West Michigan Strategic Alliance Staff
Administration
Greg Northrup, President
616-356-6060
Greg comes to the WMSA after a long career with CMS Energy/Consumers Energy, headquartered in Jackson, Michigan, where he held the position of Director of Economic Development. In this position he had responsibilities for economic development in regions served by the companies. Its programs were consistently recognized as one of the top ten in the U.S. and internationally, with special recognition for innovative programming focusing on international business attraction and development strategies in Europe, South America, Africa and Asia and redevelopment of urban core cities.
In April 2006, Greg was named President of the West Michigan Strategic Alliance, following a successful repositioning of the organization while he served as the acting President. During his short tenure, the organization has secured grants and contributions totaling over $500,000 and a WIRED grant from the U.S. Department of Labor for $15 million over three-years. Currently, the organization is focusing on the development and use of regional indicators, protection, preservation and management of the region’s natural resources, sustainable manufacturing to include a focus on alternative energy, clean cities and the development of innovation in workforce development designed to ensure the region’s competitive position.
Click here to connect with Greg on LinkedIn.
Tedd R. Parsons, Executive Assistant
616-871-2447
Tedd was appointed the position of Executive Assistant to the President in March 2007. He comes to the organization with over 12-years experience in providing executive level management with professional administrative/technical support. His primary responsibilities include providing direct support to the President and Board of Directors, working on special projects, maintaining the WMSA website and attending to the day to day operations of the organization. Tedd also leads the organizations' commitment to increasing multicultural awareness and looking at those issues centered around racism and diversity in the region.
Tedd’s professional experience includes holding positions as a Senior Executive Assistant, Facilities Manager, Executive Administrator and Vice President of Operations/Human Resources. He received his certification in Purchasing & Procurement after attending the University of Wisconsin – Madison, School of Business. Additionally, he holds certifications in facilities management, ergonomics and human resources. He is a graduate of the Institute for Healing Racism (GRACE) here in Grand Rapids and proudly serves on the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance (LEDA) Board of Directors.
Click here to connect with Tedd on LinkedIn.
Peter Metsker, Controller
616-356-6060
Peter Metsker serves as the Controller, handling all the detailed financials for WMSA. He also keeps the organization up-to-date on all of its information technology needs. He spent over 25-years in the construction machinery industry holding increasing positions of responsibility ultimately Executive Vice President and Treasurer of a Michigan based machinery distributor. Prior to WMSA, Peter worked in the manufacturing industry as Controller for a manufacturing supplier of automotive related materials. He brings many years of hands-on practical experience in operations, finance, HR and IT to WMSA.
Cooking is a passion and in addition to taking culinary classes, Peter has traveled internationally with groups from the Culinary Institute located in Grand Rapids. Additional interests include sailing, computers and photography.
Christine Seller, Intern- Administration
616-328-5133
Christine Seller, a sophomore attending Aquinas College Minnesota and has enjoyed her time so far in the big city (Grand Rapids West Michigan , especially after the first time she saw how beautiful the trees looked in the fall and how there are so many trees in the city. Christine is excited for this internship and wants to bring her experiences back to Aquinas and the surrounding community.
Green Infrastructure
Elaine Sterrett Isely, Project Manager
616-871-2450
Elaine Sterrett Isely joined the WMSA team as Project Manager of the Green Infrastructure Initiative in June 2010. Before coming to WMSA, she served as a member of the Green Infrastructure Leadership Council since June 2006. She holds degrees in finance, law, and biology, and brings with her more than 15-years of experience in law, environmental policy, research, outreach, and public speaking.
After a successful career as a litigation attorney, Elaine spent several years working on environmental policy and scientific research projects affecting West Michigan and the Great Lakes region. Most recently coming from Grand Valley State University Grand Rapids and West Michigan , and she is currently the President of the Community Spay/Neuter Initiative Partnership (C-SNIP).
Click here to connect with Elaine on LinkedIn.
