City of Muskegon Celebrates Two Employees as Finalists for 2025 ATHENA on the Lakeshore Award

October 13, 2025

We’re proud to share that two City of Muskegon employees—Dwana Thompson and LeighAnn Mikesell—were both recognized as finalists for the prestigious 2025 ATHENA on the Lakeshore Award!

The ATHENA Award honors women who demonstrate exceptional leadership, professional excellence, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in their communities. It’s a distinguished recognition, and having two of our own employees nominated in the same year is something truly special.

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Dwana Thompson – EEO & Employee Relations Director
Dwana Thompson has spent over 18 years championing fairness, inclusion, and organizational integrity for the City of Muskegon. As EEO & Employee Relations Director, she manages discrimination investigations, risk and liability concerns, and develops initiatives that strengthen diversity, equity, inclusion, and workplace safety.

Dwana’s “workplace family” approach builds trust, mentors emerging leaders, and drives meaningful change while ensuring compliance with federal and state laws. She gained national recognition when quoted in The New York Times for her leadership in implementing the Work Share Program during the COVID-19 pandemic, which helped reduce layoffs and stabilize local businesses.

Beyond her city role, Dwana serves on the boards of Baker College and the Julia Hackley Fund, participates in the MLK Unity Breakfast Committee, the Muskegon Rotary Club, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and co-facilitates the Leadership Collective—championing systemic change and mentoring the next generation of leaders.

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LeighAnn Mikesell – Deputy City Manager
LeighAnn Mikesell has dedicated her career to building stronger, more connected communities through vision and collaboration. As Deputy City Manager, she spearheaded the creation of the Community Engagement Department—a groundbreaking hub that connects residents, staff, businesses, and visitors through better communication and real-time tools.

Under her leadership, engagement across the city has grown significantly, strengthening trust and collaboration. LeighAnn has also shaped policies that prioritize people and progress, guiding the adoption of a comprehensive tax incentive policy, advancing the city’s seven-year capital and equity cohort, modernizing systems, streamlining operations, and expanding regional partnerships to better serve unhoused residents.

A mentor and collaborator at heart, LeighAnn leads with compassion, purpose, and integrity, leaving a lasting impact on the city she serves.

Congratulations to Dwana and LeighAnn! Muskegon is proud to have such inspiring leaders shaping our city and our community every day.