Strengthening the Human Side of Local Government
Wade Against... is a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through two complementary efforts. First, we support the people who lead local government by creating opportunities for connection, renewal, and professional growth that help them remain resilient, effective, and committed to public service. Second, we promote greater civic understanding by helping residents, stakeholders, and community leaders develop a deeper appreciation for the role, responsibility, and complexity of local governance.
We believe communities are strongest when public servants have the support they need to lead well and when citizens have the knowledge and perspective to engage thoughtfully in civic life. By investing in both leadership and civic acumen, Wade Against... helps foster stronger institutions, more effective governance, and more resilient communities for generations to come.
Board Members
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Isabel Allaway
Kristine Bosely
Nate Geinzer
Steve Joppich
Board Member
Isabel Anna Allaway serves as Community & Economic Development and Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Director for the City of Hamtramck, Michigan. She leads the City's community development initiatives and oversees a multi-million-dollar grant portfolio supporting business growth, youth engagement, transportation, beautification, and economic vitality. Isabel manages staff, volunteers, and board members while partnering with regional stakeholders to maximize the impact of Hamtramck's resources.
A strong advocate for local government innovation, Isabel regularly presents policy, planning, development, and grant initiatives to City Council and community boards. She has spearheaded efforts including Hamtramck's lot sale and development program, adoption of the Michigan Main Street framework, and implementation of Neighborhood Enterprise Zones.
Prior to joining Hamtramck, Isabel worked as a paralegal representing major Michigan automotive suppliers and economic stakeholders, building expertise in project management, legislative analysis, and stakeholder engagement.
She holds a Master of Public Administration, a Graduate Certificate in Economic Development from Wayne State University, and a Sociology degree from Albion College.
Isabel also serves on the boards of the Joe Louis Greenway Partnership and Rackham Choir, where she mentors students through the High School Vocal Internship Program. She is a member of the American Planning Association and Michigan Municipal Executives.
Board Secretary
I got involved with Wade Against because I deeply believe in supporting the people whose careers are dedicated to serving others. My goal is to enhance understanding of the unique stresses, responsibilities, and emotional labor that come with serving the community every single day.
With over two decades of human resources experience spanning both the public and private sectors, I have navigated complex organizational challenges, resolved critical workplace issues, and maintained a steadfast passion for supporting people. Powered by a great cup of coffee, I focus on turning workplace friction into high-performing, collaborative teams.
My objective as a HR Professional is straightforward: cultivate an organizational culture where employees thrive. Achieving this requires a combination of strategic foresight, trusted leadership, and a strong filter for operational noise. I bring a balanced, fairness-first approach to employee relations and organizational design, always seeking innovative ways to empower and protect our workforce.
Founder/Board President
Nate Geinzer founded the Wade Against... Foundation to address a growing challenge in public service: the sustainability of those called to lead. After years of working alongside local government leaders, he witnessed the personal toll of public service and recognized the need for intentional spaces that allow leaders to rest, reflect, reconnect, and renew their sense of purpose.
As Founder of Double Haul Solutions, Nate has dedicated his career to helping local governments strengthen organizations, develop leaders, and build thriving communities. He is also an adjunct faculty member, mentoring the next generation of public service professionals and helping bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Through Wade Against, Nate combines his passion for public service, leadership development, and the outdoors to create opportunities for reprieve, reflection, and meaningful connection. He believes that healthy communities depend on healthy leaders, and that investing in the well-being of those who serve is essential to the future of local government.
Board Member
Steve Joppich is an executive shareholder at the Rosati, Schultz, Joppich & Amtsbuechler law firm, which has offices in Lansing and Farmington Hills.
He has devoted his entire 32-year legal career to serving and representing local governments and officials throughout the State of Michigan. As a result, Steve has gained substantial experience handling a diverse and broad cross section of local government issues, both in the court room and in the public meeting room.
He has been inducted into the “Academy of Michigan Municipal Attorneys” by the MML’s Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys and has received numerous other awards for his practice of municipal law, including being named three times as “Lawyer of the Year” in the area of Municipal Law by Best Lawyers in America.
Additionally, Steve is a published Co-Author of the Michigan Municipal Law book, which is used and relied upon by municipal lawyers, students, and even some officials throughout Michigan. And he is a regular speaker for a multitude of local government organizations at conferences and events such as this.
Charly Loper
Jim Muzzin
Selma Tucker
Christian Wuerth
Board Member
Charly Loper is the Community Liaison for the State of Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity. Prior to working for the state she was Bessemer's City Manager for 6 years, a Staff Officer overseeing Congressional Relations, Public Relations, Conservation Education, and Administration for the Ottawa National Forest, and an Americorp Vista.
Charly Loper is passionate about fostering civil discourse and building support networks for public servants who keep our communities running. She is always blown away by the passion, love, and dedication municipal leaders give to their communities. As communities face significant challenges including natural disasters, solar farms, data centers, population fluctuations, and breakdowns in civil discourse, civic leaders need support more than ever. She joined the Wade Against board to build support structures to help leaders wade forward together.
Board Treasurer
Served over 26 years in leadership roles with the City of Brighton, MI. Started on ZBA, then Planning Commission, then elected to City Council and then elected Mayor. Jim continues to be the liaison to the Brighton Area Fire Authority Board, including as Chairman since 2012.
Jim, got involved to help with the issues and challenges facing our local community leaders across the nation's local governments.
Board Member
Bio Coming Soon
Board Member
Christian Wuerth serves as the Village Manager for the Village of Milford. He has over 20 years of municipal experience, and began his career as an intern with the City of Birmingham in 2004, where he worked in several roles with the city before moving to his current position with the Village of Milford in 2014. Prior to his career in local government, Wuerth worked in the nonprofit sector and spent two years serving in AmeriCorps NCCC, a national service program. He is a graduate of Wayne State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Affairs. Wuerth is a member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and a member of the Michigan Municipal Executives (MME) and has been an active member of both organizations. He previously served on the Board of Directors for MME, including serving as President of the Board in 2024.