PRIME Award - 2026The PRIME is MMTA's most prestigious honor, and stands for: Professional Recognition In Municipal Excellence (PRIME). The PRIME recognizes individuals who have shown distinguished service in their professions, communities, and the Michigan Municipal Treasurers Association. Since 1989, the MMTA has recognized 38 outstanding individuals who exemplified these attributes. 2026 PRIME voting for this year's honoree will open June 29 and close July 13. Each MMTA member will receive an email with a secure link to vote online. The 2026 PRIME Award will be presented during Fall Conference at the Amway Grand Plaza during the Awards Banquet on Tuesday, August 18. 2026 PRIME nominees are Desiree Kirkland, Stacy Paige, and Melinda Weaver. Learn more about each nominee's accomplishments and background by clicking on their name or scrolling down this page. Congratulations to all three of our nominees - your achievements are impressive! Desiree Kirkland
Work Experience After about five years with Ingham County, Desiree was then appointed Deputy Treasurer for Wayne County; following that she served one year as Deputy Treasurer for the Village of Barton Hills. Following those roles, she was appointed by the Mayor of the City of Lansing to serve as City Treasurer. After several years in that position, Desiree then became Finance Director/Treasurer for the City of Lansing, serving there for approximately five years. Desiree joined the City of Grand Rapids as the Deputy Comptroller about a year ago, where she currently serves the residents of Grand Rapids. Throughout her municipal career, Desiree has been fortunate to serve in a variety of leadership roles that have strengthened her expertise in treasury management, accounting, budgeting, auditing, financial operations, and strategic leadership. Each opportunity has built upon the last, allowing for professional growth while serving the public through sound financial stewardship. Prior to Desiree’s municipal career, she gained extensive experience in both state government and the nonprofit sector, spending 18 years with the State of Michigan, where she traveled throughout the state conducting audits of insurance companies. She later audited courts under the authority of the Michigan Supreme Court, evaluating financial operations, internal controls, and compliance with established policies and procedures. Desiree also worked in the nonprofit sector, serving as an Accountant and Business Administrator for more than ten years. In that role, she established sound business systems, strengthened accounting processes, improved financial reporting, and helped expand the organization’s operations and impact within the Lansing community. Collectively, these experiences provided Desiree with a well-rounded background in auditing, accounting, financial management, training, leadership, and organizational development, all of which prepared her for executive leadership roles in public finance. Municipal Projects As the Finance Director/Treasurer for the City of Lansing, Desiree recognized the need to separate the responsibilities of the City Treasurer from those of the Income Tax Administrator. At the time, Lansing was the only one of Michigan’s 24 income tax cities where the Treasurer also served as the Income Tax Administrator. This dual role limited the Treasurer’s ability to focus on critical financial responsibilities such as investment portfolio management, banking services, annual audits, cash receipt, and strengthening internal controls. Also at the City of Lansing, Desiree spearheaded the implementation of the BS&A Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. The City’s existing financial system had become outdated, unsupported, and increasingly unstable. At the same time, the State of Michigan required municipalities to transition to the Uniform Chart of Accounts, making it necessary to modernize the City's financial systems. Desiree recognized that implementing a new ERP system would not only ensure compliance with state requirements but also improve financial reporting, operational efficiency, and accountability across all City departments. Desiree evaluated the City's current system limitations and met with BS&A to gain a thorough understanding of the software's capabilities and how it could meet the City's operational needs. She also met with the mayor and department directors to explain the necessity of the project, communicate its long-term benefits, and gain organizational support. Working collaboratively with BS&A, Desiree facilitated meetings with department leaders to provide system demonstrations, discuss business process changes, and establish implementation expectations. Recognizing the complexity of the project, she also led the effort to hire a dedicated project manager who worked alongside the City's Information Technology Department, BS&A's implementation team, and system trainers. MMTA Involvement As a member of the MMTA Board of Directors, Desiree’s level of involvement has continued to grow. She served as the Education Chair in charge of Basic Institute for two years, which included the responsibility for planning and coordinating MMTA's premier educational program. Desiree currently serves as the Board Secretary and remains committed to helping guide the organization while supporting its strategic goals and future growth. She looks forward to continuing to serve MMTA in additional leadership capacities as opportunities arise. MMTA has played an important role in Desiree’s professional development, and she is proud to give back by mentoring others, promoting education, and helping strengthen the organization for future municipal finance professionals. Professional Organizations Involvement Early in her career, Desiree was instrumental in establishing the Lansing graduate chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. The