Susie E. Matteson, Intern- Green Infrastructure
616-871-2450
Green Infrastructure Intern Susie Matteson, originally from Farmington, Michigan, started with WMSA in December 2009. Susie will be graduating May 2010 from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelors of Science in Public and Nonprofit Administration and minor in Environmental Studies.Susie has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Clean Water Action, and more recently became a member of Grand Valley’s Student Environmental Coalition, focusing on a bottled water ban campaign.
After graduation (May 2010), Susie plans to work with organizations focused on encouraging and demonstrating to everyday people the benefits of having a sustainable lifestyle. She also plans to obtain a masters in some area of sustainability.
Internship Initiative
Cindy Brown, Project Manager
616-871-2452
Cindy accepted the Internship Initiative Project Manager position in September 2008. She comes to WMSA after a lengthy career at Enterprise Rent-A-Car where her responsibilities included the development and implementation of a summer internship program, including the recruitment of college students to participate in the program. Cindy brings over 20-years leadership experience in employee development and coaching, recruiting, sales and brand management, including training and facilitation.
Currently Cindy serves on the board of the West Michigan ’s Top 100 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. She also serves on the board of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Grand Rapids Affiliate and co-chair of the local Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Cindy received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Aquinas College
Click here to connect with Cindy on LinkedIn.
Literacy to Work Initiative
Jessica Materson, Project Manager
616-622-4085
Jessica comes to WMSA after graduating with her Master’s of Social Work degree from Grand Valley State University. During her graduate program she interned with Ottawa County Michigan Works! Agency and was involved with Adult Education collaborative groups and projects. Jessica brings her years of experience in program development and implementation, project management, leadership, and collaboration.
A West Michigan native, Jessica has been involved with many organizations throughout both Kent and Ottawa Counties. While attending GVSU, Jessica was the Vice President of the Master’s of Social Work Student Organization and was also a member of the Academic & Professional Student Organizations Funding Board. She has traveled to both Ireland and New Orleans on service learning trips and worked with a professor on conducting research for his doctoral dissertation.
In her spare time, Jessica has volunteered with the American Red Cross, Alpha Women’s Center, Guiding Light Mission, and was an intern with Trinity Reformed Church and the Northwest Food Pantry."
Click here to connect with Jessica on LinkedIn.
Resource Partners
Professional Administrative Resources
Julie Metsker & Laura Melendez
616-451-4348
Professional Administrative Resources LLC (PAR), provides administrative and communications support to WMSA as well as event coordination and database management.
Julie Metsker is President of PAR, and has over 25-years of experience working with organizations like WMSA.
Laura Melendez serves as the Project Manager for WMSA , handling all our special events and the monthly E-newsletter.
With over 25 years of experience, PAR provides association management and administrative services for regional trade associations, non-profit organizations and small business. Clients such as ACG Western Michigan, AAF West Michigan, Central Fabricators Association, West Michigan Chamber Coalition and West Michigan Strategic Alliance take advantage of services ranging from event planning and management, media communications, project management, bookkeeping and financial support. For more information, visit www.proadminresources.com.
Think Again
Pam Landes, Chief Thinker
616-396-2698
With a diverse background in television, creativity training and print media, Pam Landes, is the Chief Thinker at Think Again. This firm,established in 1991, provides a variety of consulting services. Pam has been involved in the development of the West Michigan Strategic Alliance since its beginnings. During Phase I, she managed 12 committees and served as writer/editor for The Common Framework in 2002. Most recently, she was the Project Manager for creating regional indicators featured in the West Michigan Vital Signs. A video project, completed in late 2006 for the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council, Into the Watershed,won both a Communicator Award of Distinction and a Silver Telly.
Pam Chairs the Academic Boosters group at Holland High School and has volunteered as an Odyssey of the Mind Coach for many years.
Click here to connect with Pam on LinkedIn.
