Jackson News Briefs July 3, 2023

Governor Whitmer Appoints Bloodworth to the Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Carolyn Bloodworth has been appointed to the Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity. Carolyn Bloodworth, of Jackson, is the Executive Director of Corporate Giving at Consumers Energy/CMS Energy. She serves on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity of Michigan and is a member of the Michigan Nonprofit Association. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Management of Human Resources from Spring Arbor University. Ms. Bloodworth is appointed to represent the private sector, for a term commencing June 30, 2023, and expiring June 21, 2026.  The Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity was created to provide opportunity for low-income persons to actively participate in the development of policies and programs to reduce poverty and serves as a statewide forum to address the needs and concerns of low-income people in the state of Michigan. 

American 1 Credit Union Awarded Corporate Partner of the Year by Junior Achievement of the Michigan Edge

 Junior Achievement of the Michigan Edge recognized American 1 Credit Union as their Corporate Partner of the Year on June 1 at the Celebration of Achievement Dinner at the Ella Sharp Museum. 

The Junior Achievement Corporate Partner of the Year Award recognizes an organization that enhances learning career development, entrepreneurship, and economics, emphasizing personal finance among the youth in their local community. American 1 sponsors multiple Junior Achievement events, including their CEO Challenge, empowering young individuals to build and present a business plan to local business professionals. 

“It is an absolute pleasure to empower our local youth toward a healthy financial future,” stated Collin Martin, Financial Wellness Manager for American 1. “As we focus on our mission of offering personal everyday banking to our community, we hope to continually teach local youth how to build their financial toolbox to ensure they have the resources for financial success after they complete their educational journey.”

Martin officially joined the Board of Junior Achievement of the Michigan Edge in June of 2023 and has taken on additional responsibility in building financial wellness in his community through strengthening the partnership between the two organizations.

The mission of Junior Achievement is to believe in the possible and help young people understand what they can accomplish in their lives by taking what they learn in school and connecting it with life outside of the classroom. 

American 1 and their employees align with the Junior Achievement vision by offering financial wellness classes in local schools, promoting healthy saving habits with their Eagle Earners and Independence accounts, and avidly supporting all events hosted by the organization.

Edward Woods Named Chair of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Edward Woods, LifeWays Board member, has been named Chair of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Woods was first elected to the National Council board as Regional Director for Region 5 in 2013 and was re-elected for two additional 3-year terms from 2014 until 2020. He was then appointed Secretary-Treasurer in 2020, Second Vice Chair in 2021, and first Vice Chair in 2022. He will become the Board Chair effective July 1, 2023.

No stranger to leadership roles in behavioral health organizations, Woods has served on the Mid-State Health Network (MSHN) board since its inception in 2014 and is in his third term as its Chair, also serving on the MSHN Substance Use Disorder Oversight Policy Board. He was president of Community Mental Health Association of Michigan – CMHA (then Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards – MACMHB) in 2010, Chair of the CMHA Cultural Diversity Committee, and continues to be on its Executive Committee. Woods was appointed to the LifeWays Board in January 1989. During the 13 terms of his tenure, he has held every board officer position and chaired all board standing committees at least once.

“It is so nice to have Ed’s level of experience, knowledge and representation in this position for LifeWays and the State of Michigan,” said Maribeth Leonard, CEO at LifeWays.

Wood’s community involvement includes service on boards of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, Jackson County Community Foundation, The Enterprise Group, Jackson Area Manufacturers Association, Jackson County Foster Care Review Board, National Association of Foster Care Reviewers, Allegiance Health Quality Council, Trustee Emeritus on Jackson Community Foundation board, Henry Ford Allegiance Health Systems, and Catholic Charities.

CMS Energy Announces Holly Bowers as Vice President of Gas Engineering and Supply

CMS Energy and its principal subsidiary Consumers Energy announced today that Dennis Dobbs, vice president of gas engineering and supply will retire after 20 years with the company with Holly Bowers being named vice president of gas engineering and supply, effective June 16. Bowers will be responsible for overseeing the company’s natural gas engineering and supply teams that provide safe, reliable energy service to 1.8 million gas customers.

“Holly’s expertise within the gas industry and strong commitment to the company’s safety, reliability and decarbonization goals will benefit our customers and communities,” said Tonya Berry, senior vice president of transformation and engineering. “I wish Dennis the best on his well-deserved retirement and look forward to working alongside Holly as we continue to strengthen our partnership across Operations and Engineering.”

Holly previously served as the executive director of operations compliance and controls for Consumers Energy. She joined the company in 1998 and has more than 25 years in the company’s gas business and has worked in multiple areas ensuring its safety, integrity, reliability, and affordability for our customers. Her work leading our Gas Safety Management System, quality controls, damage prevention and public safety has been critical to our long-term success and the safety of the public and our co-workers.

