Jackson News Briefs May 31, 2024

County National Bank Announces Recent Lender Appointments

Joseph R. Williams, President and CEO of County National Bank, is pleased to announce the recent promotions of several members of the lending team, including Mark Dingee, Roger Ferguson, Jeff Jackson, Matt Parks, Eric Potes, and Kathryn Walker.

Mark Dingee has been promoted to Vice President – Commercial Loan Officer. Mark joined CNB in 2021 and has over 13 years of experience in agricultural lending and servicing. Mark’s areas of expertise in the agribusiness arena are dairy, row crops, specialty crops, and timber.

Roger Ferguson has been promoted to Vice President – Commercial Loan Officer. Roger joined CNB in 2019 and has nearly 25 years of banking experience. He is a graduate of Central Michigan University and several banking and commercial lending specialty schools with the Michigan Bankers Association. Roger has received specialized training in cash flow analysis, construction lending, lending to municipalities, and structuring commercial loans.

Jeff Jackson has been promoted to Assistant Vice President – Consumer Loan Officer. Jeff joined CNB in 2004 and has 41 years of experience in the financial services industry. Jeff is a graduate of Central Michigan University, has a solid reputation of professionalism with local dealers, and is known for making sound loan decisions.

Matt Parks has been promoted to Assistant Vice President – Commercial Loan Officer. Matt joined CNB in 2014. Matt is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in finance. He has 10 years of industry experience, and his areas of expertise include commercial lending and credit analysis.

Eric Potes has been promoted to Vice President – Commercial Loan Officer. Eric joined CNB in 2010 and has over 21 years of experience in banking, 14 of which have been in commercial lending. He is a graduate of Baker College and Spring Arbor University, and his areas of expertise include business lending and credit analysis.

Kathryn Walker has been promoted to Assistant Vice President – Commercial Loan Officer. Kathryn joined CNB in 2014, and she has 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. Her areas of expertise include commercial and consumer lending, retail banking, and branch management. Kathryn is also a graduate of the Perry Schools of Banking through the Michigan Bankers Association.

Westminster United Presbyterian Church Names Interim Pastor

The Rev. Dr. M. Jacob (“Jake”) Kaufman will begin his eighteenth interim pastorate on June 1 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Jackson.  Interim ministry has taken him to Ohio and Pennsylvania, in addition to Michigan, serving both Presbyterian Church (U. S. A.) and United Church of Christ congregations.  Prior to interim ministry, he served for 29 years as an installed pastor at four churches in New Jersey, New York, and Michigan.  He has served as an exchange preacher at Paisley and East Kilbride, Church of Scotland, during the summers of 1976 and 1979.

As Westminster Church’s Interim Transition Pastor, Dr. Kaufman will guide the congregation through a process of reflection on their experiences with their previous pastors, leading to a clear description of the personality and leadership styles that will enable the congregation to achieve a positive future.  He then will guide a discernment process to clarify what the congregation would like to accomplish during their next pastorate.  This information will direct the selection of a new pastor and will indicate to pastor candidates whether Westminster might be a good choice for their next position. The churches he has served often organize new programs in response to community needs, welcoming neighbors into the church family.   

In addition to completing the basic college and seminary requirements for ordination, Dr. Kaufman holds a Master of Theology degree from Princeton Theological Seminary in the field of Pastoral Care and Counseling, including a quarter of Clinical Pastoral Education, completed at the Trenton, New Jersey, State Hospital.  He holds Doctor of Ministry and Doctor of the Science of Theology degrees, both degrees in areas related to church growth.  He trained with the Presbyterian Synod of Lincoln Trails and with the Interim Ministry Network as a Transition Ministry Specialist.  Outside of his church work, he is an avid amateur radio operator.

The Rev. Ms. Dawn Kaufman, his wife, is a former Foreign Service Officer.  She held posts in Lesotho, South Africa, Venezuela, and Mexico.  While in Venezuela, she volunteered service at a seminary, teaching the Old Testament Pentateuch and New Testament Pauline Epistles.  A trained musician, she frequently had keyboard responsibilities with the International American Church in the cities where she was posted.  Having taught college English previously, she retired from Bethel University, Mishawaka, Indiana, where she was a Business Professor and Director of the MBA Program.

