LEADERSHIP

Michael Fields - Chair

Michael retired from Au Gres-Sims Schools after 25 years of service as an elementary teacher. Michael spent 23 years as the local MEA chair at Au Gres and 10 years as a Coordinating Chair of District 12. Currently he is the chair of Gladwin County Democratic Party where he has been living with his wife Cathryn since 2016.

Dixon Dudderar - Vice Chair

Dixon is a retired reporter, editor and photographer, having worked at newspapers in Indiana, Texas, Wisconsin and — for over 22 years -- in Grand Rapids, MI.

He has a BA in Journalism and an MPA in Public & Environmental Policy, both from Indiana University (Go Hoosiers!) His background and experience have nurtured his interest in politics, public affairs, renewable energy and environmental issues, and his desire to see qualified people of integrity installed in public office.

Dixon’s political activity dates back to the George McGovern presidential campaign. He has worked recently for several Michigan legislative candidates, and for both the (Successful!) “VNP” and “Promote The Vote” statewide ballot initiative efforts.

Dixon, 73, and his wife, Julie, cherish time with their four daughters and numerous grandchildren, love to travel, and are former avid Great Lakes and blue water keelboat sailors. They live in Rockford, MI.

Peggy Raddatz - Treasurer

I have been on the Executive Board of the Manistee County Democratic Party, in some capacity, for the past 25 years. I no longer serve on the Executive Board, but remain a member of the Leadership Team. In addition, I currently serve as an Officer of the MDP Senior Caucus, the MDP Rural Caucus, the MI Rural PAC, the Rural Michigan Action Alliance, and the Lakeside Club of Manistee County.

I served this last campaign cycle as Treasurer for four State Representative Candidates. I’d like to say here that this State needs to train more people in Campaign Finance so they can
be Treasurers for candidates. Such people are few and far between and we need many more!

My husband and I reside in rural Mason County, but associate ourselves with the City of Manistee in Manistee County. My husband, a retired school superintendent, raises heritage turkeys for his business, Bourbon Red Heritage Farms. I keep the books for the business.

Robert Anderson - Director

Robert Anderson is a lifelong Democratic and has been active with the Marquette County Democratic Party for many years. Robert graduated from MSU College of Law and his first law job was serving as an attorney for the US Dept.of Housing and Urban Development in the Carter Administration.

He practices Elder Law and Disability Rights throughout the UP and has taught law courses for MTU and NMU. In 1986 Robert ran for US Congress as a Democratic in the UP and Northern Michigan against an incumbent Republican. Robert and his wife live in Marquette, and enjoy biking, cross country skiing and their grandchildren.

Jessie Iliff-List - Director

Jessie Iliff List has been a member of the Mecosta County Democratic Party for the last 15 years. She has also volunteered for Volunteers Not Politicians and actively participated in getting signatures, educating, and promoting the passage of Proposal Two- a proposal to create an Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. Later on, for the 2022 election cycle, she actively campaigned for two other proposals: Proposal Two, the Voting Rights Act, an amendment to change voting procedures to make voting more accessible, and Proposal 3, the Right to Reproductive Freedom.