organization's mission of promoting sisterhood, community service, education, and professional development aligned closely with her personal values, and she was proud to help build a chapter that continues to serve the Lansing community. Desiree also helped establish the Lansing chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), creating opportunities for accounting professionals to network, receive continuing education, and support the advancement of diversity within the accounting profession. Desiree’s commitment to community service also included serving on the Lansing Area YMCA Board of Directors for several years, including two years as Board Treasurer. In that role she provided financial oversight and helped ensure the organization's long-term fiscal stability while supporting its mission to strengthen the community. Desiree served as a Board Member for Michigan Women in Finance, an organization dedicated to supporting and advancing women in financial professions through networking, education, and leadership opportunities. Desiree was also actively involved with the Davies Project, serving as Board Chair for two years, as Treasurer, and as a member of the Board of Directors. These leadership roles allowed her to contribute to the organization's governance, strategic planning, and financial stewardship while supporting its mission of serving children and families in need. Additionally, Desiree served as a member and Treasurer of the Lansing/East Lansing Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, an international organization of professional women dedicated to enriching, sustaining, and ensuring the cultural and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry through friendship and service. Desiree was an active member of the Lansing Community College Advisory Board for the Coalition for College and Career Readiness (C3R). In this role, she collaborated with educators, business leaders, and community partners to help develop programs that prepared high school students for college and future careers by providing guidance, career exploration, and educational opportunities. Desiree currently serves on the Board of the Larry Mitchell Trice Sr Community Outreach (LMTS) as the Treasurer, previously serving as Board Chair. This wide range of service throughout her career reflects Desiree’s commitment to sound financial governance, organizational leadership, and community engagement. These experiences have strengthened her leadership, governance, financial oversight, and strategic planning skills while reinforcing her commitment to professional excellence and public service. Education
Desiree has demonstrated her belief that continuous learning is essential to effective leadership in public finance; throughout her career, she has intentionally pursued higher education, professional certifications, and specialized training to strengthen her technical expertise, leadership abilities, and commitment to excellence in municipal finance. Professional Recognition
Continuing a Commitment to Empowerment Desiree is also working on co-hosting a podcast "Real Talk, Real Friends," where a group of amazing women can engage in authentic conversations about life, faith, relationships, leadership, and personal growth. The goal is to encourage, empower, and inspire others through honest dialogue and shared experiences. As an entrepreneur, Desiree is deeply passionate about helping women discover and fulfill their God-given purpose. That passion inspired her in 2009 to establish Women In Action (WIN), a professional Christian women's organization dedicated to equipping women to lead with authenticity, confidence, resilience, and intentionality. Through WIN, Desiree serves as a coach, mentor, conference organizer, and speaker, creating opportunities for women to grow personally, professionally, and spiritually while encouraging them to become the best version of themselves. While Desiree is proud of her professional accomplishments and entrepreneurial ventures, her greatest joy is her family. She has been blessed with a loving husband of 39 years, four wonderful sons, a cherished daughter-in-love, and the light of her life— her granddaughter, Wren. God has also blessed Desiree with an amazing goddaughter and godson who hold a special place in her heart. Outside of work, Desiree enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, traveling—especially visits to Haymarket, Virginia—vacationing, exercising, and creating meaningful memories with the people she loves. These relationships keep her grounded and continually remind her that true success is measured not only by professional achievements but by the lives we impact and the legacy we leave behind.
Stacy Paige
Work Experience Following Stacy’s continued service as Treasurer, she was also asked to take on the additional responsibility of overseeing the Assessor’s Office. After the full-time Assessor retired in January 2026, the City transitioned to a part-time Assessor schedule of two days per week. Stacy provides oversight of the Assessing Office, including staff supervision and administrative responsibilities, ensuring continuity of operations and support for departmental functions. Stacy worked in many different capacities throughout her life, beginning at the age of 14. Her first job was at a local laundromat, pressing and folding airline linens. She regularly worked 20 to 30 hours per week. Growing up, her family did not have much, so working was never just about earning spending money - it was about contributing, becoming independent, and building a future. That work ethic has stayed with her throughout her life. After graduating from high school in 1991, Stacy began her career with Comerica Bank, working there for nearly 11 years. She advanced through several positions, including Lockbox