Capitol News

David Guenthner has been promoted to executive director of Workers for Opportunity, an initiative led by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. In his new position, Guenthner will be responsible for shaping the strategic direction and advocacy efforts aimed at expanding employee freedom in Michigan and across the United States.

Michael Reitz, executive vice president of the Mackinac Center, commented on the appointment: “Michigan’s experience with government unions and labor law has long prompted policy advocates to seek our recommendations for improving worker freedom. David has been at the forefront of shaping our labor reform agenda since he joined the Mackinac Center. His strategic vision, policy expertise, and unwavering commitment to worker freedom make him the ideal leader to take this initiative to the next level.”

Guenthner previously served as vice president of government affairs at the Mackinac Center. In that role, he was instrumental in establishing a satellite office in Lansing and strengthening the organization’s presence in government affairs. He also contributed to criminal justice reform and election policy initiatives while maintaining a prominent role in legislative strategy and workforce policy discussions.

Before joining the Mackinac Center, Guenthner worked at the Texas Public Policy Foundation for over ten years. There, he held senior positions in communications and public affairs. He was part of the team that developed Right On Crime, a campaign that influenced conservative approaches to criminal justice reform nationwide.

"I am excited that the next phase of my career is to lead Workers for Opportunity,” said Guenthner. “This role allows me to take all the lessons I’ve learned over the course of my career and apply them creatively to help state policymakers advance worker freedom.”

Workers for Opportunity was established in 2018 with a focus on securing reforms that support workers’ rights such as free association and control over their earnings. The initiative continues efforts inspired by Janus v. AFSCME to expand workplace liberty.