Our Team
Call Numbers
ARE YOU A YOUTH (18-24) IN CRISIS?
If you are in Southeast Michigan, please call the Coordinated Access Model (CAM) (313) 305-0311
Please click on the phone number below to the shelter closest to you
Covenant House Michigan is open 9 am- 5 pm Monday-Friday
Please call and leave a message or email for a faster response
Detroit Campus
2959 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Detroit, MI 48208
Grand Rapids Campus
26 Antoine Street S.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Gerald J. Piro
Executive
Director
Gerald J. Piro
Executive Director
Gerry cares deeply about the homeless youth population as he has devoted his entire professional career to a ministry of service and advocacy for those who are those in need with little or no resources available to them.
As the Executive Director for Covenant House Michigan, he leads local efforts of the largest homeless youth organization in North and Latin America, overseeing operations at campuses in Detroit and Grand Rapids.
Prior to joining the staff of CHM in 2014, Gerry spent 24 years at a childcare non-profit called Boys Hope Girls Hope. Their mission is to provide academically motivated children in need with wrap around residential services and placement in a private college-prep environment. Gerry advanced through several roles of progressive responsibility at Boys Hope Girls Hope to the position of Executive Vice President overseeing the executive staff of all 30 homes in 15 locations throughout the United States.
Gerry is an ethical visionary with a strong financial acumen having earned CHM the coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for the past four years. This award recognizes CHM’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency.
Under his guidance, CHM undertook a $4 million capital campaign to build a second campus in Grand Rapids with a 28-bed shelter. In his tenure, he has also strengthened CHM’s programming and raised vital awareness about youth homelessness in Michigan.
In 2017, Wayne State University awarded CHM the Dr. Arthur L. Johnson Community Leadership Award for their partnership with the students enrolled at WSU’s Co-Curricular Programs at the School of Medicine, a partnership Gerry was determined to continue.
Originally from New York City, Gerry has resided in the Detroit area for over two decades. He holds advanced degrees in both Rehabilitation Counseling and Theological Studies as well as a CAC certificate for substance abuse. He belongs to the Michigan Federation of Children and Family Services and has presented training workshops at the request of the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness.
Cynthia Adams
Associate
Executive Director
Cynthia Adams
Associate Executive Director
Cynthia Adams, Associate Executive Director, began working for Covenant House Michigan over 20 years ago. When Covenant House opened in Michigan in 1997, she developed programming for the agency that started with Community Service Centers, an Outreach program and a Job Development Center. Ms. Adams also developed the current residential programs (Caritas Center and the Rights of Passage Transitional Living program). She strives to supervise and implement services that reflect the mission and vision of Covenant House. In addition, she oversees operations of the organization in the absence of the Executive Director.
Prior to coming to Covenant House Michigan, Ms. Adams was employed at Boysville of Michigan (now Holy Cross Children’s Services). While there she managed residential and detention programs for delinquent youth.
Ms. Adams has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan and is licensed through the State of Michigan.
In addition, Ms. Adams is actively involved with her church, Word of Faith Christian Center, where she regularly volunteers with the Children’s Ministry.
Ida Benson
Director
Development & Communications
Ida Benson
Director, Development & Communications
Ida Benson joined Covenant House Michigan as the Director of Development and Communications in 2017. Her team is responsible for all fundraising and communications statewide including direct response, special events, individual and planned giving, grants, corporate giving, volunteer management and gifts-in-kind.
Ms. Benson comes to CHM with over 25 years success in major giving, capital campaigns, marketing, team building and foundation and corporate relations. Her portfolio of achievements includes raising an individual career high of $30 million in combined development revenue for numerous hospitals, medical centers and national and local non-profit organizations. Prior to joining CHM, Ms. Benson spent four years with the Epilepsy Foundation national office as the Regional Director of Individual Giving, raising major gifts across the country to support epilepsy research.
Ms. Benson is a long-time member of the Association of Fund Raising Professionals, as well as a frequent public speaker to local networking groups about fundraising and non-profit management. She is a proud Michigan State University alumnae and lives in Oak Park with her husband, several young adult children, two big dogs and one elderly cat.
