Wedgwood Announces New Board Appointments

Wedgwood’s NextGen Board

Wedgwood’s NextGen Board, comprised of rising community leaders who strive to make an impact in West Michigan through support and advocacy of Wedgwood Christian Services, has newly appointed leadership. Emily Quellet (DeHaan Homes) and Lynzey Gibbons (Steelcase) are serving as Co-Chairs of Wedgwood’s NextGen Board.

“I am so honored and excited to be a small part of Wedgwood’s story through serving as one of the co-chairs on the NextGen Board, said Lynzey Gibbons, newly appointed NextGen Co-Chair. “The NextGen Board is an incredible group of people, serving a phenomenal organization.”

“I am honored and humbled to be able to help lead this amazing NextGen Board as co-chair,” said Emily Quellet, NextGen Co-Chair. “I could not have asked for a better group of individuals to serve on this board. They are all extremely talented and have servant hearts that transcends into their roles on the board. Together, our goal as the NextGen Board is to use our own resources and connections to broaden the reach of Wedgwood.”

Wedgwood welcomed Israel Hipólito (Greenridge Realty of Holland), Mitch Konynenbelt (EY) and DeAnne Mosey (Cascade Engineering) as the newest members of the NextGen Board.

The NextGen Board is dedicated to advancing the mission of Wedgwood Christian Services by increasing awareness of the organization within their circles of influence, making a positive impact in the lives of Wedgwood clients, supporting agency events, and providing feedback on strategic planning for NextGen initiatives.

Members of the NextGen Board volunteer their time, talents, and professional expertise and resources. They also have opportunities to network socially and professionally with their peers, and further develop their leadership skills.

“Essentially, we all just want to show our community that Wedgwood is a safe place for those who are hurting,” said Quellett. “As a woman of color, I know firsthand how taboo it is asking for help in my culture. At one point my mother and I were struggling to find affordable housing and where our next meal was coming from. Working three jobs, my mother never asked for help. I want our community members to know that it’s okay to ask for help. Whether its addiction, autism, sex trafficking, or basic counseling services, Wedgwood has programs in place to offer help and support. I hope to bring my background and experiences to lead this NextGen board to new and exciting heights. Together, our passion as a board will be heard around our community.”

“Wedgwood never ceases to amaze me with the grace-filled care that they provide to those most in need,” added Gibbons. “The scope of Wedgwood’s services and their willingness to pivot in order to tackle the hardest of problems in our community is astounding.”

Tyler Smies (The First Tee West Michigan) is serving as secretary, and Andrew Norden (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices) is serving as Board Advisor. Members appointed to serve as Executive Board Liaisons include:

• Advancement Committee Liaison: Karen Mulki (OMT Vehyl)
• Operations Committee Liaison: Matt Baxter (The Wedge)
• Finance Committee Liaison: Taylor Walburg (Ventura Manufacturing)

“We are so grateful to have an incredibly talented group of young professionals that advocate on behalf of the youth, adults, and families who rely on Wedgwood’s grace filled care,” said Kori Thompson, Wedgwood’s Advancement Officer. “Their leadership and insight help make our work possible and make a tangible and lasting impact in our community.”

Wedgwood Christian Services Executive Board of Directors

New officers and committee assignments have been appointed for Wedgwood’s Board of Directors. Members of the Board of the Directors provide oversight for Wedgwood’s President/CEO, and guidance for the strategic planning and vision for the organization.

• Officer appointments:
  • Board Chair: Jake Dunlop (Rhoades McKee)
  • Vice Chair: Tom Stritzinger (Comerica Bank)
  • Secretary: Erin Magley (Ottawa County Circuit Court)
  • Treasurer: Matt McGowan (Wells Fargo)
• Committees Assignments
  • Advancement Committee:
    • Andrea Karsten (Wells Fargo Advisors), Brad Bruinsma (NAI Wisinski of West Michigan), Cathy Atsma (Harvest Health), Jane Zwiers, Vicky Ludema
  • Operations Committee:
    • Dan Baisch (Acrisure), Erin Magley (Ottawa County Circuit Court), Dr. Fred Reyelts (Mercy Health Physician Partners), Jake Dunlop (Rhoades McKee), Dr. Lisa Lowery (Spectrum Health/MSU)
  • Finance Committee:
    • Jeff Tuori, Jeff VanderWeele (Blueway Financial Partners of Raymond James), Matt McGowan (Wells Fargo)
  • Compensation Committee:
    • Woody VandenBosch (Foster Swift), Tom Stritzinger (Comerica Bank)

 

Wedgwood Foundation Board of Directors

The Board of Directors for the Wedgwood Foundation appointed four new board members:

• Dale Bryant (Lumbermen’s) 
• Liz Cook (Deloitte & Touche)
• Adrienne Jamail (Deloitte & Touche)
• Rachael Roseman (Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge)

Officers for the Wedgwood Foundation Board of Directors include:

• Chairperson: Sharon Dykhouse (Morgan Stanley)
• Vice Chair: Michael Zahrt (Foster Swift)
• Secretary: Bill Bruinsma (Huntington Bank)
• Treasurer: Gary Raterink (Wedgwood Christian Services)

Members of this board provide leadership and oversight for the Wedgwood Foundation which was established in 1990 as a separate legal entity to encourage, receive, and manage gifts and bequests of cash, securities, property, and life insurance policies. In addition, the Foundation issues income-generating Charitable Gift Annuities and Charitable Remainder Trusts. All of the charitable opportunities are for the sole benefit of Wedgwood Christian Services thus ensuring charitable gift deductions to donors. By making a planned gift to the Wedgwood Foundation, donors will help vulnerable children and families well beyond their lifetime.