Category: Leadership

Serving as the acting city manager of Portage, Adam Herringa participated in the 2008 class of Leadership Kalamazoo. Reflecting on his time in the program, Adam recalls the impact of being able to engage with different venues throughout the area as each session was hosted at a new venue. In particular, the leadership retreat is […]

As a 2017 participant of Leadership Kalamazoo, Damon Allison has not only built on the lessons taught in the program to develop his own leadership, but now, he is also helping others develop their leadership, too! One of the most memorable experiences that Damon recalls from his time in the program was the chance to […]

With a background in business and international affairs, Aimee Jachym is a principal at Miller Canfield who focuses on counseling businesses of all sizes, including public institutions and start-ups, in diverse matters ranging from contract assistance and real estate to regulatory matters and complex agreements. Professionally, Aimee also has a passion for providing access to […]

A dedicated educator with a focus on culture, Ethan Alexander is a Culture and Climate Consultant with the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA). Focusing on helping educators and students develop healthy relationship practices, Ethan is committed to the success of every individual as they go through their education or work in the education system. […]

A true community servant with a heart for helping others, David Thomas is the owner and professional counselor at Insight Associates LLC. David served for over 20 years at the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, and his combined experiences in public safety and counseling make him a true champion for others, particularly serving oppressed communities […]

Josh Fitzgibbon, system director of cancer care for Bronson Healthcare Group, is a lover of all things Southwest Michigan and cares for our community in big ways. Josh was a member of the 2015 cohort of Leadership Kalamazoo, the Southwest Michigan region’s premier leadership development program that started in 1987. The lessons and experiences from […]

More than 25 local leaders from a diverse range of sectors joined together at The Foundry last week to kick off the 2021 class of Leadership Kalamazoo. Participants represent both large and small organizations from our region including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, Live Your Song, Western Michigan […]

Dr. Carmen Maring, principal at Gull Lake Middle School, is a passionate leader who is doing her part to make the middle school experience better for all students. “Everyone’s experience with middle school is varied, but overall, it’s not usually people’s favorite time period,” said Carmen. “I’m trying to rewrite the story for middle-level education […]

Do you have an idea or a problem that needs to be solved? A product that needs to be created? Have you had an idea for a business that you’ve been itching to make a reality? Do you feel that with a little guidance, you’d be able to finally launch your concept? If this sounds […]

FIRST & 42 is giving readers a front row seat to read the stories of leaders from the 2020 class of Leadership Kalamazoo in our FIRST & 42 Leader Spotlight. Learn more about these leaders’ “firsts’ in life as well as insights about leadership and their visions for our community in the coming years. It’s […]

From registering to vote through casting a ballot on Election Day, informed voters are empowered voters. As you prepare for the big day on November 3, 2020, the best thing you can do for your voter self is to make a plan of action for when you enter that voting booth or fill in the […]

FIRST & 42 continues to celebrate the stars from the 2020 Class of Leadership Kalamazoo with our Leader Spotlight series in which these leaders share insights on leadership, some personal “firsts” in life, and their vision for our community. Abbie Rumery, partner at Southwest Michigan First, is featured today. Abbie collaborates internally and externally to […]