Wedgwood Announces Board Appointments

Wedgwood Christian Services Executive Board of Directors 

 

Wedgwood Christian Services has appointed Ashely Ward, CEO and Founder of W Talent Solutions (former Hire for Hope) to the agency’s Executive Board of Directors. 

“I am incredibly excited and deeply honored to join the Board of Directors for Wedgwood Christian Services,” said Ward. “As a former client myself, I know firsthand the transformative impact that this organization can have on the lives of young people and families. I am grateful for the opportunity to give back and help shape the future of this amazing organization.” 

“We are excited that Ashley Ward has agreed to bring her talents to Wedgwood as a Board member starting in 2023,” said Tom Stritzinger (Comerica Bank), who was recently appointed as Board Chair of Wedgwood’s Executive Board of Directors. 

Other newly named officers for Wedgwood’s Executive Board of Directors include: 

• Vice Chair – Matt McGowan (Wells Fargo Bank) 
• Treasurer – Jeff Vander Weele (Blueway Financial Partners of Raymond James) 
• Secretary – Erin Magley (Ottawa County Circuit Court) 

“I am honored to serve as the Wedgwood Christian Services Board Chair for 2023,” said Stritzinger. “The Board is committed to ensuring that Wedgwood can fulfill its mission of extending God’s love to at risk youth and their families through residential care, professional counseling and educational services. Wedgwood is blessed to have dedicated employees who bring love, hope and optimism to the children and families they serve.” 

“Wedgwood Christian Services is more than just an organization, it’s a family,” added Ward. “I am proud to be a part of this family and to work alongside the board, staff, and volunteers who are dedicated to making a positive difference in Grand Rapids and beyond. I look forward to bringing my own unique perspective and experiences to the table, and working together to create a brighter future for all those who come through the doors of Wedgwood.” 

Wedgwood Foundation Board of Directors 

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

• Tim Callahan (Vanguard Fire & Security Systems)
• Cathy Muir
• Andrew Norden (Berkshire Hathaway Home Services)

The Wedgwood Foundation Board of Directors has also named to officers:  

• Chair –Michael Zahrt (Foster Swift) 
• Vice Chair – Deb Ondersma (Varnum Law) 
• Treasurer – John Dykstra (Wells Fargo)
• Secretary – Bill Bruinsma (Choice One Bank) 
• Advisor – Jeff Vander Weele (Blueway Financial Partners of Raymond James) 

NextGen Board  

Wedgwood welcomed Caylie Peet (Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce), Cierra Craig (AYA Collective), Kayla Elerick (People Driven Technology), Miles Kuperus (Aspen Investment Management Inc.), and Shaq Anthony (Calvin College) as the newest members of the NextGen Board. 

Officers for Wedgwood’s NextGen Board are:  

• Co-Chairs – Lynzey Gibbons (Kamps Pallets), and Emily Quellet (DeHaan Homes) 
• Secretary – Tyler Smies (First Tee of West Michigan) 
• Events Committee Secretary – Savannah DeGraaf (NAI Wisinski of West Michigan) 

Select members of the NextGen Board serve as liaisons to Executive Board of Directors Committees:  

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

“Wedgwood Christian Services is blessed to have so many incredible community members willing to share their expertise and voices to advocate for Wedgwood Christian Services,” said Dr. Dan Gowdy, Wedgwood’s President/CEO. “Their leadership, insight, and energy are invaluable to our organization and the kids and families we serve.” 

 ABOUT WEDGWOOD | Since 1960, Wedgwood Christian Services has been dedicated to boldly taking on the toughest problems facing children, teens, families, and adults through residential care, counseling services, and community programs. Our goal is to support and help restore the physical, social, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual well-being of those who rely on Wedgwood. COA Accredited. www.wedgwood.org