Rotary Club Of Grand Rapids

4.11.24 - Interact Luncheon - Mark Peters - CEO, Butterball Farms
2024-04-11 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Each year our Interact students coordinate a luncheon and choose the speaker who will present at a luncheon. This year they have chosen the CEO of Butterball Farms Mark Peters!

BIO
Mark Peters is the Chief Executive Officer of Butterball Farms, Inc., which was nationally recognized as one of The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For from 2015 to 2022. The second-generation family business, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is America’s leading producer of culinary butter and margarine and creates custom butter flavors for some of America’s biggest brands.
Peters began as a factory worker in his father’s company at the age of 12: an experience that taught him first-hand about the challenges that frontline workers face. At 30, he took over the company determined to lead a financially successful business that would also enrich the lives of its workers.
In 2003, he organized a pioneering group of CEOs and community leaders to found The Source, a not-for-profit organization that has helped hundreds of workers navigate personal challenges that were interfering with their jobs and delivered an average annual return on investment of 200 percent to its partner organizations. In 2020, Peters published his first book The SOURCE: Using the Power of Collaboration to Stabilize Your Workforce and Impact Your Community highlighting his journey from concept to creation of The Source.
This West Michigan-based model has been replicated in nearly 10 states; and Peters is currently expanding its mission to help frontline workers not only maintain their jobs but progress into better positions within or across partner companies.
Recognized by numerous companies from Ernst & Young to McDonalds, and most recently Vistage, for his leadership, Peters is an engaging speaker and storyteller who has addressed TED-x and other audiences. He lives in Grand Rapids with his daughter and dog and is an avid diver, boater, biker, and skier.

4.18.24 - Vonnie Woodrick - Founder, i understand
2024-04-18 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Vonnie Woodrick – Founder, i understand
Speaker Topic: Mental Illness and helping those who are enduring the same grief that she and her family have experienced, her story is powerful as she will share how we all can overcome the attitudes and stigmas surrounding the topic.
BIO:
After the loss of her husband, Rob, in 2003, Vonnie Woodrick’s life was forever changed, as she was forced to live a life without her loving partner and the father of their three children. Feeling as if no one understood suicide, the effects mental illness can have, and the judgment attached, Vonnie set out to change attitudes and the conversation. These efforts led to the formation of i understand in 2014. One of Vonnie’s first initiatives was to create a petition to change the definition of suicide – updating the stigmatizing definition about intentionally taking one’s life to one about suicide’s role as a terminal side effect of mental illness. Under Vonnie’s leadership, i understand continues to advocate for open conversations, better resources for loss after suicide and a stigma free society.

4.25.24 - STRIVE Luncheon
2024-04-25 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for our annual STRIVE (Students Taking Renewed Interest in the Value of Education) student mentorship luncheon. We will celebrate and highlight all the progress and wonderful things the student mentees and mentors have been up to!
ABOUT STRIVE:
Strive is a motivational mentoring program that targets high school junior and senior students who want to improve their educational status and their life prospects. Students are paired with a mentor who is a caring, reliable, positive role model who meets regularly on a one-on-one basis. The goal is to build the student’s self-esteem and reinforce the student’s successes. Mentors also help the student set and achieve educational and personal goals, with grades, attendance, and attitude.

5.2.24 - Club 77 + New Member Recruitment Event @ Grand Rapids Ballet
2024-05-02 17:00 - 18:30 | Grand Rapids Ballet, 341 Ellsworth Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Come join us for our monthly Club 77 event at the Grand Rapids Ballet on May 2nd from 5 pm – 6:30 pm!
This will also be one of our New Member Recruitment Events, so bring a friend, colleague, or anyone you think would be interested in joining our club. If you are not a member and have been thinking about learning more about Rotary this is also a great opportunity.

