CPAN Staff

Nicole M. Cook took on the role of Administrative Director for the Coalition Protecting Auto No Fault (CPAN) in May 2009. Prior to joining CPAN, she worked as a paralegal specializing in the areas of environmental, municipal, and drain law, in addition to general litigation. She received her Associate Degree in Business in Paralegal Studies in 2001 and further obtained her Bachelor Degree in Business Administration/Management from Northwood University in 2007. She is an association member of the State Bar of Michigan, and was elected Chair of the State Bar Paralegal/Legal Assistant Section from 2008-2009. She has been a guest speaker at paralegal functions in Michigan. She served eight years in the United States Army Reserves and received an Army Achievement Medal in 1997 for Meritorious Services and an Honorable Discharge in 2002, after completing her military obligation.

George T. Sinas, Sinas, Dramis, Brake, Boughton, & McIntyre, General Counsel

George T. Sinas is a senior shareholder in the law firm of Sinas, Dramis, Brake, Boughton & McIntyre, P.C. in Lansing, Michigan. He is engaged in the full time practice of law which he limits to the representation of seriously injured persons, their families, and providers. Mr. Sinas received his bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan in 1972 and his law degree from Wayne State University in 1975. He has been recognized in every edition of "The Best Lawyers in America" from 1989 through 2007 in the field of personal injury litigation. He was also recognized as one of "Michigan's Most Influential Lawyers" in 1990 and in 1991 in a survey conducted by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. In 2003, Mr. Sinas received the Ingham County Bar Association Leo A. Farhat Outstanding Attorney Award. Later that same year, he was recognized by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as one of Michigan's 10 Lawyers of the Year for 2003. In 2005, Mr. Sinas received the Legacy Society Professional Service Award from the Brain Injury Association of Michigan for his advocacy on behalf of persons suffering serious brain injury.

Mr. Sinas has written and lectured extensively on the subject of personal injury litigation under the Michigan auto no-fault law. In that regard, he is the author of a widely read case law annotation textbook commonly referred to as the "No-Fault Red Book" and formally entitled "Michigan No-Fault Auto Insurance Decisions." He also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the Michigan State University College of Law where he teaches a course on the Michigan no-fault law. In connection with his teaching duties, Mr. Sinas has co-authored a law school textbook entitled "Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law in Michigan." He has also testified before the Michigan Legislature on several occasions regarding issues dealing with the no-fault law. Mr. Sinas has served as legal counsel to the Coalition Protecting Auto No-Fault (CPAN) since it's inception.

Kevin A. McKinney, McKinney and Associates, Legislative Consultant

Kevin A. McKinney has more than 30 years of experience in the legislative process. McKinney worked for the Senate Majority Leader/Minority Leader for seven years in a variety of positions, including staff director and committee aide to the Senate Administration and Rules Committee. McKinney left the Legislature in 1986 to join a Lansing based multi-client lobbying firm as its first associate.

In September of 1991, McKinney established McKinney & Associates, a multi-client lobbying and consulting firm. The firm specializes in telecommunications, health policy, auto no-fault insurance, grassroots advocacy, PAC development, and government procurement—grants and contracts.

In 2003, McKinney helped with the development and formation of the Coalition Protecting Auto No-Fault (CPAN) and currently serves as the coalition legislative coordinator.

A 1979 graduate of Michigan State University, McKinney is involved in numerous community and civic activities including past president of Lansing 2000 Inc., former chair of the Greater Lansing Convention/Exhibition Authority, former chair of Lansing’s Principal Shopping District Board of Directors and currently serves on the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee and Board of Directors. McKinney also served on the statewide Board of the Brain Injury Association of Michigan.