Jeff Coffey
Property
Director
Jeff Coffey
Property Director
Jeff Coffey has served at Covenant House Michigan for over seven years. In his current role as Director of Property Management and Auxiliary Services, he handles all aspects of the Covenant House Michigan-owned buildings in the Detroit and Grand Rapids area. He is responsible for all facility construction projects, building maintenance, oversees city & state licensing/code compliance, purchasing, campus security, food service management, housekeeping, transportation, and is also the facility-liaison to four Covenant House Academy Charter schools. Coffey is a member of the CHM Executive Leadership Team & Incident Review Committee.
Mr. Coffey also oversees the CHM Information technology department and is responsible for its network, email, access control, and all other IT-related systems and support.
Prior to coming to Covenant House Michigan, Mr. Coffey worked at Sisters, Servants of IHM as the Facilities Operations Director and Facilities Coordinator at Trinity Health. He has over 20 years of Facilities management experience.
A Veteran of the US Army, Mr. Coffey completed the Bachelor’s of Business Leadership program (BBL) at Baker college and also has an Associates degree in General Studies from Macomb Community College.
Residing near Ann Arbor, MI, Mr. Coffey enjoys spending time with his wife and their young daughter.
Y’vonne R. McGhee, PHR
Director
Human Resources
Y’vonne R. McGhee, PHR
Director of Human Resources
Y’vonne is an accomplished and innovative human resources visionary with over 19 years of experience across multiple industries delivering comprehensive HR services. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Cleary University, and holds a certificate as a Professional in Human Resources. Most recently she served as a member of the senior leadership team in her role as the Human Resources Director for a nonprofit company. Using her forward thinking and collaborative approach, Y’vonne has provided guidance to senior management and blended workforces of unionized and exempt employees on workforce issues. Her strengths are talent acquisition, labor management, and staff development. She has a successful track record with execution, implementation and management for on/off boarding and benefit administrative programs, including leave of absence. She embraces best practices that support business needs while also modernizing policies and launching meaningful initiatives that promotes employee engagement.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kellie
Ray
Kellie Ray
Chairperson of the Board
CPA, Partner
Plante Moran
Kellie holds a bachelor of business administration degree and a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business. She is committed to the success of Plante Moran’s diverse staff members, serving as a member and partner liaison to Plante Moran’s Affinity Network Staff Resource Group for LGBTQ staff and allies. Kellie serves as a board member for Covenant House Michigan and recently participated in New Detroit’s 50th Anniversary Racial Healing Project.
Victoria
Burton-Harris
Victoria Burton-Harris
Valued Board Member
Chief Assistant Prosecutor, Washtenaw County
Victoria Burton-Harris serves as the Chief Assistant Prosecutor for Washtenaw County. Victoria was appointed to this position January 1st, 2021 by Prosecutor Eli Savit.
Victoria M. Burton-Harris is a native of Flint and a graduate of Flint Southwestern Academy. She earned a B.A. in Political Science and African American Studies from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. She graduated from Wayne State University Law School in 2012. During her time at Wayne Law, Victoria taught high school students at Southeastern High School and worked at the Free Legal Aid Clinic as a student advocate for underprivileged families. Passionate about the relationship between law, social justice and equality, she began preparing for a career focused on criminal law and social justice. Victoria served as president of the Black Law Students Association, where she encouraged students to use their legal experience to create positive change for community residents. In 2014, Victoria opened a private firm in the heart of downtown Detroit specializing in family law and criminal defense at the state and federal trial court level. Victoria has represented hundreds of families across Michigan in cases ranging from child custody to murder. Victoria’s work has been highlighted on CNN, Democracy Now, The Guardian, Essence, The New York Times, The Appeal, The Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News and local Detroit news stations FOX 2 Detroit, WDIV and WXYZ Detroit.
Victoria lives with her husband Robert, their three-year-old son, and their dog, Sasha.