5.7.24 - 2024 Frederick Meijer Service Above Self Award Dinner celebrating Sr. Mary Aquinas Weber
2024-05-07 18:00 - 21:00 | The Cultural Center at St. Nicholas, 2250 E. Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, United States
Join us May 7th for the 2024 Frederick Meijer Service Above Self Award Dinner celebrating Sr. Mary Aquinas Weber!
To purchase tickets, use this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/827413485007?aff=oddtdtcreator

5.9.24 - Aaron Nilsson - CIO & CDO, Jets Pizza
2024-05-09 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Aaron Nilsson – CIO & CDO, Jets Pizza
Speaker Topic: Digital Transformation & Use of A.I. in Labor Shortage and Operations
BIO:
Aaron Nilsson is the CIO of Jets Pizza. Nilsson joined the team in early 2019 to use his skill set to build Jet’s Pizza’s digital presence and improve online experiences for both customers and in-store operations. Under his leadership Jets saw more than a 300% increase in digital sales in his first three years. He has launched some of the most innovative digital products in the category.
Nilsson was previously associated with brands such as Carhartt, Domino’s, and General Motors. Nilsson has 25 years of experience leading, managing, and creating a vision for digital properties, both in-house and for agencies.
“The biggest shift we will see in technology within the next 10 years is going to be found in AI and alternative delivery options,” says Aaron Nilsson, Jet’s America’s new CIO. “I am capitalizing on this to ensure Jet’s customers have a convenient and positive experience with our digital platforms. Since 1978 we’ve had an advantage over competitors by having better pizza, so now I’m working hard to make our technology as good as our pizza”.
Jet’s Pizza, based in Sterling Heights, Michigan, is known for its Detroit-style pizza and fresh, high-quality ingredients. Since its founding in 1978, Jet’s has grown to more than 400 stores in 20 states. The company ranked 13th in Pizza Today’s 2018 list of the top 100 pizza companies in the U.S. by gross sales.

5.16.24 - Kyle McGregor, PhD - Director of Health Innovations, Spartan Innovations
2024-05-16 12:00 - 13:15 | The 1530 Events, 1530 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
Kyle McGregor, PhD – Director of Health Innovations, Spartan Innovations
Speaker Topic: Innovation Strategies for MSU in Grand Rapids
BIO:
Dr. McGregor is a dynamic leader dedicated to bringing innovative technology and cutting-edge ideas to underserved communities. As the Director of Health Innovations at Spartan Innovations, a venture studio and venture capital group affiliated with Michigan State University Research Foundation, he leverages his passion for bridging academia, industry, and healthcare to develop impactful projects that address pressing needs. With a focus on machine learning, natural language processing, and medical devices, Dr. McGregor has helped more than 50 companies develop and implement high-impact products.
Before joining Spartan Innovations, Dr. McGregor held leadership positions at Thomas Jefferson University and NYU Langone Health, where he championed industry-community partnerships to deliver technological innovations to marginalized populations. With a PhD from Indiana University and postdoctoral fellowships in medical informatics and computational social sciences from Yale and Columbia, respectively, Dr. McGregor brings a unique blend of expertise to his work. He also holds an MBA from the University of Cambridge Judge Business School focused on innovation, tech, and venture capital.
Throughout his career, Dr. McGregor has maintained a commitment to the ethical advancement, rigorous testing, and effective implementation of technology for the betterment of marginalized populations. His unwavering dedication to this mission reflects his recognition of the profound responsibility that comes with working in this field. As such, Dr. McGregor endeavors to continue cultivating his skills and knowledge to better serve those in need, recognizing the ever-evolving nature of the challenges facing vulnerable communities.

5.23.24 - NO LUNCHEON - Memorial Day Observation
2024-05-23 | MI
There will be no luncheon on May 23rd in Observance of Memorial Day

5.30.24 - Steve Wilson - CEO, Blandford Nature Center
2024-05-30 12:00 - 13:15 | Blandford Nature Center, 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, 49504, United States
Join us for an off-site luncheon at Blanford Nature Center on May 30th!
Steve Wilson – CEO, Blandford Nature Center
Speaker Topic: Blandford Nature Center is the only nature center in Kent County and its importance to the environment and West Michigan communities
BIO:
Steve has been with Blandford Nature Center since February 2023. He has an MBA from the University of Michigan and BA in Journalism from Michigan State University. His hobbies include fishing, golf, cooking, and drumming with a garage band. His favorite thing about Blandford is the incredible legacy of founder Mary Jane Dockeray, and how her vision advances our work into the future.

6.6.24 - Club 77 @ YMCA Mary Free Bed
2024-06-06 16:30 - 18:00 | Mary Free Bed YMCA, 5500 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, United States
Come join us for our monthly Club 77 event hosted by YMCA Mary Free Bed.
Beverages and appetizers will be served for a night of socializing and connection!

