Debbie Shelley Retires After 44 Years at The Craft Agency
After 44 years of service, Operations & Finance Manager, Debbie Shelley is set to retire on March 31st, 2023.
Throughout the years, Debbie has been one of the most diligent, assertive, determined workers to ever step foot in The Craft Agency, Inc. She has made many wonderful friends through the family business, most of which have been lifelong friendships. We were honored to throw Debbie a surprise retirement party, with all her retired colleagues and family members to celebrate alongside us.
During the party, Debbie recalled her initial interview for the Operations & Finance Manager position, many years ago. In the winter of 1979, Debbie was an ambitious 22-year-old, straight from the big city of Detroit. She walked into The Craft Agency, Inc’s home office on W Michigan Ave, all dressed to the nines. She sat down with Jim Craft, and he knew before her interview that he wanted to hire her.
Debbie’s next adventure is to travel the country with her sister, Tina, in their new truck and their 32-foot travel trailer. Their first stop on the road being California, and soon after retirement, a family trip to Italy.
Though she will be retired, she plans to lend a helping hand to some of our 100th anniversary events in the coming months. Debbie will always remain a great part of the Craft Family. Though she’ll be miles away, we know she’s only just a phone call away.
David Craft said it best: “We have always prided ourselves on being a family business. Yes, Dad, Bob, Rick and I are family….but what truly made this place a family-centered business for the last 44+ years was Debbie Shelley. She made everyone part of our family and made sure we knew it, in good times and bad. NO ONE has worked harder or more tirelessly, or laughed louder than Debbie. She poured her heart and soul into always “doing the right thing”, and made us all better for it. We wouldn’t be where we are without you Debbie. WE APPRECIATE IT!!
Gorton Gives Farewell Wave to Miss America
Following a 40 year career of leadership and service to the Miss America Opportunity (MAO), Jackson Crossroads Scholarship Competition Executive Director, Christine LaRock Gorton (Gorton) has announced she will be retiring from her beloved role and pageant community.
Gorton, 2013 founding member of the Miss Jackson Crossroads Scholarship Program, a subsidiary of MAO, has dedicated four decades to providing Jackson County women opportunities to earn educational scholarships along with mentorship, guidance, life skills, and friendships – many of whom have taken leadership and community service roles in the Jackson community and beyond.
“I am excited to pursue the new ideas I have of empowering women in my community – a dream I have held in my heart for some time” said Gorton.
“We thank Chris for her years of dedication to this program” said Traci Royer-Spring, Jackson Crossroads Board President. “So many Jackson County women have benefited from her gifts of leadership.”
Since 1980 when first competing as a contestant and following through 2023 as a volunteer, Gorton has successfully guided countless contestants toward fulfilling their competition and career goals. Notably, three went on to become Miss Michigan and compete at Miss America.
“I give credit to my career with the organization for truly making a difference in my life” said Gorton. “My achievements both personally and professionally would not have been the same had I not been introduced to the MAO experience as a young adult. I wish the organization well and now look forward to finding new ways to champion for women.”
County National Bank Announces Promotions
Joseph R. Williams, President and CEO of County National Bank, is pleased to announce the recent promotions of several CNB team members.
Rachael Carpenter has been promoted to Vice President – Senior Wealth Management Operations Officer. Rachael joined CNB in 2022 as Assistant Vice President – Wealth Management Operations Officer. She has 12 years in the banking industry, which includes experience in wealth management operations and as a financial controller in community banking. Rachael is a Certified Public Accountant and is also LEAN Office certified.
Abba Reeve has been promoted to Vice President – Controller. Abba joined CNB in 2018 as Assistant Vice President – Controller. She has 15 years of experience in the financial industry, 10 of which she spent at a local credit union. Abba holds a Bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting and also attended Financial Managers School through the Financial Managers Society. She has served on the Finance Committee for the Jackson Friendly Home since 2016 and also coordinates support for the Salvation Army’s Adopt a Family program during the holidays.
Amber Yoder has been promoted to Assistant Vice President – Community Engagement Officer. Amber joined CNB in 2018 as a Marketing Specialist. She has 25 years of experience in marketing and communications. Amber holds a Bachelor’s degree in journalism with an advertising concentration from Central Michigan University. She currently serves as the Treasurer for St. Peter’s Free Clinic and she regularly volunteers for Junior Achievement and bank-sponsored events.
American 1 Credit Union announces the addition of Sean Fiero as IT Operations Manager
American 1 Credit Union is excited to announce the addition of Sean Fiero as the IT Operations Manager.
Fiero brings with him a strong, extensive background in IT, as well as many years of leadership in security and system rollout experience to his new role.
Fiero is responsible for overseeing programming, hardware implementation, security, and more within the credit union. Fiero’s extensive trainings, and project management skills will help build positive growth within the department.
“I am excited for this new challenge,” said Fiero. “I am looking forward to diving in and working with the team to support all of the credit union’s initiatives. I have always admired American 1’s dedication to their members and community and I look forward to continuing to enhance this experience for our members.”
Fiero officially started his position in October of 2022 and reports to Nicole Patrick, Vice President of Risk and IT.
“Sean brings a strong sense of enthusiasm with his IT experience,” said Patrick. “He brings extensive knowledge in many areas of IT that will only build upon the strong sense of security and technology that our members have come to expect from American 1. We are excited to see him grow within his new role and continue to make American 1 the best way to bank.”
Jackie Igafo-Teo and Matthew J. Way Appointed to Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments of Jackson area residents to the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect:
Jackie Igafo-Teo, of Jackson, is database manager and website accessibility coordinator at Michigan Alliance for Families. Ms. Igafo-Teo co-founded Bridges4Kids, an organization that provides referral services to people with disabilities and their families. She studied Computer Technology at Jackson Community College. Ms. Igafo-Teo is reappointed to represent residents with experience working with children with disabilities for a term commencing March 23, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2025
Matthew J. Way, of Mason, is assistant prosecuting attorney for Jackson County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney. Mr. Way is also a member of the training committee for the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctorate from Marquette University. Mr. Way is appointed to represent prosecuting attorneys for a term commencing March 23, 2023 and expiring December 31, 2026.
The Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect was established within the Department of Health and Human Services and designed as a multidisciplinary task force for the purposes of the federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. The Task Force consists of members who are professionals with knowledge and experience relating to the criminal justice system and issues of child physical abuse, child neglect, child sexual abuse and exploitation, and child maltreatment related fatalities.