Jeff
Connolly
Jeff Connolly
Valued Board Member
Senior Vice president and President for West Michigan and Upper Peninsula
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Jeffrey L. Connolly is senior vice president and president for West Michigan and Upper Peninsula for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
Connolly is responsible for managing and directing operations for West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula region as well as the URMBT. Critical aspects of his role include growth and profitability for the company, the delivery of high-quality services to consumers and developing and implementing strategic plans for the Health Plan Business division, West Michigan and Upper Peninsula operations. These responsibilities also work to achieve the long-term financial and strategic objectives of the company. Jeff serves as a partner with corporate leadership officials who oversee customer service and provider inquiry functions to ensure consumers’ needs are met in a timely and cost-effective manner. Likewise, Jeff serves as a corporate liaison with Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
From July 2005 through November 2006, Connolly was president and chief executive officer of Aetna’s Midwest Network Access Business. From 1994 to 2005, he held the titles of president, chief executive officer and other executive positions with PPOM. He also served as a senior accountant at Deloitte & Touche LLP from 1990 to 1994. He’s a certified public accountant with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Central Michigan University. Connolly is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants. Connolly serves on the board of directors for Grand Rapids Chambers of Commerce, West Michigan Policy Forum, and Grand Valley State University’s Health Advisory Board. Likewise, he has executive-level roles with Talent 2025, Covenant House and the Regional Air Alliance. In addition to the above contributions and accomplishments, Jeff is a strong financial supporter of many community organizations such as the Arthritis Foundation, United Way, Covenant House, Catholic Charities, March of Dimes, NAACP, Girl Scouts, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids and Alzheimer’s Association
Veronica
Davis
Veronica Davis
Valued Board Member
Senior Underwriter
Quicken Loans
Veronica Davis is a seasoned mortgage underwriter at Quicken Loans, located in downtown Detroit. Veronica plays a key role in changing people’s lives, not only at work with helping people make one of the most important purchases, but also serving as Board member at Covenant House Michigan. She witnessed and experienced the value of helping others as a result of being a part of the population that we serve. Veronica became homeless at the age of 21 and stayed at Covenant House Michigan for six months, moving through the shelter program. Covenant House Michigan helped her move forward while she established full-time employment with Quicken Loans. Since she left the program, Veronica continued her professional growth while climbing the corporate ladder. Veronica is a true success story of how Covenant House Michigan impacts our residents lives every single day.
Tiffany
Ellis
Tiffany Ellis
Valued Board Member
Attorney, Weitz & Luxenberg
As an attorney at Weitz & Luxenberg Tiffany has been a vital part of the firm’s opioid litigation team that represents more than 62 Michigan cities and counties as well as others around the country. In addition, Tiffany helps manage the firm’s sexual abuse and human trafficking practice groups. She regularly represents survivors of sexual abuse and human trafficking including those who were abused by Larry Nassar. She is active in the firm’s class action and antitrust work. She has also developed an expertise in all stages of large scale discovery projects including crafting requests and negotiation, ESI protocols and searches, and document review management.
Tiffany attended undergrad at the University of Missouri and earned her law degree Washington University School of Law in St. Louis in 2011. After earning her LLM, also from Washington University, in 2012 and starting her law career in the former office of a now federal judge, Tiffany moved home to Michigan. She specifically moved to Detroit so she could begin to make an impact in the community and region she always referred to and thought of as home.
As soon as she moved home, Tiffany became involved in the Detroit Bar Association. As member, leader, and later President of the of the Detroit Bar Association Barristers Board (young lawyers), and in cooperation with Former Chief Judge Robert Columbo and the Third District Court, Tiffany helped re-establish the DBA’s annual law day program. For the last six years the DBA and the Third District Court have annually hosted hundreds of Detroit High School students at the CAYMC to hear from prominent members of our legal community, participate in mock arguments in real courtrooms with real judges, and develop positive experiences with the law and our court system. Tiffany now serves as a Detroit Bar Association Director and is active in the organization’s Diversity and Inclusion efforts.
Since 2016 Tiffany served on the CHM Associate Board where she helped raise money and awareness of youth homelessness. In 2021, Tiffany joined the CHM general Board of Directors.