Penning Ink Public Relations
Tim Penning, Ph.D., APR
616-844-2492
Professor Tim Penning, Ph.D, APR, teaches courses in public relations. He has worked as a staff writer and editor for Traverse Magazine and Advance Newspapers. Following his career in journalism, Tim was Communication Director for an international mission agency, media relations manager for Grand Valley State University, and Public Relations Director for the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. As a professor, he continues to practice public relations as a consultant with his own business, Penning Ink. He was won several awards for his public relations work and was named "Distinguished Practitioner" by the West Michigan Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America in 2001 and 2005. He is active with the Public Relations Society of America, having served as president of the West Michigan chapter in 2004 and on its board for seven years. He also advises the GVSU student chapter of PRSSA. Tim is a founder and board member of Interchange: The Association for West Michigan Communication Professionals and a member of the Phi Kappa Phi National Honors Society. (B.A., Journalism, Central Michigan University; M.A., Organizational Communication, Western Michigan University, Ph.D. in Media and Information Studies at Michigan State University. He writes a blog about advertising and public relations in West Michigan: http://gr-pr.blogspot.com/
Click here to connect with Tim on LinkedIn.
Greg Northrup, President
616-356-6060
Greg comes to the WMSA after a long career with CMS Energy/Consumers Energy, headquartered in Jackson, Michigan, where he held the position of Director of Economic Development. In this position he had responsibilities for economic development in regions served by the companies. Its programs were consistently recognized as one of the top ten in the U.S. and internationally, with special recognition for innovative programming focusing on international business attraction and development strategies in Europe, South America, Africa and Asia and redevelopment of urban core cities.
In April 2006, Greg was named President of the West Michigan Strategic Alliance, following a successful repositioning of the organization while he served as the acting President. During his short tenure, the organization has secured grants and contributions totaling over $500,000 and a WIRED grant from the U.S. Department of Labor for $15 million over three-years. Currently, the organization is focusing on the development and use of regional indicators, protection, preservation and management of the region’s natural resources, sustainable manufacturing to include a focus on alternative energy, clean cities and the development of innovation in workforce development designed to ensure the region’s competitive position.
Click here to connect with Greg on LinkedIn.
Tedd R. Parsons, Executive Assistant
616-871-2447
Tedd was appointed the position of Executive Assistant to the President in March 2007. He comes to the organization with over 12-years experience in providing executive level management with professional administrative/technical support. His primary responsibilities include providing direct support to the President and Board of Directors, working on special projects, maintaining the WMSA website and attending to the day to day operations of the organization. Tedd also leads the organizations' commitment to increasing multicultural awareness and looking at those issues centered around racism and diversity in the region.
Tedd’s professional experience includes holding positions as a Senior Executive Assistant, Facilities Manager, Executive Administrator and Vice President of Operations/Human Resources. He received his certification in Purchasing & Procurement after attending the University of Wisconsin – Madison, School of Business. Additionally, he holds certifications in facilities management, ergonomics and human resources. He is a graduate of the Institute for Healing Racism (GRACE) here in Grand Rapids and proudly serves on the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance (LEDA) Board of Directors.
Click here to connect with Tedd on LinkedIn.
Peter Metsker, Controller
616-356-6060
Peter Metsker serves as the Controller, handling all the detailed financials for WMSA. He also keeps the organization up-to-date on all of its information technology needs. He spent over 25-years in the construction machinery industry holding increasing positions of responsibility ultimately Executive Vice President and Treasurer of a Michigan based machinery distributor. Prior to WMSA, Peter worked in the manufacturing industry as Controller for a manufacturing supplier of automotive related materials. He brings many years of hands-on practical experience in operations, finance, HR and IT to WMSA.
Cooking is a passion and in addition to taking culinary classes, Peter has traveled internationally with groups from the Culinary Institute located in Grand Rapids. Additional interests include sailing, computers and photography.
Christine Seller, Intern- Administration
616-328-5133
Christine Seller, a sophomore attending
Elaine Sterrett Isely, Project Manager
616-871-2450
Elaine Sterrett Isely joined the WMSA team as Project Manager of the Green Infrastructure Initiative in June 2010. Before coming to WMSA, she served as a member of the Green Infrastructure Leadership Council since June 2006. She holds degrees in finance, law, and biology, and brings with her more than 15-years of experience in law, environmental policy, research, outreach, and public speaking.