6.13.24 - Jen Schottke - President, West Michigan Construction Institute - Annual Membership Meeting
2024-06-13 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
This meeting will also be our Annual Membership Meeting to elect Club directors (via ballot vote) and conduct other club business.
Jen Schottke – President, West Michigan Construction Institute
Speaker Topic: Updates Coming Soon!
Bio:
Jen Schottke is president of the West Michigan Construction Institute (WMCI), a leading commercial construction trade school located in the Roosevelt Park neighborhood near downtown Grand Rapids. WMCI serves a diverse student population from high school juniors and seniors to seasoned industry professionals.
Under her leadership, WMCI launched in January 2022 following a successful $6 million capital campaign and will be expanding its facility in 2024 to accommodate new labs and classrooms.
Schottke’s commitment extends beyond the classroom as she actively engages in student outreach, collaborates within the K-12 and higher education systems, and champions the commercial construction sector on a regional scale.
“At the entrance of WMCI, we have a hardhat donor wall thanking the over 150 contractors and individuals who made WMCI possible through their generosity. We were all aligned in the mission of celebrating the value of the trade professional pathway and that made the way for the work we do today,” she said. “In our two short years of operation, we’ve tripled our high school enrollments and received state approval to be a high school Career and Technical Education program, thanks to our partnership with Kent ISD. We’ve tripled our adult craft training enrollments and grew from instructing in two trades to now instructing in five trades and (are) adding more in 2024-2025.”
Schottke is a member of the Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority and the workforce development board West Michigan Works!, and serves as treasurer of the Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education.

6.20.24 - Keith Elder - President & CEO, Grand Rapids Symphony
2024-06-20 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Keith Elder – President & CEO, Grand Rapids Symphony
Speaker Topic: Updates Coming Soon!
Bio:
Keith C. Elder is the President & CEO of the Grand Rapids Symphony. Elder was most recently executive director and CEO of the Tulsa Symphony in Oklahoma. Before his position in Tulsa, he held various roles at institutions including the Aspen Music Festival and School, Eastman School of Music, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops, and Tanglewood Music Center. Elder is a member of the bar of the United States Supreme Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the State of New York. He holds a BS in music and arts administration from Indiana University, with concentrations in tuba and technical theater, and a JD from New England Law. At the Tulsa Symphony, Elder oversaw performances by guest artists from multiple genres, developed and oversaw the Tulsa Symphony’s first-holiday television special, and successfully executed a safe open-air concert during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, he was honored as Tulsan of the Year by TulsaWorld for exceptional vision and leadership during the pandemic.

6.27.24 - President's "Passing of the Tiller"
2024-06-27 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
On June 27th, the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids will hold its annual “Passing of the Tiller” luncheon during which outgoing 2023-2024 Rotary President Shaun Shira will pass the presidential tiller to incoming 2024-2025 Rotary Club of Grand Rapids President Eunice Lopez-Martin.
We will also unveil the new Rotary International theme “The Magic of Rotary”, chosen by incoming RI President Stephanie Urchick. The theme calls on Rotarians to recognize and amplify the organization’s power to save lives across the globe.

7.4.24 - NO LUNCHEON - 4th of July Holiday Observance
2024-07-04 | MI
There will be no luncheon on July 4th in observance of the holiday.

7.11.24 - President's Message - Eunice Lopez-Martin
2024-07-11 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for our annual President’s Message luncheon where new 2024-2025 Club President Eunice Lopez-Martin will share her club goals and plans for the year!

7.18.24 - Tim Selgo - Assistant Vice President, Mammoth Sports Consulting
2024-07-18 12:00 - 13:15 | Aquinas College – Donnelly Center, 157 Woodward Ln SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
Tim Selgo – Assistant Vice President, Mammoth Sports Consulting
Speaker Topic: The Future of College Sports and NIL
Bio:
The author of Anchor Up: Competitive Greatness the Grand Valley Way, Make One Play: Impact Your Success, and Moms and Dads Eat the Brown Bananas, Tim Selgo had a career of thirty-five years as a leader in college athletics as a coach and administrator. From 1996 to 2016, Selgo served as the director of athletics at Grand Valley State University, leading the Lakers to become the dominant athletics department in NCAA Division II.
Selgo is a member of four athletic halls of fame: The University of Toledo Athletics Hall of Fame, the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame, the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Hall of Fame, and the Grand Valley State University Athletics Hall of Fame.
Currently, Selgo is a consultant with Mammoth Sports Consultants and a sought-after speaker on success and leadership.
Selgo and his wife Terry recently celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary. They have three children, Jennifer, Rachel, and Daniel, and five grandsons, Tray, RJ, Tucker, Henry, and Burke.

