2023-2024 ELU Advisory Board

Oct 23

Heart of West Michigan United Way's mission to unite community resources to invest in solutions that reduce poverty is supported by personal donors, collective generosity from local businesses, and emerging leaders within the workforce who rally together through Emerging Leaders United (ELU). West Michigan's next generation of social impact leaders is led by an advisory board of champions that drive recruitment, member engagement, and the annual calendar of events.

Together, they support the future of United Way and its role in the West Michigan region by inspiring and educating their peers to get involved and invest in the continued success of nonprofits — creating a thriving community for all.

Josh has served as an Emerging Leaders board member for just over one year. He is a graduate of Grand Valley State University and currently works in the commercial loan department at West Michigan Community Bank. Josh and his wife, Kelsey, live on the north side of Grand Rapids (near Robinette’s) with their cat, Charlotte, and toy goldendoodle, Daisy. Josh joined the Emerging Leaders United Board in June of 2022 as a way to get more involved and give back to the community. In his free time, he enjoys golfing in the summer, camping in the spring and fall, playing board games with friends, and reading a good book.

Sydney is a first year Emerging Leaders board member. She is a graduate of Michigan State University and currently works as a Packaging Engineer at BISSELL. She is very excited to get started as an Emerging Leader and help those in her community. In her free time, she spends her time watching scary movies, hanging out with friends and family, and and going on nature walks.

Raelynn is a second year Emerging Leaders board member. She is a graduate of Grand Valley State University and currently works in Supply Chain for Amway. She is very passionate about being involved in the community and is excited to be able to connect with people through an organization with a larger impact on the community and the people that live in it. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, trying new restaurants and being a proud dog mom to her 8-year-old Wheaten Terrier rescue.

Ann is joining the board for her fourth year with Emerging Leaders United. Ann is a graduate of Ferris State University and is currently CPA and manager at Andrews Hooper Pavlik PLC, where she primarily focuses in the audit area of financial institutions. Ann is excited to see the board and ELU membership continue to grow over the next year and get more young professionals involved in giving back to their community. Ann is married to her husband, Tory, and they have two cats – Teddy and Bear. In her free time Ann enjoys reading, crafting, tennis, and exploring new restaurants in the area.

Rachel is a Financial Advisor at Growtrust Partners, third year ELU board member, and this year's board Chair. She received her bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison and is currently pursuing her Master's in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State. She was introduced to United Way through her former employer (shoutout to The QTI Group) and has remained committed to the work they do in collaborating with local change makers and connecting resources with the needs in our communities. Outside of work, you'll likely find her drinking a local brew (coffee or beer), cheering on the Badgers, thrifting, or doing any/all outside activities the Midwest seasons have to offer with her husband, Brennon, and beloved rescue, Scout.

Megan is a second year ELU Core Team Member who is looking forward to the opportunity to get more involved within her local community through both volunteer and fundraising efforts. She has lived in the Grand Rapids area since graduating from Grand Valley State University with a bachelor’s degree in finance and management. Megan works in Supply Chain as a Business Process Analyst at SpartanNash in Grand Rapids, MI. Megan and her husband, Patrick have a rescue beagle, named Rosie.

Alyssa is a first year Emerging Leaders board member. She graduated with a Human Resource Management degree from Grand Valley State University and is currently working at K Group Companies as their Recruiting & Culture Manager. She is extremely excited about the opportunity to get involved with United Way Emerging Leaders because she is always looking to find new ways to give back to her community and help others. In her free time, she enjoys trying new restaurants and breweries, baking, and anything outdoors.

Noah Huyler is an alumni of GVSU and graduated with a degree in Finance. He now works for a digital engineering firm out of Ada (Mutually Human) as a consultant. Outside of the office, he enjoys getting outside, working out, and spending time with his puppy Rey. This is his second year on the ELU board and he is grateful to be a part of such an incredible group of people. To him, getting involved in the community and helping to prop up grassroots nonprofits is nothing short of addictive.

This is Aaron’s first year as an Emerging Leaders board member. He is a graduate of Calvin University and works in the logistics industry for Surus. Aaron is excited to join a group of like-minded professionals invested in creating a more equitable community. Aaron loves spending time with his wife, two daughters, and growing list of pets – as well as exploring the natural world through hiking, fishing, gardening, hunting, cooking, and searching for his golf ball somewhere in the woods.

Hayden joined the Emerging Leaders this year! She completed her B.S.B.A. and M.B.A. at Central Michigan University and now serves as a Membership Engagement Manager with the GR Chamber. She is passionate about ensuring West Michigan is a great place to live and work for all and excited for opportunities to be more involved in the community. When not working, you can find her at a concert or enjoying an outdoor adventure!

Taylor is a Grand Rapids native, MSU Spartan and storyteller at heart. She currently works for BISSELL Homecare, Inc. as their Internal Communications Manager. This is Taylor’s first year on the Emerging Leaders United Board and she is looking forward to driving positive change within Kent County and connecting with fellow young professionals that are passionate about making a difference in their communities. Taylor and her husband Anton have a Golden Doodle named Marshall and have a dream of owning their own rescue hobby farm one day!

Kevin is entering his second year with Emerging Leaders United. A graduate of Northwood University, Kevin is currently the Senior Donor Development Manager at Heart of West Michigan United Way where he primarily focuses on engaging individual donors and volunteers in uniting resources to reduce poverty in our community. His passion for philanthropy shines through his ability to connect people and build communities centered around charitable causes and service. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with loved ones, cooking and baking, and listening to podcasts/audiobooks.

Nathan Slauer is a first year Emerging Leaders board member. He is a graduate of Calvin University and is pursuing his Master's degree at Grand Valley University. As a member of the Kuyper College Advancement & Alumni Office, Nathan plans events, handles communications efforts, and builds relationships with Kuyper's alumni community. Outside of work, Nathan writes on a freelance basis and consults on local political races. In his free time, Nathan enjoys reading, running, and spending time with his wife, Meg, and his dog, Jo.

Cody is a first year Emerging Leaders board member. He attended school at GRCC with a concentration in Music Performance and currently has spent the last 5.5 years working with Lake Michigan Credit Union. He is passionate about serving our local communities and excited to work alongside a large organization that impacts our communities at large. In his free time, you can find him with his family and friends, enjoying the outdoors or spending time with his 9-year-old chihuahua named Jax.

Logan is a third year Emerging Leaders board member. He is a graduate of Adrian College and currently works on external audits at Andrews Hooper Pavlik PLC. He is passionate about positive change in the community and is excited to be able to connect with people through an organization that not only connects with others professionally, but also advances betterment in our community. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, trying new coffee shops and breweries, and running/working out.

Heather Hutchison

2023-2024 ELU Advisory Board

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