Tiffany is also a bridge between the local and national legal communities Tiffany is a member of the Michigan Association for Justice Executive Board and is on the National Board of Governors and Public Affairs Committee of the American Association for Justice – our country’s premier trial lawyer organization. In addition, she holds memberships in Public Justice, the American Bar Association, and the National Lawyers Guild.
Dan
Garrison
Dan Garrison
Valued Board Member
Senior Managing Director, Accenture
Dan is the Global Delivery Lead for Accenture Interactive and is also the Office Managing Director for Accenture – Detroit. He has 25+ years of corporate consulting experience with first-hand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities related to implementing digital solutions in today’s enterprises.
Dan’s skills strike a unique balance between technology visionary and pragmatic business leader. His work has made the difference between failure and success of programs for Fortune 500 companies across several decades. Dan has an uncanny ability to quickly comprehend highly technical topics and communicate them in a way that aligns business and technical objectives to achieve success. He is a collaborative and charismatic leader that knows how to build high-performing teams.
At his core, Dan is a passionate and relevant technologist that has experience in delivering technical programs with up to $1B budgets, headcount management ranging from teams of three all the way to thousands of people, and a global portfolio of client work. He is particularly passionate about people and talent as he sees this focus as core to building high-performing delivery teams in today’s world. He’s changed the way Accenture builds teams and is driving talent initiatives that focus on providing under-served youth professional opportunities both internal to Accenture as well as in the Detroit market.
Dan is on the advisory board for MTRAC (Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC) Innovation Hub for Advanced Computing Technologies), the executive leadership team for Go Red (American Heart Association), the advisory board for the MSU Mobility Program, and is also on the advisory board for several start-ups. Dan is actively looking for new board opportunities that relate to people, talent, and what Michigan businesses will need to be successful in a post-pandemic world.
Melissa
Jagst
Melissa Jagst
Valued Board Member
Audit Partner
Deloitte
Melissa is an audit partner at Deloitte. She has over 27 years of public accounting experience and has provided audit services to privately and publicly held clients primarily in the healthcare and financial services industries. She has planned, implemented, and managed the delivery of accounting and auditing services to large clients. Her consulting experience includes acquisitions, divestitures, and statutory reporting. She has extensive knowledge in the health care industry, Blue Cross plans, not for profits, auditing alternative investments, and Single Audit compliance. Most recently, Melissa has been has been the lead on accounting for the Provider Relief Fund under the CARES Act and its related compliance audits. She facilitates Deloitte national training seminars and presents to various groups such as the MACPA and the AICPA on accounting and auditing topics. Melissa is the Industry Professional Practice Director focusing on healthcare provider industry matters and works directly with industry leaders on technical matters and a variety of educational and training programs. She also previously served as Deloitte’s Central Region Women’s Initiative Leader.
Professional Activities
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants
Board Positions
Accounting Aid Society of Michigan
Hospice of Michigan Foundation
Education
B.S.B.A. from Central Michigan University
CPA –Michigan
Anne
Lehker
Anne Lehker
Valued Board Member
Anne Lehker was educated as an English teacher and social worker with a BA from Kalamazoo College and her secondary teaching certification and Masters of Social Work from The University of Michigan. When Anne and her husband had twin daughters, Anne turned her education and professional skills into a career as a professional volunteer, enabling her to be home with their daughters while being involved in the local and school community.
Anne served on the Huron Valley Educational Foundation Board and on the Curriculum Committee at Huron Valley Schools. In addition, she participated in three different cycles of the Huron Valley Schools Five Year Strategic Plan Committee, which takes a longer term, big picture approach to shaping the direction of the District. Anne was a member of the Carls Family YMCA Board for ten years. She served as Board Chair and was on the Board when the new Y facility was opened in Milford. As part of her Branch Board service, Anne also participated on the Metro Detroit YMCA Board.
In keeping with Anne’s interests, she was a Scholarship Evaluator for thirteen years for the Center for the Education of Women (CEW) at the University of Michigan. CEW awards scholarships to women and nontraditional students who have had an interruption in their education of at least two years.
