First Step Board of Directors
PRESIDENT
Elaine Tingle, Bridgewater Interiors
VICE PRESIDENT
SECRETARY
Heidi Naasko, Pro Bono and Diversity Counsel, Dykema Gossett
TREASURER
June Nicholas, HR Works, LLC
PAST PRESIDENT
Jennifer Hartke, Attorney, Lakeshore Legal Aid
MEMBER AT LARGE
Kathleen Cronin, Philanthropist
MEMBERS
- Patrice Alexander, Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel
- Diane Allen, Retired
- Beckie Christensen, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
- Asandi Conner, Say It Write & Wayne State University
- Katherine Fuller, Waséyabek Development Company, LLC 2021
- Nancy Garon, Retired
- Jeffrey Gielniak, AVP, Facilities, Planning, Design, & Construction
WVU Medicine
- Vonda Grant, Grant Wealth Management Group of Raymond James
- Larry King, Wayne County Prosecutors Office
- Samantha Martens, Ford Motor Company
- Jesica McCullough, Detroit Lions
- Carla O’Malley, Autism Alliance
- Karen Wilson Smithbauer, President, Karen Colina Wilson Foundation
First Step Directors
- Lori Kitchen-Buschel, Executive Director
- Theresa Bizoe, Director of Philanthropy and Capital Projects
- Ilene Hogan, Director of Grants and Compliance
- Diana McDonald, Director of Employee Relations
- Julie Meier, Director of Finance
- Wanda Merriweather, Director of Programs