Together, The Revs. Kaufman serve as church growth consultants, leading workshops to help churches develop growth outreach and member retention.

Dr. Kaufman succeeds The Rev. Ms. Karen Kelly, who will retire on May 31, concluding a 34-plus-year pastorate at Westminster Church.

Consumers Energy Revamps Information Technology Team

Consumers Energy announced leadership changes in its information technology (IT) department. Tamara Faber, chief digital officer, is leaving the company effective May 31. Faber’s role will be split into two distinct IT functions: strategy and operations. Jim Beechey was named Vice President, IT and Security and Chief Information Officer effective Feb. 15, and Aaron Rajda will join the company as Vice President, Applications and Analytics and Chief Digital Officer effective Monday, May 20.

“Jim Beechey’s expertise in the compliance, risk, privacy, cyber and physical security space will set our information technology teams up for success as the two teams are integrated to improve the customer experience,” said Brian Rich, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer. “I’m thrilled to have Aaron join the company and apply his wealth of experience in global digital product delivery, application management and digital customer experience that aligns well with our customer service vision.”

Jim is responsible for the company’s information technology strategy, investments and operations. He also leads all aspects of physical and cyber security. He previously served as Consumers Energy’s Executive Director of Security. He has also held roles within the company as IT Security Manager and Information Security Director. Before joining Consumers Energy in 2011, Beechey held several increasingly responsible managerial IT and security roles at Northwood University.

Jim holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and business management from Northwood University and a master’s degree in information security engineering from the SANS Technology Institute.

Aaron Rajda comes to Consumers Energy after serving over 20 years at Ford Motor Company holding several increasingly responsible leadership positions. Aaron joined Ford as its Senior Manager of Business Systems before serving as an IT Executive Director leading global technology teams that supported multiple business units and functional skill teams. He most recently held a leadership role in Ford’s digital marketing, sales and customer products area, where he delivered complex, high-value digital customer solutions.

Aaron earned a bachelor’s degree in management information systems from Wayne State University and master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.

Jackson Catholic Schools Announces Retirement of Executive Director

Jackson Catholic Schools has announced the retirement of Tim De Witt, Executive Director of JCS and President of Lumen Christi Catholic School after 4 years of dedicated service.

Throughout his time, Mr. DeWitt played a pivotal role in the growth and success of Jackson Catholic Schools, leading with vision and staying on mission. Under Tim’s leadership, JCS has achieved numerous milestones, such as, the addition of the beautiful outdoor Crucifix, turning up the volume on Catholic education in Jackson, as well as overseeing the unification of the Jackson Catholic Schools system.

“The progress we have witnessed under Tim’s leadership is astounding. We have seen increased enrollment, tighter financial controls, building and classroom improvements, and a historic restructuring of our teacher pay system, just to name a few. Where once stood separate, autonomous schools, we now have a system called Jackson Catholic Schools (JCS). His leadership was instrumental in improving structure and consistency while encouraging each school to keep its unique and special culture. Tim did all of this while proudly exclaiming his love for Christ. His positive impact on JCS cannot be overstated.”, said Brian Richmond, Jackson Catholic Schools Board President.

“My time is coming to an end here at Jackson Catholic Schools. I have often said, ‘This is the hardest job I have ever had but the most rewarding.’ To have had the opportunity to answer the call of my faith and put it into action has been incredibly rewarding and humbling. I have been given the gift of working alongside the most amazing, dedicated, and faith-filled individuals who tirelessly hold true to the truth of Jesus Christ. There are too many names to call attention to. They took a finance guy and helped me understand secondary education, and with great kindness, shepherded me forward. For this, I am grateful. Not to be cliché, but it’s time to pay attention to the most important person in my life, my wife Colleen. I could have never gone forward without her support and the constant reminder she whispered in my ear, ‘Jesus Christ has your back.” Tim De Witt stated.

