If it weren’t for the dedication, persistence, and sheer hard work of these fine folks, the Downtown Market would have been just an idea.
Melissa Collar
Chief Counsel & VP of Strategic Partnerships: Rockford Construction
As Chief Counsel of Rockford Construction, Melissa directs and manages Rockford’s legal needs, strategic planning, business development and community involvement. With more than 25 years of experience in real estate, construction and development, Melissa offers a broad background of diverse experience ranging from public-private partnerships (P3s) to renewable energy projects, mixed-use developments, health care hubs and entertainment venues. She is also a licensed real estate broker.
Lisa Cooper, PHR
Founder & Chief People Officer: Cooper People Group
A graduate of Grand Valley State University with a degree in Management, Cooper is an HR Business Partner at HR Collaborative, specializing in building human resource functions from the ground up for small- and medium-sized organizations. Her expertise includes strategic planning, talent acquisition, performance management and development, employee retention and engagement, leadership coaching and more.
Steve Johnson
CPA and Partner: Vander Ploeg, Bergakker & Associates
Steve has worked in public accounting for over 17 years. He started working in Grand Rapids at a large, local firm after graduating from Calvin College and joined Vander Ploeg, Bergakker & Associates in 2016. He works with clients in the construction, real estate, nonprofit and manufacturing industries by providing partnership/corporate tax assistance, audit/assurance services as well as financial performance evaluation and proforma preparation. He enjoys giving back to the community.
Tim Kelly
President and CEO: Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.
Kelly has been with Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. since 2013. In that time he has managed several key capital projects and planning efforts, including the first update to the Downtown Master Plan in more than 20 years. Prior to working in Grand Rapids, he served as a development analyst and project manager for the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency in Long Beach, Calif. from 2009 to 2013.
Richard MacKeigan
Regional General Manager: ASM Global
Richard MacKeigan joined ASM Global as General Manager of the Van Andel Arena, DeVos Performance Hall and DeVos Place, and serves as the Executive Director for the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority. As ASM Global’s Regional General Manager and Regional Booking Director, Rich has built relationships with booking agents, promoters, managers and artists in an effort to increase bookings and provide a superior customer experience. He is presently on the Executive Board of Directors for Experience Grand Rapids and a member of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM).
Laina Mills, CFA, CF
BOARD VICE CHAIR
Senior Vice President/Chief Investment Officer: Legacy Trust
In her role at Legacy Trust, Laina leads the development, execution and oversight of the company’s investment philosophy and asset management strategies, including asset allocation guidelines, tactical positioning, portfolio construction, and investment policy design. She also manages key individual and family office portfolios directly, working alongside the firm’s wealth management staff to deliver investment solutions that are customized to meet client needs.
Mike Morin
Co-Director: Start Garden
Mike has spent the last decade working to make Grand Rapids a great place for anyone to launch a new business. He has worked to form a cohesive blend of public/private platforms to reinvigorate a historic culture of entrepreneurship. A seasoned business strategist, Mike serves as Co-Director of Start Garden, a public/private facilitator of start-up initiatives in Grand Rapids. His past professional experience has included a list of diverse roles such as investment partner, company founder, sr. business advisor, and director.
Nicholas Remes
Regional General Manager: AHC+Hospitality Marriott properties
As a graduate of Michigan State University and native of East Lansing, Remes received a degree in hospitality business, leading him to spend the last 12 years at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids. This makes Remes the perfect person to oversee operations at the AHC+Hospitality Marriott properties, including the recently opened AC Hotel Grand Rapids Downtown.
Charlie Secchia
Board Chair
Owner/Partner: Sibsco, LLC
Charlie has been an influential business professional for nearly 20 years, while also building relationsips and developing businesses around the world. As Owner/Partner of Sibsco, Charlie works in property management, commercial real estate investment, and asset management.
LaChaun A. Steverson
Franchise Owner: Fibrenew
After working with big brands like Meijer and Wolverine Worldwide, Lachaun decided to try her hand at entrepreneurship. In 2019, she bought into a service franchise, Fibrenew. Fibrenew Grand Rapids is a mobile service company that repairs and restores most types of leather, vinyl, and plastic items. Their products are eco-friendly and the restoration process keeps items with their owners and out of landfills.
Hailey Van Andel
Senior Regional Sales Director: Paycor
In her role as Regional Sales Director at Paycor, Hailey oversees a team of sales executives across Michigan and Indiana to grow the Paycor brand. She is also responsible for the success of more than 2,000 clients in enhancing their footprint and developing relationships with key influencers in the HCM industry.
Andy Winkel
BOARD TREASURER
Chief Financial Officer: Apex Controls Inc.
Winkel has been involved with Founders since 2007 when, as a real estate developer, he helped Founders transition from its original location to its current home. Following the relocation, Winkel actively served on Founders’ Board of Directors until 2011 when he became the company’s CFO. In 2018, Winkel also became the company’s COO and has fulfilled both positions since. Prior to his time at Founders, Winkel spent ten years in the finance and urban real estate development industries, most notably as co-founder of Locus Development.