7.25.24 - Annual IKUS/Indian Trails Camp Luncheon
2024-07-25 12:00 - 13:15 | Indian Trails Camp, 0-1859 Lake Michigan Drive, Grand Rapids, MI, 49534, United States
On Thursday, July 25th Rotarians and guests will gather at Indian Trails Camp for our annual picnic!
Since 1952, the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids has partnered with Indian Trails Camp, mentoring for at-risk high school students, reduction of childhood hunger, projects to reduce physical barriers for the disabled, support for the elderly in need, and educational scholarships. The motto of Rotary is “Service Above Self”.

8.1.24 - Club 77 hosted by Peter Albertini
2024-08-01 16:30 - 18:00 | Club 77 – Heritage Hill, 540 Prospect Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join us for our August Club 77 hosted by our very own Rotarian Peter Albertini!
Appetizers, drinks, and historic Heritage Hill District walking tours will be provided!
Explore the beautifully curated gardens of Heritage Hill, a registered National Historic District, adjacent to downtown Grand Rapids. Representing Michigan’s largest collection of 19th and early 20th-century homes, Heritage Hill features nearly every style of American architecture, from Greek Revival to Prairie.
Join us on a guided stroll through the Heritage Hill neighborhood and discover new inspiration and expert insights for your gardens at home. Gaze at historic architecture and exceptionally crafted gardens that are currently in bloom.

8.8.24 - Charles Burke - President & CEO, Frederik Meijer Gardens
2024-08-08 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Charles Burke – President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens
BIO –
Since 2014, Charles has served as President and CEO of The War Memorial, a waterfront cultural campus in Grosse Pointe Farms that curates experiences focusing on arts, culture, film, patriotism, community connectivity, and leadership. His work has empowered the total transformation of The War Memorial as a regional impact organization welcoming more than 300,000 patrons with over 3,000 events annually, all while incubating more than 65 nonprofit organizations. The Nationally Registered Historic campus includes the new Fred M. Alger Center (opened in fall 2022), designed by the ROSSETTI architecture team; Les Braves II: At Water’s Edge Park and Gardens, visioned by famed international artist Anilore Banon; WM Community Foundation; Patriot Theater for arts, culture, and film; an Arts and Community Wing inclusive of multiple galleries and classrooms; and an Italian Renaissance-style estate home designed by American architect Charles A. Platt. Charles’ leadership has reimagined an institution now positioned to grow in all aspects of its diversified business lines while redefining the role of a nonprofit institution as a catalyst for a forward-thinking community.
Passionate about providing unfettered accessibility to the arts for all people, Charles spent a significant portion of his career as both an executive and orchestral conductor for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. As Senior Director of Education for the DSO, Charles was responsible for the development of the Pincus Education Center in Midtown Detroit as well as programs such as the African American Fellowship program, a graduate-level training program to radically improve diversity in classical music; the DSO’s Civic Youth Ensembles, one of the largest youth training programs in the United States; and connecting Orchestral musicians with children from all communities and all ages through concerts, classroom interactivity, and technology-based learning. As an Orchestral Conductor and Music Director, Charles led more than 300 performances on the famed Orchestral Hall stage, specialized in working with young people and having the privilege of working with artists such as Leonard Slatkin, Itzhak Perlman, Midori, Emanuel Ax, Michael W. Smith, Marcus Belgrave, Rodney Whitaker, and George Shirley. His artistic leadership included 22 world premieres and commissions; multiple recordings; serving as a robotic computer model for ASIMO the conducting robot; and regularly working as a college instructor, adjudicator, guest conductor, and artistic consultant for organizations throughout the country.
Charles, a graduate of Leadership Detroit XXXV, enjoys several volunteer roles, including Board Director for Jefferson East, Inc., TechTown Detroit, Community Advisory Board for Beaumont Health Grosse Pointe, Editorial Board of the Grosse Pointe News, Executive Producer for Live Inspired Productions, and Michigan Youth Arts Festival. He holds degrees from George Mason University and West Virginia University, executive leadership training at the Harvard Business School and Columbia College, and as a Creative Alliances Fellow and Emerging Non-Profit Leaders Fellow for National Arts Strategies.
A Washington, D.C., metropolitan region native, Charles and his wife moved to Michigan last century to pursue graduate studies at the University of Michigan. Charles began his service-based career as a public school music teacher in Fairfax County, Virginia, earning a nomination for the National Sallie Mae First Class Teaching Award and, later, the International Network of Schools Community Partnership Award for his collaborative work between the DSO and the Detroit School of Arts. He has also been the recipient of the Grosse Pointe/Harper Woods NAACP President’s Award, which recognized his leadership and commitment toward healthy and connected communities. Today, Charles’ wife is an Executive with Mercedes-Benz North America Corporation, and together they are parents to two teenagers/young adults who constantly allow them to amplify patience as one of their top strengths.