One of Anne’s most fulfilling positions has been serving as an Area Representative for Youth For Understanding. In that role, Anne works with local host families and high school foreign exchange students, offering guidance and support during the academic exchange year. Working as an Area Representative has enabled Anne to build lasting relationships with students from many countries who relied on her expertise to navigate the excitement and challenges of being an exchange student.
Sr. Therese
Mac Kinnon D.C.
Sr. Therese Mac Kinnon D.C.
Valued Board Member
Faith Formation Director
Corpus Christi Parish
Sister Therese is a servant leader with significant experience in leadership in the community and in the Catholic Church. She belongs to The Daughters of Charity – a community of women who devote their lives to serving the poorest and most abandoned individuals in today’s society. Currently the Faith Formation Director for Corpus Christi Parish in Detroit, a position she has held since 2011. Corpus Christi Parish is a vibrant multi-cultural faith community located in Northwest Detroit. There, Sr. Therese serves on the board of the Northwest Detroit Youth Coalition and is active in the O’Hair Park Community Association.
Prior to moving to Michigan, Sr. Therese was instrumental as a co-founder of the Marshall Food Distribution Center and Ministerial Alliance Clothing Shop in Illinois Clark County (1992). The agency remains dedicated to supporting Clark County’s poor and working poor with both food and clothing. In 2017, they distributed more than 139,000 pounds of food and more than 190,000 items in the community. St. Therese volunteered at Milwaukee’s Cathedral Women’s Shelter and was the Treasurer to the Vocation Ministers of the Milwaukee Archdiocese. Other leadership roles include membership on the Board of Directors of St. Vincent Hospital and Health Services in Indianapolis, IN and as a member of the Board of Education for the Diocese of Springfield, IL, and a member of the Mobile Archdiocesan Board of Education in Mobile, AL.
Sr. Therese’s educational background includes a BA degree from Marillac College in St. Louis, MO and a Master’s in Religious Education from St. Meinrad School of Theology in St. Meinrad, IN.
Mark
Manzo
Mark Manzo
Valued Board Member
President, Insurance
Ally Financial
Mark Manzo was appointed president of insurance at Ally in the spring of 2018. In this role, he is responsible for all of Ally’s insurance operations including consumer products such as vehicle service contracts, maintenance contracts and GAP coverage as well as commercial property and casualty products for dealers.
Previously, Manzo, a 30-year industry veteran, was senior vice president of the central region and strategic alliances for Ally’s auto finance business, responsible for the sales and portfolio management of more than 3,000 dealer relationships across 11 states with a commercial portfolio exceeding $8 billion. He was also responsible for leading strategic opportunities and business relationships, including all automotive manufacturer preferred provider relationships as well as other strategic OEM relationships and projects. He successfully developed relationships with key dealers and digital providers that helped expand and diversify the business.
Prior to joining Ally in 2009, Manzo held a series of positions with increasing responsibility under the DaimlerChrysler Financial umbrella. He began his career in 1987 as a field auditor at Chrysler Credit and followed this with many key leadership roles including: president and CEO Latin America for Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz Financial in Mexico City, which included responsibility for the operating companies in Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Argentina. Just prior to joining Ally, he was vice president sales and marketing for Chrysler Financial. Manzo began his career shortly after earning his bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania.
Manzo sits on the board of Route One, one of the largest credit application systems in the auto industry, and is also one of the company’s founding members. Manzo supports several charitable organizations and events including VAMOS!, a non-profit that works to empower Mexico’s poor by offering education and job opportunities along with basic human services.
