MAJ announces new executive director

LANSING — The Michigan Association of Justice (MAJ), formerly the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association, announced the promotion of Director of Communications Stephen V. Pontoni to Executive Director and named Nathan S. Pilon the organization’s new Director of Communications.

Pontoni will take the reins from Jane R. Bailey, who recently retired after leading the MAJ, formerly the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association, beginning in 1990.

Bailey, who started with the organization in 1987 as MAJ’s PAC coordinator, was instrumental in building a strong and fiscally stable organization, as well as making MAJ an influential and respected organization in Lansing. She was known for developing productive relationships with lawmakers from both parties. 

Pontoni will manage the overall operations of the association including budget, staffing, membership, as well as coordinating and implementing legislative and public policy strategic initiatives. As Director of Communications, he revitalized and redesigned the association’s social media accounts, website and Journal, and established new member email communications to utilize the latest technology.

Before joining MAJ in 2013, Pontoni, who served as Campaign Director for America Votes, has a bachelor’s in political science from the University of Michigan.

Pilon, who has a bachelor’s in English from Western Michigan University, has been charged with developing public relations, marketing, membership communications, web, and social media strategies. Before joining MAJ, he began a 10-year career at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in 2005, most recently serving as Communications Director.

He was a Senior Communications Specialist on the House Democratic Central Staff in the Michigan House of Representatives and a Communications Representative for the Michigan State Medical Society.