8.15.24 - Sgt Justin Kribs - K-9 Unit Officer, Grand Rapids Police Department
2024-08-15 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker Topic: Sgt Kribs will discuss the duties of K-9 dogs including searching for drugs and explosives, locating missing people, finding crime scene evidence, protecting officers and other people, and attacking suspects who flee from officers. He will also describe the various dog breeds police departments use and why.
BIO:
Sgt. Justin Kribs has been with the Grand Rapids Police Department since the spring of 2008. He was assigned to Patrol and then joined the Canine Unit in 2012. He worked his first canine partner, Bobby, from 2012 to 2018. After Bobby retired, Officer Kribs trained his current partner, Eli.
In February of 2023, Officer Kribs was promoted to Sergeant and took over the Canine unit in July of 2023. Sgt. Kribs supervises 7 other canine teams, as well as still works K9 Eli. K9 Eli was injured in November of 2022 when he was stabbed by an assailant during a standoff. Eli was able to return to full duty only a couple of months after his injury.

8.22.24 - Major Tim Meyer - Divisional Secretary of the Grand Valley Area Command, The Salvation Army
2024-08-22 12:00 - 13:15 | Kroc Center, 2500 S. Division Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
Join us on Thursday, August 22nd for an off-site luncheon at The Salvation Army – Kroc Center!
BIO:
Major Tim Meyer was installed as the Divisional Secretary of the Grand Valley Area Command in Kent County, in June of 2022. He has been an officer for 32 years, serving as a Corps Officer, in Divisional Headquarters appointments, and on the College for Officers Training (CFOT) staff in Chicago. Major Tim was previously the Grand Valley Area Commander for the Great Lakes Division.
Major Tim holds degrees from Asbury College and Marian University and is a U.S. Air Force veteran. He is also an alumnus of the International College for Officers (London, ENG), Olivet Nazarene University, and has completed three Biblical Education Tours of Israel.
Before becoming an officer, he was employed as the Assistant Territorial Music Secretary for the USA Southern Territory (Atlanta, GA), and as the Business Administrator for the Genesee County Command in Flint, MI. Major Tim began music lessons at age five and has played in numerous brass bands, including touring England with the Chicago Staff Band (Flugelhorn soloist). He also sings in the Central Territorial Staff Songsters.
Majors Tim and Lori have three grown daughters and four grandchildren. He is an avid runner, having recently completed his 12th marathon to raise funds to fight human trafficking.

8.29.24 - NO LUNCHEON - LABOR DAY HOLIDAY OBSERVATION
2024-08-29 | MI
There will be no luncheon on Thursday, August 29th in observance of the Labor Day Holiday.

9.5.24 - Club 77 Hosted by Rehmann
2024-09-05 16:30 - 18:00 | Rehmann, 2330 East Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, United States
Join us for our monthly Club 77 event hosted by Rehmann and Rotarian Erin Welker!
TIME: 4:30 – 6:00 PM
LOCATION:
Rehmann
2330 East Paris Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

9.12.24 - Tim Cusack - Professional Speaker & Trainer, Laughter That Matters
2024-09-12 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Tim Cusack
Speaker Topic: Avoiding Long-Term Trauma
Bio:
Inspiring people to appreciate life, work and relationships, Tim Cusack tours nationally presenting his keynotes and trainings for corporations and associations, as well as education and health care organizations. When not presenting Tim is a professional actor and performs in TV and radio commercials.
Tim’s occupations have varied from Christmas tree trimmer to Alaskan fisherman and co-host of a CBS TV show, as well as a #1 morning radio show.
Tim has volunteered with Hospice, Gilda’s Club, Mary Free Bed Hospital, and other organizations. He currently works with a Critical Incident Response Team in West Michigan. He is married with two children.
In his spare time, Tim is an avid athlete, pursuing running, cycling, and extreme croquet.
Tim’s book, “Me Too: Extraordinary Everyday Stories That Connect Us,” is a best seller.

