Change Ups: Wierich appointed to separate art positions

Change Ups: Wierich appointed to separate art positions

Jochen Wierich, who most recently served as senior lecturer of art history at Vanderbilt University, was appointed as Aquinas College’s Lena E. S. Meijer professor in art history. By separate appointment, Wierich also serves as the curator of sculpture and sculpture exhibitions for Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Wierich has held teaching positions at Whitman College, Free University of Berlin and Belmont University. His research interests include the historiography of American art, museum studies, art of the American West and American South, and ethnography in art.

ACCOUNTING

Troy-based Rehmann, with West Michigan locations, was named one of the world’s premier managed service providers, according to Channel Futures’ 12th annual MSP 501 rankings. Rehmann (previously listed as Trivalent Group) ranked among the top 100 global MSPs for the ninth consecutive year.

ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING

Mathison Mathison Architects announced the addition of architects Jeff Montague and Matthew Schulte.

ARTS

The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum welcomed Natalie Hall as its new development manager. She will play an integral role in advancing the mission of GRCM by enhancing donor strategies and increasing fundraising opportunities.

BANKING

Consumers Credit Union in Kalamazoo announced the addition of mortgage loan officers Gregg Teegardin, Steve Frendt and Mary Brown.

First National Bank of Michigan announced the promotion of Jefra A. Groendyk to executive vice president. Since joining FNBM in 2012, Groendyk has been promoted to market president of Grand Rapids and then to senior lender, managing the bank’s commercial banking. She led FNBM’s expansion into Holland and, more recently, into Lansing.

Kalamazoo-based Advia Credit Union acquired Golden Eagle Community Bank in Woodstock, Illinois.

St. Joseph-based United Federal Credit Union hired Jodie Kitchell as regional market development manager.

CONSTRUCTION

Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. announced the addition of project superintendents Danny Anderson, Mike Bowhuis, Todd Grzegoski, AJ Lisman, Phil Veenhoven and Tom White; project manager Eric Dean; and laborer Cole Marschall.

EDUCATION

Grand Rapids Community College launched a new degree in pre-sports management. Students who complete the associate program can then transfer to complete a Bachelor of Science in sports management at Grand Valley State University.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Marisol Quiroz joined Greenleaf Trust as a wealth management assistant in Kalamazoo. She is responsible for supporting the wealth management team in the development of comprehensive wealth management plans, the execution of goal-based planning and the management of investment portfolios. Quiroz is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Western Michigan University.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Long Road Distillers opened a new distillery tasting room in Grand Haven. The lakeshore location is the company’s second off-site tasting room apart from its headquarters on the West Side of Grand Rapids and a retail location in Boyne City. The Grand Haven location features a cocktail menu and a full food menu featuring snacks, shareables, salads, sandwiches and more, as well as a Long Road’s lineup of spirits, special tasting events, merchandise and bottles to-go.

FOUNDATIONS

Jaime Counterman was named director of the Metro Health Hospital Foundation. She most recently was director of Ele’s Place West Michigan.

Warner Norcross + Judd LLP attorney Mark K. Harder was elected treasurer of the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area.

GOVERNMENT

Berrien County received a $100,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Waterways Program to make improvements to the Twin Cities' waterways. Cornerstone Alliance will provide funds necessary to match the DNR grant.

GRANTS

Susan G. Komen Michigan awarded a $34,998 grant to Hackley Community Care for breast health awareness, education, services and screenings to over 1,200 uninsured and underinsured women in Muskegon County.

HEALTH

Arbor Circle’s president and CEO Jack Greenfield announced his retirement, effective Sept. 13; Kristin Gietzen, current vice president and COO, was appointed as Greenfield’s successor, becoming the organization’s fourth president and CEO.

Ivy Rehab announced its 50th clinic in West Michigan will be located in Texas Corners at 7119 West Q Ave., Kalamazoo. The clinic treats people of all ages suffering from any kind of pain, neurological disorder, or post-surgery recovery and joint replacement, as well as providing sports rehabilitation services.

LEGAL

Varnum recently welcomed Chris Martinez, chief people officer/CHRO at YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, and Aaron Turner, development director at WGVU Public Media PBS and NPR, to its Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council.

Warner Norcross + Judd welcomed Charlie Quigg as an associate. He will concentrate his practice on litigation.

LEISURE & RECREATION

Brian Penninga joined Wayland-based Gun Lake Casino as assistant director of marketing.

MEDIA

Dan Baylog joined WZZM TV 13 as president and general manager, replacing Janet Mason who retired in July after spending month than 20 years at WZZM and over than 40 years with TEGNA.

Regina Salmi and Jesse Holcomb joined the Grand Rapids Community Media Center’s board of directors.

NONPROFITS

Bill Ward was appointed executive director of Network180, effective Aug. 28.

Guiding Light secured a new Iron House for the men enrolled in its recovery program at 557 Andover St. SE, Kentwood.

Mel Trotter Ministries partnered with Pine Rest Street Reach, Grand Rapids Police Department, the Heartside Neighborhood Collaboration Project and others to provide a safe place for homeless people to get out of the heat, including cooling centers throughout the city. A list of cooling centers can be found at meltrotter.org/gethelp/shelter.

MomsBloom, a Grand Rapids-based organization providing in-home postpartum support to parents of newborn babies, appointed Carrie Kolehouse as its executive director.

SPORTS

VNN Sports, a comprehensive marketing and communications platform for high schools, announced it named former SportsEngine executive Rick Ehrman as its CEO.

TECHNOLOGY

ITS Partners moved to 496 Ada Drive SE in the heart of Ada village. The company currently employs around 80 people. Its new headquarters contains features designed to attract and retain top talent in the competitive IT field, including an office that features movable desks, open workspaces for people to gather, the latest technology and a video game room. The interior features abundant windows offering a view of the community.

TRAVEL & TOURISM

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport reports June of this year was its busiest month in its history. Through June 2019, 1,770,050 passengers have traveled through the airport, and overall passenger traffic is up 11% from 2018 – the busiest year in GFIA history. June 2019 saw 309,439 passengers compared to 282,863 in 2018. It also marks the busiest second quarter and busiest first half on record, also beating out 2018 totals. With the growth, GFIA currently is underway in phase two of its Gateway Transformation Project that includes updates to the baggage claim area, airline ticket counters, flooring and lighting, along with new restrooms and concessions.