Clerk, Teller I, Teller II, Head Teller, later transferring to the Check Loss and Fraud Department. These roles strengthened her financial knowledge, attention to detail, customer service skills, and ability to manage risk and solve problems. During her time at Comerica, Stacy also earned her B.S. in Information Technology. In 2001, she joined Romulus Community Schools, working for eight years as an Office Secretary. While that was the official title, Stacy actually wore many hats. Depending on the day’s needs, she served as an acting nurse checking students’ blood sugar, assisted with counseling students, handled disciplinary matters including suspensions and re-entry meetings, and supported security-related situations to help protect students during difficult circumstances, sometimes involving family concerns. While working full-time for the school district, Stacy earned her M.A. in Elementary Education. Balancing full-time work with graduate studies strengthened her discipline, time management, and commitment to continuous learning. Each of these experiences strengthened her leadership, communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills. They reinforced the importance of listening first, understanding each situation, and working collaboratively to find practical solutions. These skills continue to serve her in her role as City Treasurer. Municipal Projects It became a long-term effort impacted by unforeseen delays, including COVID-19 and contractor availability. Despite those challenges, in 2025, when the Mayor asked her to take on oversight of the project, she gladly accepted. The City residents had already waited long enough, and Stacy wanted to ensure the project moved forward and was completed as efficiently as possible. She worked closely with contractors throughout the process to ensure precision, accuracy, and respect for every detail. More than 500 bricks were carefully verified, recreated, and installed in their original locations. Each inscription—including names, ranks, titles, and dates—was reviewed for accuracy. When discrepancies were identified, families were contacted to ensure corrections were made prior to engraving. Families also had the option to order additional bricks to be placed together in available space. The original bricks were preserved and returned to families upon request, and the completed project included thoughtful landscaping to enhance the memorial space. This project required coordination, patience, and attention to detail, but it was deeply rewarding. Stacy felt honored to help restore and expand a space dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans. The ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony was held on Memorial Day, including full military honors, a Huey flyover with three selected veterans aboard, a keynote address by a General, a family roll call, and traditional elements carried forward from the original dedication. The majority of the program was led by veterans, honoring the original spirit of the ceremony. MMTA Involvement Stacy was appointed Parliamentarian to the 2024/2025 MMTA Board. Due to health issues, she stepped away from that role. The following year, Stacy returned to the board by being elected to the 2025/2026 MMTA Board as Director. Stacy is actively involved on several MMTA committees, including the Fall Conference Committee, Legislative Committee, Professional Development Committee, and Education Committee. She consistently volunteers wherever needed at MMTA events, believing that supporting the organization is as important as participating in it. MMTA has played a significant role in Stacy’s professional development, and she values the education, networking, mentorship, and relationships it has provided throughout her career. Professional Organizations Involvement In 2025, Stacy was elected Trustee for the Michigan Cooperative Liquid Assets Securities System (Michigan CLASS), where she serves in a governance role supporting local government investment and pooled cash management. As a board member, she helps develop and maintain governing policies while being actively engaged in the organization’s affairs. Since 2010, Stacy has volunteered with the AARP Tax-Aide Program as an IRS-certified volunteer tax preparer. Each year, she completes required IRS training and passes certification exams to provide free tax preparation services. This program primarily serves seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-to-moderate-income taxpayers, and allows her to give back to her community. Stacy also serves as Treasurer for the Romulus Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the Romulus Drug Task Force. In addition, she is actively involved in the Martin Luther King Jr. Committee, Pumpkin Festival Committee, Goodfellows Committee, Pension Committee, and Romulus Chamber of Commerce. She is also a former participant in Relay for Life. Education
Stacy remains committed to lifelong learning through continuing education, professional conferences, and training opportunities in municipal finance, treasury management, investing, and public administration. Professional Recognition
Personal Strength and Support In her personal time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends, which allows her to recharge and maintain a healthy balance between her professional and personal life. Stacy also participated in the 2006 Michigan Breast Cancer 3-Day, completing a 60-mile walk after months of training and fundraising. This experience was both physically challenging and deeply meaningful, as it supported an important cause and demonstrated perseverance, dedication, and commitment. In addition, she completed the 13.1-mile Detroit Free Press International Half Marathon (DET18 & DET19), which was another rewarding accomplishment that required training, discipline, and endurance.
