The Frontline Team
The people at the frontline of employment training and solutions.
Leadership & Operations
Janis Petrini
Janis Petrini is a highly experienced business owner and manager who has demonstrated the ability to lead diverse teams of employees to new levels of success in a variety of highly competitive industries, cutting-edge markets, and fast-paced environments. Janis has a track record of more than 30 years of hands-on experience in strategic planning, business unit development, and project and people management. She is actively involved in managing and mentoring her team of almost 30. She manages all business operations while also pursuing her passion of helping people succeed and our community thrive.
David Robb
David Robb is an entrepreneur and business leader with extensive experience in the staffing and recruiting industry, workforce development, and economic/labor market dynamics. David is the Co-Owner and Managing Partner of Express Employment Professionals of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Express Employment Professionals is the largest privately held staffing company in the country and the Grand Rapids office consistently performs in the top 2% of all franchises.
Since joining the Express team in 2015, David has partnered with Founder Janis Petrini to also launch and lead Specialized Recruiting Group and Frontline Training Solutions. Between their group of three companies they assist clients with all levels of staffing services and executive recruitment as well as employee training, HR consulting, and workforce strategy. Across all three companies, David leads a team of over 35 employees, serving clients both locally and across the country.
Previously, David worked as the Director of Data Analysis at a top digital advertising agency. David has degrees in Business Administration and Economics from Calvin University. David is a sought-after speaker on economic conditions and labor market forecasts. He is also a regular contributor and featured expert on various local and national business publications. He serves on the Western Michigan Economic Roundtable for the Federal Reserve, the Grand Rapids Chamber Workforce Development Committee, and is actively involved in a variety of local non-profits.
Mike Lee
Mike Lee is an HR executive and trusted C-suite business partner with more than 25 years of leadership experience in human resources and organizational development. He brings a strong track record of leveraging talent management, organizational design, and learning initiatives to drive organizational performance, strengthen culture, and support business transformation.
Mike holds a bachelor’s degree from Cornerstone University and began his career in the automotive industry, where he spent eight years applying Lean manufacturing principles and earned Six Sigma Green Belt certification. He later spent 15 years at Perrigo Company, leading the global learning & development function across more than 20 countries within a highly regulated environment.
Following his time at Perrigo, Mike led the U.S. human resources team for Padagis, overseeing core HR functions including compensation and benefits, employee relations, and talent acquisition. Most recently, he led global talent management at Padagis, with a focus on strengthening the talent pipeline through best-in-class recruiting and onboarding, as well as enterprise-wide talent reviews and succession planning.
Mike lives in Byron Center, Michigan with his wife, Elissa. They have two adult children: Blake, who resides in Kalamazoo, and Chloe, who attends Cornerstone University. Outside of work, Mike enjoys golf, travel, great food, and attending events.
Nic Dampier
Nic Dampier is the Creative Director at Frontline Training Solutions as well as the Grand Rapids, Michigan locations of Express Employment Professionals and Specialized Recruiting Group. With his degree in Strategic Communication Management, and over a decade in creative leadership, Nic developed the C.R.I.C.K.E.T. framework for effective brand messaging and excels in storytelling and brand identity. A U.S. Navy veteran and former Creative Arts Pastor, he has a rich background in cross-cultural communication and large-scale production. Nic is also an accomplished filmmaker, recognized at the 2021 ArtPrize International Art Competition for his impactful storytelling.
Casey Jankoska
Casey Jankoska joined the team in 2008 and her goal to understand the needs of companies and to find specific solutions. Casey has previously served on the Board of Directors with the Association for Human Resource Management (AHRM) as President and is involved in many other community organizations. She received her PHR and SHRM-CP Certifications as she has a passion to help leaders in the Human Resource field.
