Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter, with a team of previous honorees, recently announced the Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2025. They are a diverse and dynamic group of changemakers shaping the future of Oakland County. Now in its 13th year, the program highlights young professionals under 40 who are making a meaningful impact in their communities through innovation, leadership and service.
This year’s class features leaders from across industries and communities, including Michigan’s lottery commissioner, a television sports anchor, a restaurateur, a Motown Museum curator and a district court judge.
“This program continues to highlight the people who are transforming Oakland County for the better,” Coulter said. “Each year, I’m inspired by their dedication and the energy they bring to public service, the arts, education, and business. These 40 individuals embody the Oakland Together vision.”
The Class of 2025 was selected by a committee of county leaders and community members and includes entrepreneurs, engineers, educators, attorneys, nonprofit leaders, public servants and innovators. Members of the class will be honored throughout the year and will participate in key county events.
Some highlighted class members include:
• Judge Laura E. Polizzi of Rochester Hills brings a wealth of legal experience and community service to the bench of 52-3 District Court, where she was appointed in May 2024 by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and won election in the fall. A former attorney handling a wide range of complex legal matters, Judge Polizzi has been named a Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Star every year since 2018. A bilingual advocate for justice, she’s represented numerous Spanish-speaking clients. She serves on the Character and Fitness Committee and is a member of both the Michigan Association of Treatment Court Professionals and the Rochester Bar Association. A graduate of Oakland University and Cooley Law School, Judge Polizzi’s commitment to justice and equity embodies the best of public service in Oakland County.
• Suzanna Shkreli, commissioner of the Michigan Lottery and resident of Birmingham, has long been a champion for vulnerable children and justice reform in Michigan.
Prior to her appointment by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2024, she served as director of juvenile justice reform at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, tackling systemic issues in youth justice. Shkreli’s public service record also includes time as Michigan’s Children’s Ombudsman and assistant prosecutor in Macomb County. She brings a global perspective to her work, having trained law enforcement on victims’ rights in Albania through the U.S. Department of Justice. A graduate of Oakland University and Cooley Law School, Shkreli’s continues to shape policies that support children, families and fairness across the state.
• Brad Galli brings his storytelling talent and love for the game to living rooms across Metro Detroit as sports director at WXYZ-TV Channel 7. Since joining the station in 2011, he’s reported from locker rooms and sidelines at nearly every level of sport, from the World Series and Stanley Cup Playoffs to the PGA Tour and NCAA championships. Named Michigan Sportscaster of the Year twice and honored with multiple Emmy Awards, Galli’s deep community ties and commitment to uplifting Detroit’s athletic legacy continue to earn him fans both on and off the air. A Brother Rice and Marquette University alum, Galli lives in Birmingham with his wife and children.
• Ryan Eli Salter of Royal Oak is the founder of Salt + Ko, a popular restaurant and lounge in Southfield, and Breadless, a pioneering fast-casual concept specializing in flavorful, gluten-free dining. He also leads Atrium Events Center, curating dynamic private and corporate events that help shape Southfield’s vibrant social and business community. A dedicated community leader, he serves on the Minority Business Council for the Southfield Chamber of Commerce, advocating for local entrepreneurs and minority-owned businesses. His passion for mentorship, experiential hospitality and brand innovation continues to make him a standout figure in Metro Detroit’s hospitality scene.
• Drew Schultz of Clawson represents the soul of Detroit’s music scene. At just 19, he began performing with Motown legends the Four Tops, and his career has since included collaborations with the late Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Questlove. As digital media curator at the Motown Museum, Schultz works to preserve and amplify the legacy of one of the most influential musical movements in history. Through his philanthropic “Back To Class” project, he channels proceeds from original recordings - featuring legends like Dennis Coffey and the Funk Brothers - back into Detroit Public Schools music programs. An educator, writer, engineer and performer, Schultz’s work blends creativity with a deep commitment to youth, arts education and Detroit’s cultural heritage.
