Tyrone D. Sanders Jr. was born and raised in Detroit , Michigan .  He attended Detroit Renaissance High School graduating in 1987, and thereafter received his undergraduate degree in Telecommunications from Michigan State University in 1992.  During his matriculation at Michigan State , Tyrone began serving his country as a member of the United States Army Reserve from which he was honorably discharged in 1997.   

After graduation, Tyrone spent four years serving as the Legislative Aide to State Senator Virgil Clark Smith.  While under the tutelage of this respected legislator, Sanders developed a passion for politics.  Also while with Senator Smith, Sanders pursued his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing .  There, he distinguished himself as a member of the National Moot Court Team, and was elected to represent his classmates in the Student Senate and on the Alumni Board of Governors.

After completing his law school studies, Tyrone successfully passed the Michigan Bar Exam and was admitted to the practice of law.  That same year, Sanders was hired by SBC Communications to work in its Government Affairs Department as a corporate lobbyist.  After a series of promotions, Tyrone assumed responsibilities as Vice-President of External Affairs where he was responsible for planning and directing the company’s legislative, civic and community involvement activities throughout the state. 

In February 2004, Tyrone joined Lansing-based, multi-client lobbying firm, Public Affairs Associates (PAA), as a partner.  Tyrone’s political experience, corporate management background, and legal training make him an invaluable asset in representing PAA’s vast array of clients in the legislative process.  

In his free time, Tyrone does pro bono legal work and actively participates in other worthwhile causes, including business, civic, social and political organizations.  Currently, Sanders is the Vice-Chair of the Detroit Workforce Development Board and Board Chair of the Southfield Community Foundation.  In addition, he serves on other boards and commissions.  Tyrone is an active member of Hope United Methodist Church in Southfield . In 2000, Sanders was honored by the Black Caucus Foundation of Michigan’s Civic and Humanitarian Award recipient.

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