Alec McGuire
Alec joined Frontline Training Solutions in 2022, bringing nine years of experience in operations leadership to our team. He has a proven track record of success, having previously managed high-volume restaurants and event centers. Alec currently serves as the Training & Event Manager at Frontline, where he has further honed his skills in operational planning and logistics, process optimization, and customer service excellence. He leverages this expertise to ensure every Frontline training participant has an exceptional experience. Alec is passionate about sharing knowledge and empowering others to excel in their careers. His commitment to professional development and helping others achieve their goals is reflected in his extensive endorsements from colleagues and training alumni. Alec has a bachelor’s degree in French linguistics from Grand Valley State University, with a minor in international relations. He is currently working toward his PMP® (Project Management Professional) certification.
Abby Long
Abby joined The Express Employment Professionals Companies in 2019 and currently serves as a Client Relations Specialist, allowing her to leverage over 15 years of experience in hospitality, customer service, and relationship management. Her background in Restaurant Management and Event Coordination has honed her ability to thrive in fast-paced environments while cultivating strong, lasting client partnerships. Abby’s goal is to deliver exceptional service by partnering with businesses to understand their unique staffing needs and provide tailored workforce solutions that drive growth and operational efficiency.
In addition to her role in business development, Abby leads the Associate Relations Team, where she oversees initiatives to provide whole-life resources to Express associates, ensuring they feel valued, supported, and equipped for professional and personal success. Her leadership in both client relations and associate engagement has established her as a key player in driving workforce optimization and satisfaction.
Abby holds a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and photography from Madonna University and has completed coursework from Kendall College of Art & Design. Her artistic pursuits also led her to be featured as a "must-see" by WZZM13 in the 2021 ArtPrize International Art Competition for her entry "A Work of Heart," featuring 19 stories overcoming adversity and struggle, which received won 97 individual fan-favorite awards. This entry can be viewed at www.aworkofheartgr.com.
Veronica Minard
Veronica Minard joined the Express Employment Professionals team in 2024 as a Senior Marketing Specialist. She brings over a decade of marketing and communications experience from corporate, nonprofit and workforce development settings. She is passionate about telling impactful stories and is excited to belong to a team that is dedicated to putting people first.
Veronica received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Theatre Arts from Kalamazoo College and her Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership from Grand Valley State University. She is a West Michigan native who has called Grand Rapids home for over 20 years. Outside of work she enjoys traveling, seeing live music, and watching her daughter play volleyball.
Hannah Leaman
Hannah Leaman joined the Express Employment Professionals team in 2025 as a Marketing Specialist after several years working with the company as a contractor. She has over five years of experience in multi-channel marketing, executing social media and email campaigns, as well as multimedia production, including video and graphic creation. Hannah is passionate about connecting with people and helping create experiences that make them feel seen and supported.
Hannah earned a double degree in marketing and creativity & innovation from Cornerstone University. Born in Wisconsin, she now calls Grand Rapids home. Outside of work, she enjoys building LEGOs, playing the Pokémon TCG, and diving into video games with Doom being a longtime favorite.
Trainers & Consultants
Lorraine Medici
Lorraine Medici joined in 2014 as the Director of Training and Development. Lorraine has extensive experience as a coach and workshop facilitator in the areas of leadership and team building, working closely with companies to strategize solutions that will impact long-term results in engagement and retention. She has successfully launched Purpose-Driven Leadership Training, a series targeted at helping develop managers and leaders at all levels in manufacturing and other industries.
As a professional development coach, Lorraine also works alongside leaders and teams to overcome interpersonal or performance challenges. She is certified to train DISC, Situational Leadership and Emotional Intelligence (EQi 2.0), and an Associate Certified Coach and Master Practitioner for the ELI Assessment.
Jimmy Nelson, PH.D., CPTD, SHRM-SCP
Jimmy A. Nelson, Ph.D., CPTD, SHRM-SCP joined the Frontline team in 2024 as the Director of Leadership & Organizational Development. He was born and raised in Hot Springs, Arkansas and achieved his Bachelors degree in Biology & Chemistry, a Masters Degree in HR Organizational Development & Training, and a Ph.D. in Industrial Organizational Psychology, and has been a professional Learning & Organizational Development consultant for over 25 years. He achieved his CPTD (Certified Professional in Talent Development) from the Association of Talent Development in 2010, and his SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional) in 2020. Jimmy is a "retired" Dale Carnegie® instructor and is a certified Franklin Covey® Instructor. He holds accreditations in D.i.S.C., DDI, Myers-Briggs, Hogan, and other assessments. He is a recognized expert in conflict resolution and advanced teambuilding skills. He has taught courses in 40 of the 50 states, and internationally in China, Hong Kong, England, Taiwan, and Singapore.