For additional information about Oakland Together 40 Under 40, visit oakgov.com/40Under40.
This year’s class features leaders from across industries and communities, including Michigan’s lottery commissioner, a television sports anchor, a restaurateur, a Motown Museum curator and a district court judge.
“This program continues to highlight the people who are transforming Oakland County for the better,” Coulter said. “Each year, I’m inspired by their dedication and the energy they bring to public service, the arts, education, and business. These 40 individuals embody the Oakland Together vision.”
The Class of 2025 was selected by a committee of county leaders and community members and includes entrepreneurs, engineers, educators, attorneys, nonprofit leaders, public servants and innovators. Members of the class will be honored throughout the year and will participate in key county events.
Some highlighted class members include:
• Judge Laura E. Polizzi of Rochester Hills brings a wealth of legal experience and community service to the bench of 52-3 District Court, where she was appointed in May 2024 by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and won election in the fall. A former attorney handling a wide range of complex legal matters, Judge Polizzi has been named a Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Star every year since 2018. A bilingual advocate for justice, she’s represented numerous Spanish-speaking clients. She serves on the Character and Fitness Committee and is a member of both the Michigan Association of Treatment Court Professionals and the Rochester Bar Association. A graduate of Oakland University and Cooley Law School, Judge Polizzi’s commitment to justice and equity embodies the best of public service in Oakland County.
• Suzanna Shkreli, commissioner of the Michigan Lottery and resident of Birmingham, has long been a champion for vulnerable children and justice reform in Michigan.
Prior to her appointment by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2024, she served as director of juvenile justice reform at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, tackling systemic issues in youth justice. Shkreli’s public service record also includes time as Michigan’s Children’s Ombudsman and assistant prosecutor in Macomb County. She brings a global perspective to her work, having trained law enforcement on victims’ rights in Albania through the U.S. Department of Justice. A graduate of Oakland University and Cooley Law School, Shkreli’s continues to shape policies that support children, families and fairness across the state.
• Brad Galli brings his storytelling talent and love for the game to living rooms across Metro Detroit as sports director at WXYZ-TV Channel 7. Since joining the station in 2011, he’s reported from locker rooms and sidelines at nearly every level of sport, from the World Series and Stanley Cup Playoffs to the PGA Tour and NCAA championships. Named Michigan Sportscaster of the Year twice and honored with multiple Emmy Awards, Galli’s deep community ties and commitment to uplifting Detroit’s athletic legacy continue to earn him fans both on and off the air. A Brother Rice and Marquette University alum, Galli lives in Birmingham with his wife and children.
• Ryan Eli Salter of Royal Oak is the founder of Salt + Ko, a popular restaurant and lounge in Southfield, and Breadless, a pioneering fast-casual concept specializing in flavorful, gluten-free dining. He also leads Atrium Events Center, curating dynamic private and corporate events that help shape Southfield’s vibrant social and business community. A dedicated community leader, he serves on the Minority Business Council for the Southfield Chamber of Commerce, advocating for local entrepreneurs and minority-owned businesses. His passion for mentorship, experiential hospitality and brand innovation continues to make him a standout figure in Metro Detroit’s hospitality scene.
• Drew Schultz of Clawson represents the soul of Detroit’s music scene. At just 19, he began performing with Motown legends the Four Tops, and his career has since included collaborations with the late Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Questlove. As digital media curator at the Motown Museum, Schultz works to preserve and amplify the legacy of one of the most influential musical movements in history. Through his philanthropic “Back To Class” project, he channels proceeds from original recordings - featuring legends like Dennis Coffey and the Funk Brothers - back into Detroit Public Schools music programs. An educator, writer, engineer and performer, Schultz’s work blends creativity with a deep commitment to youth, arts education and Detroit’s cultural heritage.
For additional information about Oakland Together 40 Under 40, visit oakgov.com/40Under40.