Bowers holds a bachelor’s degree in biosystems engineering with an environmental specialization from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in business administration from Baker College. She also serves on Michigan State University Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering Industry Advisory Board, Michigan 811 Miss Dig Board of Directors and is active in the American Gas Association.

TRUE Community Credit Union Announces Internal Promotions of Senior Leaders 

As the financial services environment has changed to support a more digital-focused atmosphere, TRUE Community Credit Union has shifted its organizational structure and promoted several senior leaders to C-Suite Officers:

• Jason Matley has been promoted to Executive Vice President/Chief Strategy Officer.
• Lance Schnitkey has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer.
• Heather Harback has been promoted to Chief People Officer.
• Brandi Cole has been promoted to Chief Risk Officer.
• Valerie Moskal has been promoted to Chief Growth and Lending Officer.
• Sarah Ermatinger has been promoted to Chief Member Experience Officer.

The shifts in structure were made to create an efficient, effective, and collaborative decision-making process as the credit union continues to grow, while also fostering deeper relationships with TRUECCU members as interactions with the credit union evolve.

“As CEO, it is so important for me to surround myself with talented leaders who are aligned with our purpose, mission, vision, and values, and this team is all of that plus so much more!” said TRUECCU President and CEO Chrissy Siders. “TRUECCU has seen tremendous growth in the last six years, and as we embark on transformational change and efficient growth, it is critical to have the right people, in the right seats, in the right pillars. I couldn’t be prouder of these leaders and their work, and I feel confident they will usher us into an even greater position of financial strength and growth.”

American 1 Credit Union’s Collin Martin Appointed to Junior Achievement & J-Town Board of Directors

American 1 Credit Union announced that Financial Wellness Manager, Collin Martin, joined the Junior Achievement of the Michigan Edge and J-Town Clubhouse Board of Directors.

Martin said he chose to join the J-Town Clubhouse and Junior Achievement Boards to give back to his local community through his knowledge of creating and sustaining financial wellness.

“I cannot wait to create more opportunities for financial education within the communities we serve,” said Collin Martin, Financial Wellness Manager at American 1. “Financial education is imperative, and I look forward to fostering this growth in youth through Junior Achievement and adults through the J-Town organization.”

J-Town Clubhouse is a community-based center for adult persons with mental health disorders that builds confidence while strengthening socialization and employment skills.

Junior Achievement’s mission is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed. The organization works to positively impact young people’s perceptions about the importance of education and critical life skills while promoting financial capability, work and career readiness, and business ownership.

American 1 offers free Financial Coaching sessions to local organizations and American 1 members through seminars, onsite membership, HSA, IRA account openings, one-on-one meetings, and more.

“Collin’s involvement with these two impactful organizations not only aligns with American 1’s mission to create financial wellness in the communities we serve but also aligns with our core values and desire to make a difference,” said Kelly Grygiel, Vice President of Marketing and Community Partnership for American 1. “I am excited for Collin to give back to the community in this way and for the community to benefit from his passion and expertise.”

Chelsea Hospital Awards $170,269 in Grants to Nine Community-Based Organizations

Chelsea Hospital announced that it has awarded nine grants to community-based organizations in Chelsea, Dexter, Grass Lake, Manchester, and Stockbridge.  These organizations have been targeted with investments to further improve the health and well-being of local residents living and working in communities served by the hospital. 

To be considered for a grant, each non-profit organization chosen submitted an application demonstrating how their program addressed one or more priority needs identified in Washtenaw County’s most recent Community Health Needs Assessment, which was jointly developed by Chelsea Hospital, Trinity Health Ann Arbor and Michigan Medicine.  The priorities for Chelsea Hospital’s service area include:

• Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
• Obesity and Related Illnesses
• Preconceptual and Perinatal Health

“Through these grants, we are leveraging the expansive networks of our community partners, and in doing so we are focusing our dollars where they will make the greatest impact,” said Ben Miles, president of Chelsea Hospital.  “By investing locally with organizations that share similar values and goals, we are able to lift our community and deliver on the promise of our healing mission.”

This year’s grant recipients include:

1. Stockbridge Community Outreach – Operational support to provide food pantry, housing, transportation and enrollment assistance.
2. Manchester Community Resource Center – Safety net services, public health coordination and open choice food pantry.
3. Copper Nail – Food access for low-income families.
4. Grass Lake Senior Center – Expanded hours and programs to address social isolation and physical activity.
5. Dexter Senior Center – Meals on Wheels program to reach isolated seniors.
6. Stockbridge Senior Center – Expanded hours and programs to address social isolation and physical activity.
7. Chelsea Senior Center – Subsidizing physical activity classes to address social isolation.
8. St. Louis Center – Cultural diversity education program for staff and residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
9. Western Washtenaw Area Value Express (WAVE bus) – Shuttle service between Manchester, Chelsea and Stockbridge to address transportation as a social determinant of health.