Jimmy lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife Deborah and their two Olde English Pocket Beagles – Daniel & Clark. They have three grown children and a beautiful grandchild - Melanie - who lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In his personal life, he enjoys hiking, kayaking, ice fishing, hunting, Geocaching, traveling abroad, and love woodworking, remodeling his last 5 houses.
Paul Stabile
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Paul Stabile is a seasoned Training and Organizational Development professional with a passion for leadership development, team effectiveness, and driving meaningful change within organizations. With over two decades of experience, Paul has served as a trusted business consultant, equipping leaders with the skills to foster collaboration, enhance communication, and build high-performing teams.
Throughout his career, Paul has held leadership roles at DX-Learning, Fierce Conversations, and Perrigo Company, where he designed and facilitated impactful training programs, coached executives, and developed strategic initiatives to drive organizational success. As a Master Facilitator and leadership coach, he specializes in helping individuals and teams unlock their full potential through emotional intelligence, succession planning, and change management.
His extensive certifications in leadership methodologies, including Situational Leadership, Hogan Assessments, and Fierce Conversations, make him a sought-after expert in the field. Driven by a deep commitment to creating psychologically safe workplaces and empowering leaders, Paul transforms the way organizations cultivate talent, navigate challenges, and achieve sustainable growth.
Areas of Expertise:
- Leadership Development
- Emotional Intelligence
- Change Management
Certifications:
- Situational Leadership
- Fierce Conversations
- DXL Learning – Master Facilitator
- Franklin Covey Suite of Products
- Celemi Financial Acumen
- Hogan
- DiSC
Ryan Williams
Ryan Williams serves as the Leadership and Team Development Manager. He is a certified Everything DiSC facilitator and has his master's in organizational leadership from Cornerstone University.
Ryan brings a wide variety of cross cultural leadership experience, having worked previously in Hong Kong and with Native Alaskans. Most recently, Ryan has worked in higher education, developing and implementing training curriculum and programs across the organization.
Ryan's passion and focus is for everyone to love the place they work. People who love their workplace work harder and perform better. He brings a unique perspective in helping organizations evaluate their organizational culture, understand cross cultural dynamics, and implement strategies to create better leaders.
Jessica Swanberg
Jessica Swanberg is a dedicated Human Resources leader with nearly two decades of experience helping organizations build strong, effective workplaces. Known for her collaborative style and practical approach, Jessica partners with leaders to create environments where people can grow, contribute, and succeed. She believes that when people are supported and developed, organizations perform at their best.
Jessica provides practical HR solutions across key areas including talent acquisition and onboarding, employee relations, workplace investigations, benefits and compensation, compliance, OSHA, workers' compensation, and performance management. She is especially passionate about training and development, helping leaders strengthen their skills and build engaged, high-performing teams.
Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science in behavioral science from Grand Valley State University and a Master of Arts in human resources development from Western Michigan University.
Outside of work, Jessica enjoys spending time with her daughters and serving in their communities. They actively volunteer with Ada Bible Church, Mel Trotter, and Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore, reflecting a strong commitment to community and relationships.
John Keuning
As Director of Manufacturing Training, John Keuning has a passion to put his 30 years of manufacturing and leadership experience to work for companies by providing both classroom training, virtual training, and on-site consulting. His goal is to help develop better leaders, engage workers, lower cost of goods, and increase profits for companies by arming teams with the tools necessary to be great agents of change. John's favorite place to be is on the plant floor working side-by-side with teams and leaders to find solutions to manufacturing questions. He has extensive experience in Lean manufacturing theory and implementation as well as helping new and advancing leaders understand the day-to-day work of being a leader. John has served multiple industries as a supervisor, Lean leader, product launch leader, production manager, plant manager, and director of manufacturing.