9.19.24 - 2024-2025 District Governor Brianna Scott, Rotary International District 6290
2024-09-19 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: 2024-2025 District Governor Brianna Scott
Speaker Topic: Rotary District 6290 Updates and Plans for the Future
Bio:

Brianna T. Scott was born and raised in Muskegon, Michigan, attended Michigan State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Art’s degree in Marketing. Among the honors she received were the COGIC Center Aspiring Law Student Scholarship, winner of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc essay contest and making the Dean’s list in 1996.
Ms. Scott was chapter president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Executive Board member of Wonders Black Caucus and a member in both the MSU Prelaw and Marketing Associations as an undergraduate student. She attended Wayne State University Law School where she received her Juris Doctorate in May, 2000. She was active in variety of law school activities and she attained a final year grade point average of 3.57/4.0. She successfully competed in various law school competitions including, but not limited to Moot Court evidence competitions, acting as Article Editor of The Journal of Law in Society, Executive Board member of Moot Court (Director of Outside Competitions), working on the academic committee of the Black Law Student Association, and being an active student member of the Wolverine Bar Association. In addition, Ms. Scott received many scholarships and awards throughout her law school career.
Ms. Scott became an attorney in November 2000, and was immediately recruited and hired as the FIRST African American Assistant Prosecutor in the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s office where her initial responsibility was handling district court cases, which included misdemeanors, ordinance violations and other hearings within the district court. However, after much success and proving herself a great trial attorney, she was promptly promoted to Circuit Court, where she handled many cases advocating for victims until she left the Prosecutor’s office in 2003.
Following her tenure at the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s office, Ms. Scott was hired by the law firm of Williams Hughes Corwin & Sininger, PC (k/n/a Williams Hughes, PLLC), where she embarked on the journey of a different practice of law; namely the handling of cases for municipalities, civil cases for the county, family law, corporate law, real estate and social security disability matters. As part of her practice at Williams Hughes Corwin & Sininger, PC, she was also awarded a public defender contract handling one of the abuse and neglect dockets in Muskegon County. Ms. Scott remained an associate at Williams Hughes Corwin & Sininger, PC, until 2005.
In 2005 she decided that after five years of significant experience handling all types of cases, that she wanted to become an entrepreneur and start her own law practice. Becoming a business owner, in fact the first minority (African American and female) law firm in Muskegon County was exciting, challenging, and very rewarding. Her law firm has grown significantly over the years and she now employs a full time staff of five (5).
In 2018, Ms. Scott was elected to an 8 year term on the Michigan State University Board of Trustees. A testament to the high regard placed on Ms. Scott for her professional accomplishments, ethical standards and peer recognition, Ms. Scott was recently named a 2019 Athena of the Lakeshore Award Recipient and 2021 Greater Muskegon Woman’s Club Woman of Accomplishment. In 2014, she became the FIRST person of color to serve as President of the prestigious Muskegon Rotary Club. Currently, Ms. Scott serves as President of the Muskegon Heights Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. As well, she serves on the Boards for Access Health, Boys & Girl’s Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore, Panel One of the Michigan Attorney Disciplinary Commission (County of Muskegon); and is also a member of the Muskegon Rescue Mission’s Personnel Committee. Ms. Scott is also the Chair of the Muskegon Rotary Club’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee, Retention Committee and serves as the Co-Chair for the Life Leadership Committee and the Community Service Council.
In the past she has served on the following boards: United Way of the Lakeshore, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce and Family Services Center Workforce Development Center. Additionally, she serves as Legal Counsel for the International Churches of God In Christ, which is the largest African American church in the world. She is also one of the only attorneys in West Michigan to be dually licensed to practice law in the state of New York. However, her proudest accomplishment is being the parent of her son.

9.26.24 - Dr. Paul Isely - Associate Dean & Professor of Economics, GVSU
2024-09-26 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Dr. Paul Isely
Speaker Topic: West Michigan Economic Update
Bio:
Dr. Paul Isely is the Associate Dean and Professor of Economics for the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University, which he joined in 1995 after earning his Ph.D. in Economics from Purdue University. He also holds an M.S. in Economics from Purdue University and a dual B.S. in Physics and Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Isely’s research interests have led to many local articles and reports.
These articles have explored West Michigan’s economy including forecasts of growth, the state of entrepreneurship, health care costs, environmental clean-up values, economic impacts of various activities, and the costs and benefits of wind power. He has been interviewed extensively by TV, radio, and newspapers on the West Michigan economy and its relationship to the national and state economies.