After a successful career as a litigation attorney, Elaine spent several years working on environmental policy and scientific research projects affecting West Michigan and the
Click here to connect with Elaine on LinkedIn.
Susie E. Matteson, Intern- Green Infrastructure
616-871-2450
Green Infrastructure Intern Susie Matteson, originally from Farmington, Michigan, started with WMSA in December 2009. Susie will be graduating May 2010 from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelors of Science in Public and Nonprofit Administration and minor in Environmental Studies.Susie has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Clean Water Action, and more recently became a member of Grand Valley’s Student Environmental Coalition, focusing on a bottled water ban campaign.
After graduation (May 2010), Susie plans to work with organizations focused on encouraging and demonstrating to everyday people the benefits of having a sustainable lifestyle. She also plans to obtain a masters in some area of sustainability.
Internship InitiativeCindy Brown, Project Manager
616-871-2452
Cindy accepted the Internship Initiative Project Manager position in September 2008. She comes to WMSA after a lengthy career at Enterprise Rent-A-Car where her responsibilities included the development and implementation of a summer internship program, including the recruitment of college students to participate in the program. Cindy brings over 20-years leadership experience in employee development and coaching, recruiting, sales and brand management, including training and facilitation.
Currently Cindy serves on the board of the West Michigan ’s Top 100 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. She also serves on the board of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Grand Rapids Affiliate and co-chair of the local Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Cindy received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Aquinas College
Click here to connect with Cindy on LinkedIn.
Literacy to Work InitiativeJessica Materson, Project Manager
616-622-4085
Jessica comes to WMSA after graduating with her Master’s of Social Work degree from Grand Valley State University. During her graduate program she interned with Ottawa County Michigan Works! Agency and was involved with Adult Education collaborative groups and projects. Jessica brings her years of experience in program development and implementation, project management, leadership, and collaboration.
A West Michigan native, Jessica has been involved with many organizations throughout both Kent and Ottawa Counties. While attending GVSU, Jessica was the Vice President of the Master’s of Social Work Student Organization and was also a member of the Academic & Professional Student Organizations Funding Board. She has traveled to both Ireland and New Orleans on service learning trips and worked with a professor on conducting research for his doctoral dissertation.
In her spare time, Jessica has volunteered with the American Red Cross, Alpha Women’s Center, Guiding Light Mission, and was an intern with Trinity Reformed Church and the Northwest Food Pantry."
Click here to connect with Jessica on LinkedIn.
Resource PartnersProfessional Administrative Resources
Julie Metsker & Laura Melendez
616-451-4348
Professional Administrative Resources LLC (PAR), provides administrative and communications support to WMSA as well as event coordination and database management.
Julie Metsker is President of PAR, and has over 25-years of experience working with organizations like WMSA.
Laura Melendez serves as the Project Manager for WMSA , handling all our special events and the monthly E-newsletter.
With over 25 years of experience, PAR provides association management and administrative services for regional trade associations, non-profit organizations and small business. Clients such as ACG Western Michigan, AAF West Michigan, Central Fabricators Association, West Michigan Chamber Coalition and West Michigan Strategic Alliance take advantage of services ranging from event planning and management, media communications, project management, bookkeeping and financial support. For more information, visit www.proadminresources.com.
Think Again
Pam Landes, Chief Thinker
616-396-2698
With a diverse background in television, creativity training and print media, Pam Landes, is the Chief Thinker at Think Again. This firm,established in 1991, provides a variety of consulting services. Pam has been involved in the development of the West Michigan Strategic Alliance since its beginnings. During Phase I, she managed 12 committees and served as writer/editor for The Common Framework in 2002. Most recently, she was the Project Manager for creating regional indicators featured in the West Michigan Vital Signs. A video project, completed in late 2006 for the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council, Into the Watershed,won both a Communicator Award of Distinction and a Silver Telly.
Pam Chairs the Academic Boosters group at Holland High School and has volunteered as an Odyssey of the Mind Coach for many years.
Click here to connect with Pam on LinkedIn.