Nathan Leaman
Nathan Leaman is a passionate professional with extensive experience in building systems and tools that support organizational and leadership effectiveness. Nathan brings over 20 years of leadership and HR experience from both business and non-profit organizations.
Nathan has a bachelor's degree from the Moody Bible Institute, a master's degree from Liberty University, and received his coaching certification from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Nathan spent seven years in full-time church ministry before working for 13 years at the Kohler Co. At Kohler, Nathan moved through various HR roles, eventually taking the position of Director- Leadership Development. Nathan also held various executive HR roles for the Grande Cheese Company in Fond du Lac, WI, where he was responsible for Organizational Development, Compensation, Benefits Management and HRIS.
Nathan has extensive experience with assessment tools and is certified in multiple personality and 360 degree feedback assessments. His straightforward style, willingness to tackle difficult issues, genuine interest in seeing others grow, and ability to coach at all levels makes Nathan a go-to resource for strategic HR support and executive development.
Guillermo Gutierrez
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Guillermo has over 20 years of experience living, working and leading in different countries and industries, including manufacturing, financial services, consulting and staffing. He has partnered with leaders in global, private and public organizations, delivering people solutions. His experience designing and facilitating relevant and measurable programs includes work with Fortune 500 organizations like ManpowerGroup, Exxon Mobil, John Deere, Caterpillar and Scotia Bank. As well as large, global privately held companies like Kohler Co., Robert W. Baird and Medline Industries.
As a trusted advisor and strategic business parter Guillermo works collaboratively with senior leadership, Human Resources, and other key stakeholders to accurately assess the business and talent needs in an organization. He applies change and project management principles and tools, to execute solutions that deliver long-term, sustainable results.
Guillermo is passionate about developing talent and helping leaders build highly engaged and performing teams. He is at his best scoping, designing and leading professional and leadership development experiences. He is motivated by seeing direct and clear impact of his work, evidenced by improvements in productivity, engagement, collaboration and business results. He believes that an organizational culture that is open, inclusive and based on trust, drives talent engagement, retention, and creativity.
Guillermo finds fulfillment in volunteering in different community organizations and supporting people who want to make a positive difference in the world. He currently serves on the board of The Gathering of Southeast Wisconsin and has served with the Milwaukee Urban League, YMCA and United Way.
A native of Mexico, Guillermo is a life-long learner, and avid reader and a fanatic pickleball player. He credits his versatility and adaptability to the many opportunities to travel to and live in different countries, building friendship across cultures and practicing curiosity and a growth mindset.
Matrina Poston
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Trina comes with over 20 years of experience in healthcare, hospitality, and manufacturing, specializing in transformational change. She has led large-scale technology implementations, construction projects, and the adoption of lean-agile methodologies, always bringing a people-centered, results-driven approach. With a passion for leadership development, she helps professionals successfully transition into new roles, refine time management, and navigate organizational change.
As a consultant, trainer, and executive coach, Trina specializes in communication training, Lean methodologies, and workplace culture. She has successfully translated Lean Manufacturing principles into office environments, reducing onboarding time from 90 to 45 days. She also helps organizations foster accountability, strengthen ethics, and align DEI efforts with real impact. Her expertise extends to organizational growth, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic execution, ensuring businesses maximize efficiency and long-term success.
Trina holds a Master’s degrees in Health Services Administration, Human Resources, and Information Resource Management from Central Michigan University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Grand Valley State University. She is also a Certified Personal and Executive Coach (CPEC), Project Management Professional (PMP), SAFe Program Consultant (SPC), and Level IV Lean Certified Instructor. Dedicated to leadership, transformation, and continuous improvement, Trina partners with organizations to unlock potential, drive meaningful change, and build high-performing teams.
Areas of Expertise:
- Leadership Development
- Management
- Lean Office
- Culture & Ethics
- Organizational Growth
- Communication Skills
- Leadership & Executive Coaching
- Career Coaching
- Life Coaching
Certifications:
- PMP
- SAFe SPC
- CPEC
- ICF
- Certified Wellness Professional
- Cultural Intelligence
- Certified Incident Stress Management
Kristen Ekkens
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Kristin Joy Ekkens is a TEDx speaker, executive coach, and consultant with more than two decades of experience revolutionizing organizational cultures and global leadership development. She has advised top-tier organizations worldwide, including Intel, iRobot, Qatar Airways, and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, fostering collaborative, high-performing cultures.