Eric
Pricco
Eric Pricco
Valued Board Member
Corporate Director of Airport Services in DTW
Delta Air Lines
Eric began his airline career with Northwest Airlines in 1999 as an AW Customer Service Agent and then moved to the Below Wing operation in LAN. In 2004 he was promoted to the Station Manager of Customer Service in FWA that also included leadership coverage in DAY, CLE, and IND. He moved to DTW in 2005 to take on a manager position within Fleet Services and continued with leadership positions in International and Ramp Operations. In 2008 Eric was promoted to General Manager of the Below Wing Operation and four years later became the General Manager of the DTW Airport Control Center & Tower Operations. In 2014 Eric was promoted to the Director – Below Wing/Cargo Operations. He currently holds the position of Director-Airport Services, Above Wing and Sky Club Operations and is responsible for all aspects of customer service, including ticket counters, baggage service office, International FIS, Sky Club and gates. Eric greets and meets thousands of customers daily and is a fixture at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
Eric holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University and a Master of Science degree from Michigan State University.
Eric is married with three children. When he is not working he spends much of his time coaching youth sports and going to dance recitals with his daughter.
Jessica
Roy
Jessica Roy
Valued Board Member
Managing Director
Accenture
Jessica is a Managing Director at Accenture in the Detroit office. She has nearly 15 years of experience working with higher education, public sector, and non-for-profit organizations across the country. Jessica focuses on partnering with institutions on transforming their HR operations to enhance the staff, faculty, and student experience while enabling mission-driven initiatives and operational effectiveness across the business. She brings experience in HR strategy and organization design, shared services, process excellences, and transformation supported by cloud-driven technology.
Jessica holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management from Michigan State University and is a lifelong resident of southeastern Michigan. Jessica is known for her commitment to mentorship and service, both at work and within the community. She is a supporter of many organizations and causes throughout the city of Detroit. Prior to her appointment to the Board, she served as the Executive Chair of the Covenant House Michigan Associate Board since 2017. Jessica resides in Royal Oak where she spends her weekends catching up on reading and podcasts while always in search of the best brunch spot in Michigan.
Nicole
Scheffler
Nicole Scheffler
Valued Board Member
Director
Palo Alto Networks
Nicole Scheffler has been a Tech Diva for almost 20 years professionally. By day, she is a Director for Palo Alto Networks. At night, she puts on her cape to help spark success for super women in technology careers. She spent about 15 years of her career prior to Palo Alto Networks at VMware at Cisco Systems also working in engineering and in a Strategy and Planning role. Nicole is the author of three best-selling books, Pillars of Success with Jack Canfield, 1 Habit to Thrive in a Post-Covid World, and 1 Habit of the Greatest Leaders. Nicole co-founded the Diva Tech Talk podcast in 2015, which has now won eight awards, providing a library of women sharing their inspirational and diverse career journeys to spur more women to enter and/or stay in technology. In addition, Nicole founded the Tech Diva Success podcast designed to offer more diverse perspectives which help ignite a real excitement for careers in tech. She speaks often on this topic as a certified Success Coach and offers goal setting courses. Nicole loves exploring future technologies, remaining committed to the community, and spending time outdoors with her family. Connect with her at www.TechDivaSuccess.com.
Paul R.
Smith
Paul R. Smith
Valued Board Member
School Coordinator
CDC Foundation
Paul Smith is in his final year of graduate school at University of Pittsburg GPSIA (Graduate School of Public and International Affairs). His concentration is Public and Nonprofit Management. Paul has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with honors from Ferris State University and College of Central Florida. Paul works for the CDC (Center for Disease Control) Foundation as a School Liaison on the COVID-19 Workforce Surge Staffing Initiative. In addition to the CDC Foundation, Paul works part-time at Volunteers of America as a Case Monitor. Paul currently serves on the Michigan Foster Care Review Board and is an active mediator in Wayne County. During summers in college, Paul worked with Detroit Parent Network as an AmeriCorps VISTA working with families in public schools and BellXcel in Boston working with students in public schools. During college spring break(s) Paul traveled to Miami and Jacksonville, working with local churches and nonprofits completing community service projects. After receiving his undergraduate degree, Paul completed a year of service with AmeriCorps for 11 months completing service projects in five different states. Paul’s first assignment was in New York working with Hurricane Sandy victims as a disaster relief coordinator with the American Red Cross. After completing service projects for a year, Paul received a congressional award from US Congress for his hours of service. Paul then began to work in politics in Florida, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Louisiana. Paul worked as a paid intern in the Office of Mayor Mike Duggan, two gubernatorial elections in Indiana and Michigan, two U.S. Senate elections in Michigan and Louisiana and one Presidential election in Ohio. Moving on from the busy political life, Paul returned to his hometown of Detroit and began working with youth and families with the State of Michigan and Covenant House of Michigan.