Penning Ink Public Relations
Tim Penning, Ph.D., APR
616-844-2492
Professor Tim Penning, Ph.D, APR, teaches courses in public relations. He has worked as a staff writer and editor for Traverse Magazine and Advance Newspapers. Following his career in journalism, Tim was Communication Director for an international mission agency, media relations manager for Grand Valley State University, and Public Relations Director for the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. As a professor, he continues to practice public relations as a consultant with his own business, Penning Ink. He was won several awards for his public relations work and was named "Distinguished Practitioner" by the West Michigan Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America in 2001 and 2005. He is active with the Public Relations Society of America, having served as president of the West Michigan chapter in 2004 and on its board for seven years. He also advises the GVSU student chapter of PRSSA. Tim is a founder and board member of Interchange: The Association for West Michigan Communication Professionals and a member of the Phi Kappa Phi National Honors Society. (B.A., Journalism, Central Michigan University; M.A., Organizational Communication, Western Michigan University, Ph.D. in Media and Information Studies at Michigan State University. He writes a blog about advertising and public relations in West Michigan: http://gr-pr.blogspot.com/
Click here to connect with Tim on LinkedIn.
Cindy Brown, Project Manager
616-871-2452
Cindy accepted the Internship Initiative Project Manager position in September 2008. She comes to WMSA after a lengthy career at Enterprise Rent-A-Car where her responsibilities included the development and implementation of a summer internship program, including the recruitment of college students to participate in the program. Cindy brings over 20-years leadership experience in employee development and coaching, recruiting, sales and brand management, including training and facilitation.
Currently Cindy serves on the board of the
Click here to connect with Cindy on LinkedIn.
Jessica Materson, Project Manager
616-622-4085
Jessica comes to WMSA after graduating with her Master’s of Social Work degree from Grand Valley State University. During her graduate program she interned with Ottawa County Michigan Works! Agency and was involved with Adult Education collaborative groups and projects. Jessica brings her years of experience in program development and implementation, project management, leadership, and collaboration.
A West Michigan native, Jessica has been involved with many organizations throughout both Kent and Ottawa Counties. While attending GVSU, Jessica was the Vice President of the Master’s of Social Work Student Organization and was also a member of the Academic & Professional Student Organizations Funding Board. She has traveled to both Ireland and New Orleans on service learning trips and worked with a professor on conducting research for his doctoral dissertation.
In her spare time, Jessica has volunteered with the American Red Cross, Alpha Women’s Center, Guiding Light Mission, and was an intern with Trinity Reformed Church and the Northwest Food Pantry."
Click here to connect with Jessica on LinkedIn.
Resource PartnersProfessional Administrative Resources
Julie Metsker & Laura Melendez
616-451-4348
Professional Administrative Resources LLC (PAR), provides administrative and communications support to WMSA as well as event coordination and database management.
Julie Metsker is President of PAR, and has over 25-years of experience working with organizations like WMSA.
Laura Melendez serves as the Project Manager for WMSA , handling all our special events and the monthly E-newsletter.
With over 25 years of experience, PAR provides association management and administrative services for regional trade associations, non-profit organizations and small business. Clients such as ACG Western Michigan, AAF West Michigan, Central Fabricators Association, West Michigan Chamber Coalition and West Michigan Strategic Alliance take advantage of services ranging from event planning and management, media communications, project management, bookkeeping and financial support. For more information, visit www.proadminresources.com.
Think Again
Pam Landes, Chief Thinker
616-396-2698
With a diverse background in television, creativity training and print media, Pam Landes, is the Chief Thinker at Think Again. This firm,established in 1991, provides a variety of consulting services. Pam has been involved in the development of the West Michigan Strategic Alliance since its beginnings. During Phase I, she managed 12 committees and served as writer/editor for The Common Framework in 2002. Most recently, she was the Project Manager for creating regional indicators featured in the West Michigan Vital Signs. A video project, completed in late 2006 for the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council, Into the Watershed,won both a Communicator Award of Distinction and a Silver Telly.
