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With 2012 in full swing and new projects underway such as the addition of the Philip I. Club location, Boys & Girls Clubs of Grands Rapids Youth Commonwealth (BGCGRYC) is excited to add five new names to their Board of Directors roster. The continued dedication of the Board allows them to provide the best possible support and experiences for the Grand Rapids youth served by the Steil and Seidman Boys & Girls Clubs. New Board additions include the following community members:
Thomas A. Braun
Thomas A. Braun serves as Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor for Fifth Third Bank Western Michigan. In this role, he provides relationship management and wealth planning services to Private Bank clients. Prior to joining Fifth Third Bank, Tom held a number of executive level positions at Ford Motor Company, Apogee Enterprises and Fabric Services. He has had extensive exposure to equity market transactions, mergers, acquisitions, equity compensation plan design and administration. He has nearly 20 years of industry experience. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and holds his Series 7 & 66 Securities Licenses, as well as his Life and Health Insurance License. He serves as a Board Member for MGA and the Grand Rapids Storm, and volunteers his time with the Seidman Boys & Girls Club, Kids Food Basket and the United Way.
Elias J. Neujahr
Elias J. Neujahr has been named vice president, operations, Spectrum Health Medical Group and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. In this new role, Neujahr will have responsibility for medical group and hospital operations in a model that supports integration and collaboration. Neujahr comes to Grand Rapids from Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, where he served as vice president, clinical resources. He was previously with The Children’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado. Neujahr received his Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University. He obtained his Master of Business Administration and Master of Healthcare Administration degrees from the University of Colorado.
Derek Hunderman
Derek Hunderman provides integral, all encompassing leadership to Colliers International in Grand Rapids. His primary focus of continually improving their client’s experience is achieved by teaming with client’s, advisors, and staff to insure the
resources and skills that are provided always exceed expectations. Mr. Hunderman excelled as an advisor for six years due to his passion for people. Known for his superb client service, he consistently furthered his technical knowledge of the industry and became known for consistently excellent reviews. Over this time period, he gained the respect of not only his clients but also of his peers. He further received unanimous peer support through the formation of his current leadership position, Managing Partner.
Derek’s passion, vision, and history of excellent transactional-focused work coupled with his unique ability to serve, guide, and assist those around him make him a tremendous asset both to his clients and as a leader of our organization.
Prior to working at Colliers, Mr. Hunderman worked at Gill Industries & Lopez Industries in both the Sales and Operations departments. Mr. Hunderman has also worked at GR Spring & Stamping in Grand Rapids, MI. Mr. Hunderman received his Bachelor of
Arts degree from Calvin College. He majored in Religion & Theology and remains involved in the Redeemer Church in Ada, MI as well as the Worldwide Christian Schools.
Kate Arnold-Botma
Kate Arnold-Botma was born and raised in Mid-Michigan and has lived in the Grand Rapids area for 22 years. Kate has had a life long career in the radio business, now 22 years, and is currently the Regional Sales Manager at Cumulus Radio. Kate comes in contact with many decision makers and business leaders in the community because of the position she holds at Cumulus. Part of Kate's job is to create, implement and over see many promotions whether for a client, the company she works for or a local charity. She is extremely knowledgeable about the market place and marketing businesses and plans to help the Boys & Girls Club with her diverse abilities. She has a passion for helping kids and loves devoting her time to those in need. She strongly believes the Boys & Girls Club as an established program dedicated to making a difference in the lives of young children and looks forward to the opportunity in becoming part of that difference. Kate has a passion for decorating, spending time with friends, donating her time to others, and enjoying her cottage. She enjoys spending time with her husband and her two puggle dogs.
Jeff Cousins
Jeff Cousins is cun·ently the President of Health Care Management LLC and Kraft Business Systems, information about the companies below. He attended Cornerstone University and received his BS in Business Administration. Jeff has been manied for over 28 years to Patti, who currently works at Kraft Business Systems along with Brandon Cousins, his eldest child. He has four children, including Brandon, and 2 grandchildren. He has been a part of over 10 boards in the last 20 years, was a former two-term Kent County Republican Chairman, and has been a member of the Business Technology Association (BTA) for over 16 years. Jeff took some time away from board work to concentrate on growing his companies, and focus on developing his staff. Jeff is always looking for ways to keep his business at the forefront of technology, by expanding the networks of products he offers and partnering with several technology and healthcare companies in West Michigan. Jeff has received numerous awards for his work with Kraft Business Systems and the community including:
Panasonic Platinum Dealer of the year 2004/05/06/07/08
Lexmark Platinum Dealer of the year 2008
Key Leasing Platinum Vendor ofthe year 2006/07/08
Grand Rapids Jaycees Foundation Outstanding Young People of Grand Rapids (1997)
BGCGRYC is grateful for the new growth of the organization’s Board and the solidarity of the current Board. Please see below for a full list of Board Members (including new names) and click here for more information regarding BGCGRYC.
Board Members 2012
Chief Kevin Belk – President
Michelle Wickens – VP, Resource Development
Jon Hess – VP, Operations
Dustin Hopkins – Treasurer/Secretary
Thomas Braun
Kate Arnold-Botma
Jeff Cousins
Henry Emrich
Vicki Gaviglio
Susan Hascall
Derek Hunderman
Lisa Hunter
Marcus Jones
Robert Kaminski
Elias Neujahr
Isaac Norris
J.K. Symancyk
Bob VanderWeide
Jason Zylstra
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