A certified Master Facilitator of Cultural Intelligence (CQ®) and High Performance Coach, Kristin translates complex challenges into real-world strategies that drive growth and impact. Her experience is backed by training at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where she completed the LEAD Executive Program for leading change and innovation. Named an inaugural member of the Society of CQ Fellows in 2023, she is a leading authority on cultural integration.
From guiding award-winning transformations in healthcare to advancing women’s leadership initiatives in the Middle East, Kristin empowers teams to adapt, innovate, and succeed in today’s complex global environment. Her transformative approach blends storytelling, design thinking, and values-based leadership to activate lasting change at every organizational level. She continues to champion the next generation of global leaders through immersive workshops, custom coaching, and forward-thinking initiatives that redefine what is possible in today’s interconnected world. Explore a concise glimpse of Kristin’s global leadership expertise in this Experience Deck.
Areas of Expertise:
- Global Leadership
- Organization and Team Cultures
- Change Leadership
- Wellbeing
- Inclusion & Belonging
Certifications/ Tools:
- Certified High Performance Coach (CHPC)
- Stanford Graduate Executive LEAD Certificate (Innovation & Leadership)
- Hogan (coming in 2025)
- Cultural Intelligence, Advanced Certified Facilitator
- Emotional Intelligence (MESH Insights)
- Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)
- Certified Edgewalker Coach & Facilitator (Archetypes of Change)
Lary Shoemaker
Lary Shoemaker has over 20 years of hands-on experience in the precision machining and advanced manufacturing industry and over 15 years working as an instructor in these areas. He is an expert trainer in the areas of precision machining, manufacturing basics, CAD/CAM, CNC, and Pre-engineering.
Lary began his career with Paragon Die and Engineering as a machinist apprentice and later became a journeyman machinist and master machine builder. Lary later held the position of Plant Manager at Highlight Industries, where his responsibilities grew to include the management of mechanical and electrical engineering, purchasing, inventory, and quality. During this time, Lary worked with the U.S. Dept. of Labor to develop the company's registered apprenticeship programs for machinist and welding.
In 1997, Lary was hired by Grand Rapids Community College, Business and Technical Training group as a Training Specialist of manufacturing and precision machining. Since 1999, Lary has been teaching industrial education at Byron Center High School. He was hired to teach and develop the fledgling industrial education program. He was instrumental in planning the new facility, specifying precision machines, CAD/CAM software, and curriculum development. His teaching load includes CAD, CAM, CNC, Drafting, Blueprint Reading and Pre-engineering.
Jason Schubert
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Jason Schubert is a global professional with proven success in leadership and talent development. For over 20 years, he has designed and managed programs and curriculum for global audiences and has personally facilitated nearly 1,000 workshops around the world.
Jason earned his bachelor’s degree in Management and a minor in Psychology from Northern Illinois University. He spent 10 years with ABC Supply Company focusing on Organizational Development, Human Sigma, talent and leadership development. He then moved to Kohler Company where he continued his passion for developing others through various roles, including driving global employee development as the leader of Kohler’s Corporate University.
Jason continues to provide benefits to leaders at all levels of an organization by leveraging his experience and nearly 20 certifications in program content, coaching & leadership models, workshop facilitation and various development assessments. His ultimate goal is to identify the specific needs and provide the best solutions to an individual, team and/or organization.
Areas of Expertise:
- Communication
- Professional Development
- Organizational Growth
- Personal Effectiveness
- Time and Task Management
- Change Management
- Leadership Development
- Individual Coaching
- Team Coaching
- Succession Planning
- Team Development
Certifications:
- Emotional Intelligence
- Accountability
- InsideOut Coaching
- 360 Assessments
- MBTI
- FIRO-B
- Hogan
- Prosci
- Situational Leadership II
- Five Choice to Extraordinary Productivity
- Gallup’s StrengthsFinder
- High Impact Learning
Dana Presley
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Dana Presley is driven to help leaders serve the needs of others while accomplishing their company’s goals. For the past 35+ years, Dana has developed skills in operations leadership, culture change, team development, continuous improvement, leadership development and project management.