Pam Chairs the Academic Boosters group at Holland High School and has volunteered as an Odyssey of the Mind Coach for many years.
Click here to connect with Pam on LinkedIn.
Penning Ink Public Relations
Tim Penning, Ph.D., APR
616-844-2492
Professor Tim Penning, Ph.D, APR, teaches courses in public relations. He has worked as a staff writer and editor for Traverse Magazine and Advance Newspapers. Following his career in journalism, Tim was Communication Director for an international mission agency, media relations manager for Grand Valley State University, and Public Relations Director for the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. As a professor, he continues to practice public relations as a consultant with his own business, Penning Ink. He was won several awards for his public relations work and was named "Distinguished Practitioner" by the West Michigan Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America in 2001 and 2005. He is active with the Public Relations Society of America, having served as president of the West Michigan chapter in 2004 and on its board for seven years. He also advises the GVSU student chapter of PRSSA. Tim is a founder and board member of Interchange: The Association for West Michigan Communication Professionals and a member of the Phi Kappa Phi National Honors Society. (B.A., Journalism, Central Michigan University; M.A., Organizational Communication, Western Michigan University, Ph.D. in Media and Information Studies at Michigan State University. He writes a blog about advertising and public relations in West Michigan: http://gr-pr.blogspot.com/
Click here to connect with Tim on LinkedIn.
Professional Administrative Resources
Julie Metsker & Laura Melendez
616-451-4348
Professional Administrative Resources LLC (PAR), provides administrative and communications support to WMSA as well as event coordination and database management.
Julie Metsker is President of PAR, and has over 25-years of experience working with organizations like WMSA.
Laura Melendez serves as the Project Manager for WMSA , handling all our special events and the monthly E-newsletter.
With over 25 years of experience, PAR provides association management and administrative services for regional trade associations, non-profit organizations and small business. Clients such as ACG Western Michigan, AAF West Michigan, Central Fabricators Association, West Michigan Chamber Coalition and West Michigan Strategic Alliance take advantage of services ranging from event planning and management, media communications, project management, bookkeeping and financial support. For more information, visit www.proadminresources.com.
Think Again
Pam Landes, Chief Thinker
616-396-2698
With a diverse background in television, creativity training and print media, Pam Landes, is the Chief Thinker at Think Again. This firm,established in 1991, provides a variety of consulting services. Pam has been involved in the development of the West Michigan Strategic Alliance since its beginnings. During Phase I, she managed 12 committees and served as writer/editor for The Common Framework in 2002. Most recently, she was the Project Manager for creating regional indicators featured in the West Michigan Vital Signs. A video project, completed in late 2006 for the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council, Into the Watershed,won both a Communicator Award of Distinction and a Silver Telly.
Pam Chairs the Academic Boosters group at Holland High School and has volunteered as an Odyssey of the Mind Coach for many years.
Click here to connect with Pam on LinkedIn.
Penning Ink Public Relations
Tim Penning, Ph.D., APR
616-844-2492
Professor Tim Penning, Ph.D, APR, teaches courses in public relations. He has worked as a staff writer and editor for Traverse Magazine and Advance Newspapers. Following his career in journalism, Tim was Communication Director for an international mission agency, media relations manager for Grand Valley State University, and Public Relations Director for the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. As a professor, he continues to practice public relations as a consultant with his own business, Penning Ink. He was won several awards for his public relations work and was named "Distinguished Practitioner" by the West Michigan Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America in 2001 and 2005. He is active with the Public Relations Society of America, having served as president of the West Michigan chapter in 2004 and on its board for seven years. He also advises the GVSU student chapter of PRSSA. Tim is a founder and board member of Interchange: The Association for West Michigan Communication Professionals and a member of the Phi Kappa Phi National Honors Society. (B.A., Journalism, Central Michigan University; M.A., Organizational Communication, Western Michigan University, Ph.D. in Media and Information Studies at Michigan State University. He writes a blog about advertising and public relations in West Michigan: http://gr-pr.blogspot.com/
Click here to connect with Tim on LinkedIn.