Michael
Sytsma
Michael Sytsma
Valued Board Member
President-West Michigan
Key Bank
Michael Sytsma is the KeyBank President of West Michigan. In his role, primary responsibilities include strategic direction for West Michigan, building and leading the West Michigan employee team, growth plans throughout West Michigan, philanthropic engagements, community investments and excellent client service. Sytsma’s banking experience includes commercial middle market, business banking, equipment finance, healthcare, real estate investment and tax credits.
Michael has a history of active community engagement, including current Board Chair of Priority Health, President-elect of Grand Rapids Rotary Club Foundation, Chair of Family Promise advisory board and co-founder & Board Chair of Christophe’s Children. Some other and past organizations to which Sytsma has actively participated include Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan (board member), Humane Society of Kent County (board member), DeColores of Grand Rapids (board member), Mel Trotter Ministries, Degage and Grand Rapids Mayor’s Sustainability Committee.
Michael graduated from Miami University with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance. He has three children and lives in Grand Rapids with his wife, Kristen.
Sheriff Ray
Washington
Sheriff Raphael (Ray) Washington
Valued Board Member
Wayne County Sheriff’s Office
Wayne County Sheriff Raphael Washington’s primary duties are to uphold the constitutional laws of the county. The mandated county duties are the protection of the county parks, courts, and jails. He has nearly four decades of solid law enforcement and management experience. Prior to joining the Sheriff’s Office
in 2009, he worked for 24 years as a Detroit Police Officer. During his 24 years of service to the Detroit Police Department and the citizens of Detroit, he rose to the executive level in that agency. He’s a lifelong Detroit, Michigan, and Wayne County resident with an extensive law enforcement background. He’s
active within the community and serves on several community boards. He uses his knowledge and experience serving as the Director of Security for Greater Grace Temple and Pentecostal Assemblies of the World.
Sheriff Washington is a graduate of Cleary University – earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Management. He is also a graduate of Eastern Michigan University’s School of Police Staff and Command. Graduating from the National FBI Academy Session 248, Sheriff Washington has also earned an Executive Certificate at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School in State and Local Government. Sheriff Washington is also a member of the National Rifle Association and is MCOLES Certified. He has served as a firearms instructor for many years and is passionate about educating the community on gun safety. He holds numerous local and national certifications and seeks to earn many more. Sheriff Washington’s approach to instruction and his personal attention to his students has earned him numerous accolades from those who have attended his classes. As the top leader within the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Washington is committed to serving the citizens of Wayne County.
Dan
Wiggins
Dan Wiggins
Valued Board Member
Vice President, Industry Solutions Group
Cisco
As Vice President of the Industry Solutions group at Cisco, Dan Wiggins is responsible for leading a team
within the Americas that delivers simple, unified and sellable industry solutions to Cisco’s Worldwide
Sales Force. The Industry Solutions group operates globally as a governing body to prioritize and commit
to aligned industry plays, while formulating go-to-market motions to train and enable the field.
Previously, Wiggins led Cisco’s Manufacturing IoT Solutions Sales Area, where he was responsible for
helping Cisco’s largest manufacturing customers create new efficiencies and business value by digitizing
their manufacturing spaces. Prior to that, he served as Vice President of Sales for Global Industries in
Cisco’s Global Enterprise Theater, and was a pioneer in innovative sales and consumption models that
allowed customers to focus on realizing business outcomes from technology.
Wiggins joined Cisco in 1999 with the Service Provider Channels organization and subsequently assumed
various sales and management positions throughout the company including Client Director, and Industry
Director managing a diverse, global team. Before joining Cisco, he held similar sales management
positions at Ameritech Corporation and IBM.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI. Wiggins
lives in Bloomfield Hills, MI with his wife and four children and enjoys running, reading and outdoor
activities.