Dana started his career in the Marine Corps where he served for 20 years before retiring in 2006. Dana specialized as an Aviation Electrician and eventually led the development of all maintenance training for the V22 Osprey. During his time with V22, Dana completed a rigorous qualification process to become a Master Training Specialist which gave him the skills and credibility to train and mentor instructors in their teaching skills and instructional systems development.
Dana developed deep expertise over 16+ years in Operations Leadership with various roles in food manufacturing for Johnsonville Sausage and the Grande Cheese Company. As an Executive leader, Dana has been responsible for multiple plant operations, maintenance, continuous improvement, and overall operational excellence. Dana received his Six Sigma Black Belt from the University of Villanova.
Dana is also certified in multiple leadership and organizational development tools such as Connect with Respect, Crucial Conversations, Human-Centered Design (Luma Institute), and Outward Mindset (Arbinger Group). Dana has led the development of multiple leadership and professional development programs for companies and is driven by the principle that leadership can be fun, rewarding, and challenging.
Area of Expertise:
- Team & Communication Skills
- Conflict Management
- Conflict Resolution
- Crucial Conversations
- Personal Effectiveness
- Leadership Development
- Supervisor Training
- Problem Solving
- Lean Manufacturing/Solutions
- Accountability
- Emotional Intelligence
- Operations
- Strategy Development
- GROW Tools
- Human Center Divide
- Professional Coaching – Frontline Leaders
- Mid-level Coaching - Managers and Leaders
- Executive Level Coaching
Certifications:
- Master Training and Instructor Certification
- Master Black Belt Certification
- Maintenance and Reliability Professional Certification
- Outward Mindset Trainer Certification
Tom Bastin
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With over 30 years of experience in training, education, and organizational development, Tom is a trusted leader in talent management, HR strategy, and business partnership. He has a proven track record of shaping high-impact training initiatives that drive human performance and business success for multi-billion-dollar organizations.
Tom specializes in creating and executing visionary learning and development strategies, working closely with executive leadership to enhance workforce capability and organizational growth. His expertise spans training and development, talent management, group facilitation, succession planning, strategic initiatives, team effectiveness, coaching, and leadership development.
Throughout his career, Tom has built and led training functions across a variety of industries, including retail manufacturing, defense, automotive, construction, household products, and industrial manufacturing. He has conducted leadership coaching sessions for frontline leaders, managers, and executives across nearly all functional disciplines, utilizing a wide range of assessments tailored to individual, team, and organizational needs.
As a director, Tom has successfully created and expanded global learning academies, designing and delivering leadership development programs from frontline supervisors to C-suite executives. His expertise in coaching and team facilitation has helped organizations improve collaboration, effectiveness, and performance.
At the core of Tom’s work is a commitment to enhancing personal, team, and organizational productivity—always with a focus on developing the human side of business. Whether leading executive coaching, team workshops, or large-scale training initiatives, Tom’s approach fosters growth, engagement, and long-term success.
Certifications
- DDI Programs (Leadership and Team)
- StrengthsFinder
- DiSC Workplace Programs – 5 Behaviors of an Effective Team
- Experiential Learning
- Vital Smarts Influencer Program
Areas of Expertise:
- Team & Communication Skills
- Organizational Growth
- Leadership Development
- Developing Leadership Competencies
- Designing and Developing Team Effectiveness Programs
Vicki Harris
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Vicki Harris is a leader in human resources, global culture strategy, and leadership development. With a distinguished career spanning executive roles in HR and organizational development, she has dedicated her work to fostering inclusive, high-performing workplaces where employees feel valued and empowered to succeed.
As a Chief People & Culture Officer, Vicki has played a pivotal role in aligning organizational culture with business strategy, driving initiatives that have increased employee engagement by 40%, reduced time-to-hire by 50%, and expanded diversity in leadership roles by 30%. Her ability to lead change on a global scale has made a lasting impact in industries ranging from publishing to international nonprofit organizations.
