground up.
As a first-generation college student, she held two jobs while attending school. She competed nationally in Debate and Public Speaking, where she remains among the most awarded collegiate public speakers in the United States, earning her a spot in the Eastern Michigan University Hall of Fame.
Her career began in Senator Carl Levin's D.C. office, where she addressed people’s real concerns and issues. Seeing firsthand how government can work well and make a true difference inspired Annalisa to do more. Returning to Michigan, she taught classes during the day while pursuing her Master's degree at night. Annalisa took a job at General Motors’ Lansing Grand River Assembly. For nearly two decades, she worked her way up from the shop floor to the boardroom, becoming head of GM’s Executive Communications, learning leadership firsthand from some of the world's most prominent CEOs.
Trusted to take on their businesses' toughest challenges, her expertise led GM through the COVID-19 pandemic, the transition to electric, autonomous vehicles, and car sharing. As Vice President of Northrop Grumman, Annalisa helped create good-paying, tech-forward jobs for people of all backgrounds and skills through partnerships with Universities, Community Colleges, and K-12 schools to increase Skilled Trades programs as well as encourage more students to take an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
Community Builder
Service is at the heart of building strong communities. A long-time resident of Troy, Annalisa is often seen volunteering at schools, dropping off warm meals and clothes to shelters, and advocating for the needs of our city in local and national forums. Annalisa is an appointed member of Troy's Liquor Advisory Committee, where she works closely with Troy Police and City Council to review new and existing Liquor licenses. She also is a member of Troy's Community Academy program. For over six years, Annalisa served as Vice President of Schroeder Elementary's PTO. During the COVID pandemic, when staffing issues threatened schools' ability to reopen, Annalisa used her vacation time from work to support Schroeder Elementary as a noon aide.
She is an advocate for bringing awareness to disabilities, including Epilepsy, Dyslexia, and ADHD. Additionally, she has worked closely with the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan and Disability:IN on fundraising events to generate resources helping families better support their loved ones.
A person of faith, Annalisa is an active member of the Christ, Our Light Catholic Community, where she continues to minister and volunteer. In addition, she also supports the United Way, Forgotten Harvest, Haven Oakland, Friends of Foster Care, and numerous other worthy organizations dedicated to improving the lives of those in need. Annalisa has served as an Executive Board member for several organizations, including Gateway Montessori and Michigan Speech Coaches Incorporated.
