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CDAM's Additional Committees


This page lists CDAM's active committees and leadership groups, outlining the dedicated teams responsible for steering the organization's educational programs, member advocacy, and operational governance.

The CDAM 2026–2027 committees handle organizational governance, policy, and legislative tracking. Specialized branches like the Amicus Committee and the Strike Force provide vital advocacy and legal backup for criminal defense attorneys facing unjust courtroom challenges or sanctions.

Concurrently, the Education Committee drives professional development through targeted training programs, annual webinars, and major seasonal conferences. To advance the profession statewide, CDAM also maintains active representation via appointed liaisons to key regulatory bodies like the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission.

Note: CDAM President Ives is ex-officio member of all committees.


Bylaws

Responsible for evaluating and recommending amendments to CDAM bylaws. Meets when needed.
  • Mike Steinberg
  • John Shea
  • other appointed when needed


Communications

Responsible for member communication through email, social media, and print publications. Oversees CDAM website.

  • Harry Mihas, Chair



Executive

Responsible for acting on behalf of CDAM on policy and operation matters in between board meetings, with actions subject to ratification by the Board of Directors.

  • Rhonda B. Ives, Chair
  • Patrick A. Cherry
  • Stephanie Farkas
  • Victor Mansour
  • Harry Mihas


Education

Responsible for preparing and implementing CDAM’s educational and training goals and objectives.

Co-Chairs: Elizabeth LaCosse and Harry Mihas

SKILL TRAINING

A is For Attorney

Chair: Lisa Kirsch-Satawa, Tiffany DeBruin, Rhonda B. Ives

Evidence Boot Camp

Chair: Nicole Smith, Patrick Cherry, Harry Mihas

Jury Selection

Chair: Mariell Lehman, Jim Samuels

PowerPoint

Chair: Jim Amburg, Victor Mansour

Skills Training 101

Chair: Stephanie Farkas, Christine Tober, Liz Young

Trial College

Co-Chairs: Elizabeth LaCosse, Dominic Andriacchi, Lauren Askew, Tiffany DeBruin

Trilogies, Triads, and Triumphs

Chair: James Samuels

ANNUAL

Webinar

Chair: Daryl Waters, Dana Harper, Patricia Maceroni, Joyce Reasonover, Syndey Rushing, Arthur Jay Weiss

Macomb Bar Liaison

Chair: Timothy Kohler

26 Fall Conference

Co-Chairs: Patty Maceroni and Harry Mihas, Bernard Jocuns, Tracie Dinehart, James Gerometta, Dan Duke, Anne Yantus

27 New Orleans – Beth LaCosse and Harry Liaison

27 Spring Conference

Co-Chairs: Beth LaCosse and Lisa Kirsch Satawa, Sonia Chenault, Daryl Waters, and Anne Yantus

Youth Defense
Chair: Tracie Dinehart



Finance

Responsible for determining CDAM’s financial needs, operating budget and reports

Chair: Harry Mihas

  • Victor Mansour
  • Rhonda Ives


Nominating 

Responsible for CDAM’s annual election of officers and directors.

Chair: Bernard Jocuns


Membership

Responsible for monitoring and increasing membership and developing and implementing member benefits and activities.

TBD


Wellness

  • Marina Chupac
  • Jordan Zuppke


Your Case Issues: Virtual and In-Person

  • Tracie Dinehart
  • Mike Steinberg

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P.O. Box 279, Davison, MI 48423

517.579.0533

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