A Young Professional

Emerson has achieved success in a variety of seasonal, internship, and full-time employment opportunities that have uniquely prepared him for his career. Hard work has played a foundational role in this regard, particularly in that it allowed him to pay his college tuition independently. 

Due to two of his prior undergraduate internships - for a Congressional District Office and in Calvin University’s Advancement Division - Emerson established connections and skills that allowed him to seek employment in the Michigan Legislature after college graduation. Beginning in May 2020, Emerson started working for then-Michigan House Representative Mark Huizenga - acting as an office liaison between constituents, Huizenga, and executive agencies. Emerson transitioned with Huizenga to the State Senate after a hard-fought special election victory, which Emerson helped lead as a campaign manager. Subsequently, he was promoted to Senator Huizenga’s Legislative Director and accordingly implemented the Senator’s public policy agenda in coordination with colleagues, stakeholders, and legal advisors. He again played a managerial role in Senator Huizenga’s reelection campaign and continued to work in the Lansing office until the Spring of 2023. Emerson subsequently began a new Legislative Director position with additional budgetary and managerial responsibilities for Minority Vice Chair on Appropriations Sarah Lightner in the Michigan House. 

Additionally, Emerson has participated in several conferences and professional programs throughout his career that have taught him the importance of being a life-long learner. Three of these programs took place in Washington, DC, where Emerson’s studies focused on the values of religious freedom, political advocacy, and Republican partisan politics. He also graduated from the Michigan Political Leadership Program in 2023, which equips a bipartisan cohort with the tools and vision necessary to run for office and be effective public servants in the future. 

To learn more specifics about Emerson’s career thus far, view the “resume” tab above.