Jackson District Library Awarded ALA Grant To Work With Area Teens, Jackson County Youth Center

Jackson District Library is one of 58 libraries across the country recently awarded a mini-grant from the American Library Association to conduct a reading program with local teens.

JDL staff will soon work with the Jackson County Youth Center t o take part in the ” Finding Your Voice: Speaking Truth to Power” program, part of ALA’s “Great Stories Club,” a thematic reading and discussion initiative that engages teens who are facing difficult challenges through literature- based library outreach.

Participating libraries will receive a $500 programming stipend and work with small groups of approximately 10 teens, will provide up to four theme-related books and audiobooks for each participant to keep as their own to use with the group, and will create opportunities for exploration and discussion of relevant humanities content among peers.

Select titles from the themes include “The Poet X” by Elizabeth Acevedo; “Anger is a Gift” by Mark Oshiro; “Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates; and “Dreaming in Indian: Contemporary Native American Voice” edited by Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Beth Leatherdale.

“We’re honored to be one of a select few libraries awarded the funds and the material to take part in ALA’s Great Stories Club,” JDL Director Liz Breed said. “We look forward to working with the Jackson County Youth Center on this program.”

The theme and book list, created by scholars Maria Sachiko Cecire and Susana M. Morris, PhD, feature books that explore questions about the power of one’s individual voice and standing up for oneself. Cecire is associate professor of literature and founding director of the Center for Experimental Humanities at Bard College. Morris is an associate professor at Georgia Tech.

Since 2006, ALA’s Great Stories Club has helped libraries engage young adults with accessible, thought-provoking literature. To learn more about the Great Stories Club or to see a list of libraries like JDL awarded the grant funds to participate, please visit ala.org/greatstories.

American 1 Credit Union announces the Promotion of Jennifer Schuch to IT Core Systems Manager

American 1 Credit Union announced the internal promotion of Jennifer Schuch to IT Core Systems Manager.

Schuch started with American 1 in May of 2002 and has held multiple positions throughout her tenure, including Core Systems Administrator. Jennifer also held the position of Training Department Manager, giving her a strong sense of quality member service and a detailed understanding of member pain points.

Schuch is responsible for overseeing the operation and implementation of member systems, including Online Banking, and ensuring they offer a positive member experience. In addition, the IT Core Systems Manager works closely with the risk and compliance team to keep member information safe.

“I could not be more excited to help lead our core systems team,” stated Schuch. “Even with working at American 1 for over 20 years, I am still impressed that our vision focuses heavily on the member experience. It’s my pleasure to make the products we offer more convenient and uncomplicated to support the credit union in building financial wellness in all the communities we serve.”

Schuch accepted her promotion in March of 2023 and reports to Nicole Patrick, Vice President of Risk and IT.

“Our members continually count on us to be their safe, trustworthy credit union of choice,” stated Nicole Patrick. “Jennifer has continually shown the best interest of our members by overseeing the implementation of the systems that highlight the top-notch products American 1 offers with the focus remaining on personal, everyday banking. We are excited to see her grow into her new role as our Core Systems Manager.”

American 1 Credit Union Announces Multiple Internal Manager Promotions

American 1 Credit Union has announced multiple internal promotions within the credit union to emphasize their mission, creating financial wellness in the communities they serve through personal, everyday banking. 

Amrit Ahuja – Contact Center Supervisor  

Amrit, working with American 1 since 2019, most recently held the position of Payment Services Specialist. Amrit brings an extensive banking background along with leadership experience, including graduating from Leadership Jackson in 2023.  

Amber Ganaway – Assistant Branch Manager (Home Office – 718 E. Michigan Ave, Jackson, MI 49201) 

Amber, working with American 1 beginning in 2021, most recently held the position of Member Service Specialist. Amber brings retail leadership experience into her new role, along with exceptional customer service that always focuses on the best interest of American 1 members. 

Matt Heffernan – Branch Manager (Downtown – 100 E. Michigan Ave, Jackson, MI 49201) 

Matt, working with American 1 beginning in 2021, most recently held the position of Assistant Branch Manager at the North Street Branch. Matt brings over five years of banking experience with him, along  with serving on the board of the Jackson Young Professionals.  

Jenni Knorr – Lending Specialist Manager  

Jenni, working with American 1 beginning in 2020, most recently held the position of Lending Specialist. Jenni brings a diverse management background with her to her new position, along with over five years of retail leadership experience. 

Justice Spratt – Contact Center District Manager  

Justice, working with American 1 beginning in 2022, most recently held the position of Contact Center Specialist Manager. Justice brings with her an extensive background in management and has already made a strong impact at American 1, not only with her team but also with American 1 members.   

“It is an honor to promote so many qualified internal candidates,” stated Keleigh Ballinger, VP of Branch Operations. “American 1 focuses on promoting within to create a sense of stability for our members and their interests. We cannot wait to see Amrit, Amber, Matt, Jenni, and Justice continue to make American 1 Credit Union the best place to bank, and work.”