Executive Director - Griffins Youth FoundationE-mail: director@griffinskids.org
Phone: (616) 970-5437
Biography:
Number of seasons with the Griffins (through 2011-12): 6
What you love most about working for the Griffins: Watching the children we serve grow in strength and confidence.
Favorite Griffins memory: Opening night. What a great event for this community!
Favorite all-time Griffins players: Hudler and Bootland, both players were great with our players when they played against our Sled Wing team.
Best thing about your job: Working with children.
Hometown: St. Clair Shores, Michigan
States (and provinces or countries) you’ve lived in: Michigan
Spouse’s name/year you were married: Lou 1974
Children: Neil, Louis and Liza
Pets (name, type of animal): Two cats, Coney and Grubby
College degree/year/school: Masters in Public Administration 2004, Grand Valley University
Sports idol(s) as a youth: Nancy Kerrigan and Mia Hamm
Personal/professional hero(es): My husband and parents
As a child, you dreamed of becoming: A bookkeeper
First job/your age: Church secretary, 16
Current dream job: Managing a larger version of the Youth Foundation.
If you could trade places for a day with another occupation/person, what/who would it be?: My mom so I could see what it was like to have me as a child!
Proudest professional accomplishment: Convincing a donor to donate 48 acres of land to the city for parkland.
Most memorable on-the-job mistake/embarrassing moment: While on the Grand Rapids City Commission, I referred to a “past mayor” as the “late mayor” and he was in the audience!
Professional memberships/civic leadership positions: I currently serve as vice chair on Grand Rapids' Economic Development/Brownfield Redevelopment Board. I served on the Grand Rapids City Commission from 1998 through 2005.
Favorite charities/charitable causes: The Youth Foundation and RSVP, which is the retired senior volunteer program that supplies thousands of volunteer hours in our community.
Most exciting/unique thing you’ve done or place you’ve visited: Zip lined over a rain forest in the Caribbean.
Sports played growing up: Bowling, baseball, diving and swimming.
Hidden (or not so hidden) talents: Multi tasking
An interesting fact about you: I am married to my brother’s wife’s brother.
Favorite foods: Scallops, asparagus and hot fudge sundays.
Favorite music artists: Chicago
Favorite sports movie: Miracle
Favorite book or author: To dance with the White Dog by Terry Kay.
Favorite subject in elementary school: Math
Favorite spectator sports: Hockey
Favorite pro/college sports teams (excluding Griffins): MSU hockey and Red Wings
Favorite recreational activities/hobbies: Gardening, reading and biking.