Mr. DeWitt’s departure is the end of an era but also signals an exciting new chapter for Jackson Catholic Schools. The search for his replacement has already commenced, with an application deadline of July 1, 2024. After his retirement on July 31, 2024, Mr. De Witt plans to assist the JCS Leadership Team wherever necessary to ensure a seamless transition and maintain the schools’ upward trajectory.

Apply Here – https://www.dioceseoflansing.org/human-resources/careers

Jackson Chapter BV of the Philanthropic Educational Organization Celebrates 75th Anniversary

Jackson Chapter BV of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) celebrated its 75^th anniversary this spring with a special commemoration, a group photo and a look at the chapter’s impact on the community. Chapter BV, which was honored at the P.E.O. state convention in Traverse City earlier this May, is one of two chapters in Michigan to celebrate its “diamond” anniversary this year.

“Anniversaries such as this one give us a wonderful opportunity to not only look back with appreciation at the guiding vision of our founders, but to look forward at all the ways we can continue to grow, improve, and benefit those around us. Plus, occasions like this are just a lot of fun!” said Chris Richmond of Albion, 2024-26 Chapter BV president.

Since the chapter’s inception March 12, 1949, it has donated tens of thousands of dollars to local, state and international causes that benefit women. It also has coordinated several programs that benefit the community, including an Underground Railroad tour of five historical landmarks in an around Jackson that were connected to the secret system. The May 2023 bus tour, which was open to the public, attracted about 100 attendees.

“Our 75^th anniversary is considered an achievement within our philanthropic education organization,” said Andrea Niehaus of Brooklyn, Chapter BV president from 2022-24. “This milestone reflects not only our longevity, but our success in promoting our goals and the benefits that have come from this,” she added.

There are approximately 120 P.E.O. chapters in Michigan, and nearly 200,000 members in all 50 states and Canada. Chapter BV, which has 48 members, is one of two P.E.O. chapters in Jackson. Both chapters reflect the goals of their parent organization, P.E.O. International, a philanthropic organization dedicated to helping women advance through educational grants, loans, scholarships, and more.  Since the parent organization was founded in 1869, it has provided nearly $415 million in financial assistance to more than 122,000 women worldwide.

Jessica Henry, a Spring Arbor University student, is one such recipient. Henry received a $1,200 Educational Loan Fund (ELF) for her ongoing pursuit of a master’s degree in social work at SAU. She also received a $4000 Program for Continuing Education (PCE) grant in 2021 for her 2023 bachelor’s degree in social work, with a double minor in psychology and business, also from SAU.

“The ELF and PCE loans have allowed me to pursue my education without the stress of financial burdens. I’ve been able to become not only a lifelong learner, but a financially responsible woman,” said Henry, who was sponsored by Chapter BV and has since joined the chapter. “Women helping women is one of our mottos, and I will continue to represent it in my day-to-day life.”

Over the decades, the international organization has grown from its founding chapter at Iowa Wesleyan University in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, to encompass a worldwide membership that includes over 6,000 chapters in each of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and six Canadian provinces.

Beth Rowley Joins Southern Michigan Bank & Trust

Derek Naylor, 1st VP, Head of Retail Banking Services, and Chief Deposit Officer of Southern Michigan Bank & Trust (SMBT) recently announced the appointment of Elizabeth (Beth) Rowley, as AVP, Treasury Management Sales Officer.

Rowley brings with her 37 years of experience in all facets of banking ranging from customer service to risk management, commercial lending support to treasury management operations, and more. Most recently, Rowley served as Deposit Operations Officer for First National Bank of Michigan.

“We are thrilled to welcome Beth to our team here at Southern,” said Naylor. “Her extensive knowledge of deposit operations and long-standing tenure in the banking industry will serve as a valuable asset to both our customers and the bank.”

Rowley is a long-time resident of Kalamazoo. She and her husband, Randy, have one son.

Southern Michigan Bancorp, Inc. is a bank holding company and the parent company of Southern Michigan Bank & Trust. It operates 17 offices within Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Jackson, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph Counties, providing a broad range of consumer, business, and wealth management services throughout the region. For more information, please visit the Southern Michigan Bank & Trust website at www.smb-t.com.