2019 WMSBF Board Election

There are nine candidates for nine open seats.  A write-in option is available on the ballot as well.

Board members returning in 2019 on unexpired terms include: Hector Angus, Jeffrey Byrd, Erik Daly, Anna Horner, Bill Morgan, Erik Petrovskis, Steve Ramus, Maureen Stroud and Katie Venechuk.

The 2019 Board President is Sara Meyer, Senior Project Manager for Environmental Resources Management. Steve Ramus, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility for Perrigo will assume the role of Immediate Past President. Other officers will be elected at the June 2019 board meeting on June 17.

The following are the nominees for the 2019-2021 West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum Board of Directors.  Please vote here for the nominees by June 14.

Sarah Chartier, Senior Sustainability Program Manager, Spectrum Health (3rd Term)

As the Sustainability Program Manager, Sarah has worked within Spectrum Health’s Sustainability Office for over five years to identify environmental and financial opportunities, reduce waste and mitigate Spectrum Health’s environmental footprint. Sarah measures and manages performance based on the triple bottom line, including organizational readiness, operational performance, waste management, greening the operating room, environmental procurement and sustainable foods. On a daily basis, she works to align sustainability with organizational priorities, such as Process Improvement, Safety and Expense Reduction. Sarah is a board member of the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, sits on the Environmental Advisory Council of Vizient, on the District Leadership Council for the Grand Rapids 2030 District, LEED GA.

Nicholas Farr, Staff Accountant, Kroon & Mitchell (1st Term)

Nick is a CPA with Kroon + Mitchell, focused on Non-Profit Audit and Advisory services. Past experience includes roles with the US Treasury, McKinsey & Company and several nonprofit organizations. He currently serves as Treasurer of Seeds of Promise and as a volunteer with the Grand Rapids Food Cooperative and Blandford Nature Center. Nick grew up in Grand Rapids and has degrees from Grand Valley State University and The University of Michigan.

Jane Feenstra, Stewardship Specialist, Gordon Food Service (1st Term)

Jane is a Stewardship Specialist at Gordon Food Serice where she is resposnsible for launching, advancing and communicating about the environmental and social initiatives going on across the company. She is excited about the opportunity to be part of the leadership team that is driving WMSBF to become the premier source for sustainability resources, education and connections in West Michigan.

Allmon Forrester, Director of Facilities, Planning & Sustainability, John Ball Zoo (1st Term)

Allmon has been with the John Ball Zoo since 2000. He holds degrees in both Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. He has over 30 years’ experience in almost every arena of site management including facilities, construction, grounds, housekeeping, sustainability and planning. He currently oversees the Facility Department, Building and Grounds Department, security and owners’ representative for capital projects at the Zoo. He is currently is the sitting past-president of the national Aquarium & Zoo Facilities Association.

Raul Hernandez Guzman, Admissions Representative, Aquinas College (1st Term)

Raul was born and raised in Mexico, learning about poverty and social inequality since a young age. Raul has a passion for helping others and contributing to the community. After moving to Michigan, Raul earned an Associates in Arts from GRCC, a Bachelors in Business Administration in Marketing and Management with an International Business focus from GVSU and is currently pursuing a Masters of Management in Sustainability from Aquinas College. Raul has bilingual skills in Spanish and English and has volunteered at different non-profit organizations in Michigan.

Paul Isely, Associate Dean – Seidman College of Business, Grand Valley State University (2nd Term)

Dr. Paul Isely is the associate dean of the Seidman College of Business. He joined the GVSU faculty in 1995, after earning his Ph.D. in Economics from Purdue University. Dr. Isely has taught many different courses at GVSU including Environmental Economics which looks at sustainable and efficient resource usage. He is published in areas of sustainability including recycling, energy use, and environmental cleanup.  He is currently vice chair of the Utility Consumer Participation Board, a governor-appointed board dealing with residential utility rates.

Dennis McKee, Manager of Stakeholder Relations, Consumers Energy (1st Term)

Dennis McKee is a 25-year veteran of the energy industry with a deep knowledge of an array of technologies, along with their strengths and limitations. He has worked in Washington, D.C. and Lansing on issues that fall into the pro-business realm, and is currently enjoying the transition he has seen the utility industry make to adhering to sustainability principles and pursuing green initiatives. A boater, skier, rock climber, mountain biker, and hiker — he feels a kayak is now the missing link to finding greater fulfillment; along with a meaningful board position with the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum.

Sara Meyer, Senior Project Manager, Environmental Resources Management (4th Term)

Sara Meyer is an environmental consultant with Environmental Resources Management, where she specializes in assisting companies to achieve and maintain compliance with environmental regulations, including Storm Water, Wastewater, and Air regulations. She regularly conducts site audits and works closely with her clients to help their companies have the smallest possible environmental footprint. Ms. Meyer has a Chemistry degree from Grand Valley State University, and two major publications relating to the PCB research she conducted while attending GVSU and working at Annis Water Resources Institute. Ms. Meyer enjoys sharing her work experience with students at City High/Middle School via Junior Achievement and is also a member of WM-AWMA. Sara’s work with WMSBF includes chairing the Tools & Resources Committee, which conducted a 2-year MDEQ grant for Sustainability Assessment tracking improvement among members and recently brought to completion work on Climate Resiliency, a very important topic for our region; this project included working with a number of area organizations outside of WMSBF.

Lynn Spurr, Sr. Environmental Specialist, Fishbeck Thompson Carr & Huber (2nd Term)

Lynn Spurr, Sr. Environmental Specialist with FTCH, has been an active member of the WMSBF for a number of years.  She has participated on various committees and programs; most recently, the Waste Characterization and Valuation Project and the Waste Task Force.  The Zero Waste Initiative is a key interest.  Ms. Spurr is committed to work towards increasing the depth and reach of this program throughout the region and state. She will also provide her time and energy to increase membership and sponsorship, and identify grant opportunities to fund the forum’s programs and initiatives.