Charlie Wondergem is co-founder and a board member of the Billy Bear Hug Foundation (BBH), an organization formed to honor the life of his older brother, Billy, an aspiring pediatric oncologist who passed away at the age of 24, just prior to entering medical school. Since 2011, BBH has provided the "cure of comfort" to…
Phil is the Client Relationship Executive for Private Company Services leading business development for the entire Michigan market – based in PwC’s Detroit office. Phil serves as a member of PwC’s US Automotive team and has nearly 25 years of experience in the auto sector. His industry experience ranges from consulting assignments with firms such…
John Baxter - Western Michigan Area Chair, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves (ESGR) John joined the US Navy, and served from 1966-1969. Served with the Military Headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization from 1966-1968. Volunteered for Vietnam in 1968 and was assigned to MACV HQ(Saigon): The Military Assistance Command Vietnam (Saigon) with various Advanced…
Eric Payne began his tenure as Police Chief on July 22, 2019. With more than 30 years of experience with the Grand Rapids Police Department, Chief Payne remains focused on the priority areas of safety, community policing, transparency, staffing and training. Chief Payne grew up in Dowagiac, Michigan. He attended Grand Valley State University (GVSU),…
Michelle Van Dyke serves as President & CEO of Heart of West Michigan United Way and has held this position since January 2016. Previously, Michelle was the president of Fifth Third Mortgage Company. Michelle joined Fifth Third Bank in 2001 through the acquisition of Old Kent Bank, and assumed the position of executive vice president…
Michelle has worked for the Kent County Sheriff’s Office since 1989 in various roles within the Corrections, Patrol, Communications, and Support Services Divisions; she served as Chief Deputy, Undersheriff, and appointed in 2018 as Sheriff. She has worked diligently to implement processes which make the Office of the Sheriff more efficient, transparent and accountable to…
Dr. Kim earned his medical degree from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and completed both his internal medicine residency and an MBA at the University of Michigan. He was also a leader of the healthcare practice at renowned consultancy McKinsey & Co. and an executive at Ascension Health before returning to academic healthcare…
Michael has always been interested in world events and issues—and is a strong advocate of non-partisan grace-filled discourse. He’s fond of Richard Mouw’s description of “convicted civility”—which is “combining a civil outlook with a passionate intensity about our convictions.” Along with wife Loni, he’s been on a number of global adventures—and they’ve served numerous times in…
Kenny Wawsczyk joined the North Country Trail Association (NCTA) as the Regional Trail Coordinator for Michigan in August 2015. Seven years prior he worked seasonally for the U.S Forest Service in the Manistee National Forest as the Trails Crew Leader. Born and raised in White Cloud he still lives close by with his wife Maureen…
Dr. Bernice Patterson is passionate about seeing the worlds of psychology and spirituality come together to speak to the real and relevant needs of the people and organizations that she serves. Through her role as Founder and CEO of Infinity Consultation Group (ICG), Dr. Patterson has been able to craft and deliver thought provoking and…