Melinda Weaver
Work Experience After a promotion to Foreclosure Manager, Melinda oversaw all aspects of the county's foreclosure program. Responsibilities included supervising foreclosure operations, managing staff, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, coordinating property auctions, overseeing property disposition activities, and collaborating with legal counsel, local governments, and community stakeholders. In this role, she developed strong leadership, project management, and operational oversight skills while improving the efficiency and effectiveness of foreclosure processes. Melinda became Deputy Treasurer in 2018, assuming broader financial and administrative responsibilities within the Calhoun County Treasurer’s Office. She assisted in directing treasury operations, property tax collection, cash management, investment activities, budgeting, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance while also supervising staff, coordinating audits, implementing process improvements, managing taxpayer relations, and serving as a key advisor to the Treasurer. This position expanded her expertise in public finance, organizational leadership, and strategic planning. In 2025, Melinda was appointed County Treasurer, assuming executive leadership of the Treasurer's Office. As County Treasurer, she oversees property tax administration, revenue collection, cash and investment management, foreclosure administration, financial reporting, statutory compliance, and departmental budgeting. She also provides strategic leadership for office personnel, collaborates with county administration and elected officials, develops policies and procedures to improve operational effectiveness, and represents the Treasurer’s Office in matters involving taxpayers, local governments, and community stakeholders. In this role, Melinda is committed to fiscal responsibility, transparency, and delivering exceptional public services. Prior to getting involved in county government, Melinda spent more than 14 years working in the nonprofit sector building a strong foundation in public service, community engagement, program administration, and organizational leadership. As Manager of Senior Transportation, she managed transportation services for senior citizens through a Community Action agency, overseeing daily operations, staff coordination, scheduling, budgeting, and compliance with grant and program requirements. Her responsibilities included ensuring safe and reliable transportation services, managing community partnerships, addressing client needs, and improving service delivery for vulnerable populations. Melinda also served as Assistant to the CEO. In this position, she provided executive-level administrative and operational support, assisted with strategic initiatives, coordinated board and committee activities, prepared reports and presentations, managed special projects, and served as a liaison between executive leadership, staff, community partners, and stakeholders. Municipal Projects Melinda has also partnered with Independent Bank to benefit homeowners in her community by reinvesting foreclosure dollars. The joint program provides financial assistance to eligible homebuyers who may receive a $6,000 grant from the Calhoun County Treasurer for either a down payment and/or closing costs and up to an additional $2,000 from Independent Bank for closing costs. As part of Melinda’s ongoing involvement in professional organizations that focus on community development and financial empowerment, she actively works to advance programs that promote sustainable homeownership. This partnership with Independent Bank reflects her commitment to leveraging professional networks and resources to create meaningful, community‑centered solutions that benefit Calhoun County residents. MMTA Involvement Melinda served as Communications Chair, with the responsibility for helping oversee member communications, promoting association activities and educational opportunities, and ensuring members remained informed about important updates, events, and resources. She currently serves as the Membership Chair, focusing on member recruitment, engagement, and retention. In this role, she works to welcome new members, facilitate networking opportunities, encourage participation in association activities, and help ensure that new treasury professionals receive the support and resources needed to become active and successful members of the organization. In addition to Board responsibilities, Melinda serves on MMTA planning committees, assisting with the development and coordination of conferences, training programs, educational sessions, and other events designed to provide valuable professional development opportunities for MMTA members. This work includes collaborating with fellow committee members to identify relevant topics, enhance member engagement, and ensure the success of association events. Melinda’s involvement with MMTA has provided opportunities to contribute to the advancement of the treasury profession while building strong relationships with municipal finance professionals throughout Michigan. Through her Board service, committee work, and leadership roles, she remains committed to promoting professional excellence, continuing education, and collaboration within the local government finance community. Professional Organization Involvement Melinda currently serves on the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Battle Creek. As a board member, she helps support the organization's mission of strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Her responsibilities include providing strategic guidance, supporting organizational goals, and helping ensure the YMCA continues to serve the needs of individuals and families throughout the community. Melinda also serves on the Board of Directors for the Calhoun County Land Bank Authority, currently holding the position of Board Chair. In this leadership role, she works with fellow board members and community partners to address issues related to vacant, abandoned, and tax- foreclosed properties. The Land Bank Authority plays an important role in neighborhood revitalization, economic development, and returning underutilized properties to productive use within the community. Melinda is also a member of the Cereal City Sunrise Rotary, where she participates in community service initiatives, networking opportunities, and charitable projects that support both local and international causes. Rotary membership has provided valuable opportunities to collaborate with community leaders while contributing to service projects that improve the quality of life for residents throughout the region. Melinda is deeply committed to leadership and service, with her involvement in organizations reflective of her dedication to professional excellence, lifelong learning, community development, and public service. Through board leadership, committee participation, and volunteer service, she has been able to contribute to initiatives that strengthen both the treasury profession and the communities she serves. Education Melinda holds the following certifications:
Professional Recognition Commitment to Professional Development Family and community have always been at the center of Melinda’s life and have helped shape her commitment to public service. She is a proud parent of two adult children—a son and a daughter—and has been blessed to welcome a daughter-in-law into their family. One of her greatest joys is being a grandparent to three wonderful grandchildren, cherishing every opportunity to spend time with them and watch them grow. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Melinda enjoys spending time outdoors, especially during the summer months. She loves gardening, being in the sunshine, and finding opportunities to relax and enjoy nature. She also values spending quality time with her boyfriend, family, and friends. Family remains one of her highest priorities and she particularly treasures the time spent with her mother, who is 86 years old. Melinda says that she is grateful for the close relationship they share, and continues to be inspired by her wisdom, strength, and life experiences. Whether through professional work, volunteer leadership, or personal life, Melinda believe in the importance of building strong relationships, supporting others, and giving back to the community. These values have guided her throughout her career and continue to influence both her personal and professional endeavors. |
