First Step Board of Directors

PRESIDENT

Elaine Tingle, Adient/Bridgewater Interiors

VICE PRESIDENT

Genelle Allen, Interim CEO, Wayne County Airport Authority

SECRETARY

Heidi Naasko, Pro Bono and Diversity Counsel, Dykema Gossett

TREASURER

June Nicholas, HR Works, LLC

MEMBER AT LARGE

Kathleen Cronin, Retired

PAST PRESIDENT

Jennifer Hartke, Attorney, Hartke Associates

MEMBERS

  • Diane Allen, Retired
  • Beckie Christensen, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
  • Kate Davy, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, University of Michigan-Dearborn
  • Jeffrey Gielniak, Director of Architecture & Construction, Oakwood Healthcare, Inc.
  • Samantha Martens, Ford Motor Company
  • Karen Mazo, Retired
  • Carla O’Malley, Autism Alliance
  • Karen Wilson Smithbauer, President, Karen Colina Wilson Foundation

First Step Key Staff

  • Lori Kitchen-Buschel, Executive Director
  • Ilene Hogan, Director of Operations
  • Theresa Bizoe, Director of Philanthropy and Capital Projects
  • Wanda Merriweather, Director of Programs
  • Julie Meier, Director of Finance
  • Sally Coder, Program Coordinator / Survivor Advocate
  • Jeni Hooper, Program Coordinator / Survivor Advocate
  • Laura Markward, Program Coordinator / Survivor Advocate
  • Catherine Stratford, Program Coordinator / Survivor Advocate
  • Samantha Straub, Program Coordinator / Survivor Advocate
  • Melissa Webber, Program Coordinator / Survivor Advocate