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Leadership Grand Rapids applications are available every December and are due on the first Friday of May. If you are interested in participating in any of the Center for Community Leadership's programs visit www.cclgr.org for more information or contact Lizzie Williams at [email protected]!
The Center for Community Leadership (CCL), the community leadership program of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce the community leaders who will participate in the 2012 Leadership Grand Rapids Program.
Thirty-three individuals were selected from more than 70 applicants. Participants represent the community as a whole - diverse in sector, gender, ethnicity and experience. Each member demonstrated leadership qualities both personally and professionally, and a desire to serve Grand Rapids.
“This is an outstanding group of people who are committed to learning more about their community and how they and their organizations can contribute to building a community of uncommon greatness,” says Director of Center for Community Leadership, Jordan O’Neil.
The class attended a two-day opening retreat this past weekend, and will meet monthly from October through May to explore key community issues shaping the future of Grand Rapids, including essential needs, community health, economic prosperity and talent development.
Following completion of the program, the class members will be prepared to serve Grand Rapids as a community trustee – a leader who accepts the shared responsibility on behalf of the whole community to ensure the common good.
The Leadership Grand Rapids Class of 2012 includes:
Nick Adamy, Adamy Valuation Advisors
Raul Alvarez, Grand Rapids Community College
Ryan Anderson, Steelcase Inc.
Tony Baker, Ferris State University
Rick Beerhorst, Studio Beerhorst
Ashanti Bryant, Grand Rapids Christian Schools
Mary Buikema, Habitat for Humanity of Kent County
Michael Chabot, Johnson Controls, Inc.
Michael Demos, DTE Energy
Jeremy DeRoo, LINC Community Revitalization Inc.
Steffany Dunker, Spectrum Health
Nkechy Ezeh, Aquinas College
Elizabeth Gensler, Food Security Network Coordinator
Chris Glass, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
Deborah Guyton, Saint Mary's Health Care
Bradley Hecksel, Coldwell Banker AJS-Schmidt Realtors
Joann Hoganson, Kent County Health Department
Robert Kimball, Grand Valley State University
Kathleen Koch
Bill Luke, Amway
Brian May, Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
Joseph Novakoski, Elzinga & Volkers, Inc.
Randy Osmun, The SOURCE
Shlynn Rhodes, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Karynn Sikkema, Professional Benefit Services
Philip Skaggs, Michigan League of Conservation Voters
Angela Steele, Literacy Center of West Michigan
Michael Sytsma, The Bank of Holland
Taggart Town, Erhardt Construction
Steve VanWagoner, Celebration! Cinema
Lynee Wells, Williams & Works
Judy Williams, Jenison Public Schools
John Wittkowski, Grand Rapids Police Department
About the Center for Community Leadership
The Center for Community Leadership is a program of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce committed to enhancing and connecting leaders from business, non-profits and government. For more than 25 years, CCL’s diverse portfolio of programming has empowered participants with a comprehensive understanding of our community’s challenges and opportunities, preparing them for their roles as Community Trustees.
About the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
With more than 120 years of experience creating opportunities for business success, theGrand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce is the premier business membership organization in West Michigan. Though the area’s largest employers are among its 2,700 member businesses, more than 80% of members are small companies with 50 or fewer employees. By helping members connect, grow and succeed, the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce is a community partner that provides value for members, enhances the business climate in the area, and advocates for public policy that supports economic growth and vitality.
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