10.3.24 - Club 77 Hosted by Rotarians Sheri & Asgi Fazleabas
2024-10-03 16:30 - 18:30 | TBD
Join us for our monthly Club 77 event hosted by Rotarians Sheri & Asgi Fazleabas!
Time: 4:30 – 6:30 PM
Location:
See Weekly Update for Address
Parking: Ample street parking on the street around their home

10.10.24 - Karen Sadler - President, Michael Sadler Foundation
2024-10-10 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
The Michael Sadler Foundation develops and supports programs that emphasize the combination of academic excellence, athletic achievement, character strength and leadership.
Our Inspiration

Michael Sadler’s extraordinary life was abruptly halted when he died in a tragic car accident in Wisconsin on July 23, 2016. At the time, he was volunteering at a kicking camp to mentor young players. His commitment to helping others, contributing to community and embracing his love of family, friends, and society was constant. He lived his life with impeccable character. Only after his death did we realize the tens of thousands of lives he affected because of his integrity and the way he chose to live life.

Michael earned unparalleled recognition in academics and athletics. At MSU he earned a bachelor’s degree in Engineering and a master’s degree in Public Policy. He was an All-American as well as the first-ever, four-time Academic All American in MSU history. Michael was a member of the National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete Class of 2014 and a William V. Campbell trophy finalist. He was awarded the Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor in 2014 for outstanding athletic and academic achievement. Awards that Mike received are now being renamed in his honor. Michael was proud to be a Spartan and was excited to be entering Stanford Law School. Click here to read more about his outstanding achievements, both on and off the field.

10.17.24 - Steve Heacock - President & CEO, Grand Rapids Whitewater
2024-10-17 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Steve Heacock
Speaker Topic: Grand River Restoration Project
GRWW’s mission is to recreate the spirit of the iconic grand rapids; to make the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids a more natural river environment and to enhance the sustainability of fish, wildlife and natural resources and provide access to recreation and fitness opportunities to all. Specifically, GRWW’s mission is to:

Reduce public safety hazards generated by low-head dams by removing the dams,
Create diverse riffles, runs, waves, and pools to restore aquatic riverine habitat and diversity,
Improve fish passage,
Recapture the sight, sound, and spirit of the historic and iconic rapids, for which the City is named, and
Enhancing distinctive recreational opportunities such as wading, angling, and whitewater paddling sports, that are safe, interesting, and substantial enough to engage residents, attract tourists, and serve as a catalyst for local, regional, and equitable economic development opportunities.

10.24.24 - Dr. Bill Pink - President, Ferris State University
2024-10-24 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Dr. Bill Pink

Speaker Topic: Ferris State University – Now and the Future

BIO:

Dr. Bill Pink strongly believes in the power of education and is passionate about providing opportunities for students and furthering Ferris State University’s commitment to ensuring the success of all students.
Dr. Pink in July 2022 became Ferris State’s 19th president and is the first African American person to lead the university since it was founded in 1884.
Prior to guiding Ferris State University, Dr. Pink served as president of Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, Mich. and was vice president for academic affairs at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City Campus in Oklahoma.
Dr. Pink is involved in governance and policy development at regional and national levels, sharing expertise and gaining experience to share at Ferris State.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed him to be a leader on the Growing Michigan Together Council to help grow the state’s population and serves on the Michigan Economic Development Corporation executive committee, working to grow the state’s industry and workforce.
He is a member of the Higher Learning Commission board of trustees. He also serves on the American Council on Education board of directors, working with leaders from across the nation to shape public policy and to help more students gain a quality education.
In West Michigan, he serves on the boards of Corewell Health West Michigan, is board chair for the Heart of West Michigan United Way and board vice-chair for The Right Place.
Dr. Pink was named Newsmaker of the Year in Education by the Grand Rapids Business Journal in 2019 and was selected for the MCAN Lighthouse Award for expanding access to students of all ages across Michigan.
He is a sought-after speaker for events across the country with presentations focused on diversity, leadership, career and workforce development, and faith.
President Pink earned a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Oklahoma in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum, a Master of Education in Physical Education and Secondary Education from the University of Central Oklahoma, and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Professional Education from Oklahoma Christian University.