Vicki’s expertise extends across talent development, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), executive coaching, and HR analytics, with a strong focus on cultural intelligence and emotional intelligence. As the Founder of DVH International Consulting, she specializes in leadership training, multicultural affairs, and strategic HR solutions, helping organizations cultivate the next generation of leaders.
Holding a Master of Business Administration and Master of Science from Central Michigan University, as well as honorary doctorates in Humanities and Theology, Vicki is also certified in DiSC, Cultural Intelligence (CQ), Emotional Intelligence (EQ), and Enneagram. Her career is a testament to her passion for people, purpose, and progress, making her a sought-after leader in organizational transformation and leadership development.
Areas of Expertise:
- Leadership Development
- Human Resources
- Culture & Ethics
- Team Effectiveness
- Emotional Intelligence
- Change Management
Certifications:
- Global Professional in Human Resources
- DiSC
- Cultural Intelligence
- Emotional Intelligence
- Enneagram
Dr. Sandra Upton
Dr. Sandra Upton is Founder and Chief DEI Strategist with Upton Consulting Group (UCG), an innovative team of strategists who work with DEI professionals, leaders, and organizations around the globe. Using a research-based change management framework and culturally intelligent strategies, UCG supports organization’s efforts to create behaviors and implement systems that support diverse, equitable and inclusive work environments.
Prior to launching UCG. Dr. Upton was Vice President, Global Diversity Practice with the Cultural Intelligence Center and was responsible for providing strategic leadership and expertise on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) matters for numerous clients across the globe. She led the organization’s response to the growing demand from global and Fortune 500 companies to Ivy-League universities such as Starbucks, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Saks Fifth Avenue, Amway, McDonalds, Perrigo, Harvard, Stanford, MIT and University of Michigan.
She is a frequent speaker, has written numerous articles and blogs on DEI and has been featured on several podcasts. Her new book “Make It Last: A Roadmap and Practical Strategies for How to Do DEI” will be released February 2024. More information on UCG can be found at www.uptonconsultinggroup.com.
Laura Schoenborn-Preuss
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With over two decades of experience in workforce development, adult education, and corporate training, Dr. Laura Schoenborn-Preuss brings a passion for helping people grow at every stage of their careers. As Director of Talent Initiatives at the Michigan Manufacturers Association, Laura partners with employers, educators, and industry leaders to design and implement training strategies that strengthen Michigan’s workforce and prepare individuals for long-term success.
Before joining MMA, Laura served as Director of Adult Education at Kent ISD, where she led GED, ESL, and career training programs that served more than 1,600 learners annually. Her work focused on curriculum development, team leadership, and strategic alignment with statewide talent goals.
Laura also spent 17 years as Director of Workforce Development at DeWys Manufacturing, where she built and led “DeWys University”— an in-house training platform focused on technical skills, career pathways, and leadership development. Her approach integrated customized training, employee onboarding, and culture-focused leadership coaching across all levels of the organization.
With teaching experience at institutions including Davenport University and the University of Phoenix, Laura’s expertise bridges both academic and applied training environments. She holds a Ph.D. in Career and Technical Education and a master’s in Adult and Higher Education. At her core, Laura is a champion for creating meaningful learning experiences that unlock potential and drive performance.
Areas of Expertise:
- Conflict Management
- Professional Development
- Time and Task Management
- Culture & Ethics
- Compliance & Safety
- Wellness
- Leadership Development
- Training/Workforce Development
- Human Resources
- First Time Manager Coaching
Certifications:
- Talent Pipeline Management
Nick Whitney
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Nick believes that entrepreneurial companies have the power to change the world. Too often, however, these visionary leaders are frustrated with how their business dominates their lives. He partners with them and their entire leadership team to simplify, clarify, and achieve their vision through EOS, a proven operating system built on simple, practical tools. Together, they reclaim freedom and build businesses that fuel lives of purpose, passion, and profound impact.
As the Visionary and Founder of Gulf Coast Pizza, Nick has lived the entrepreneurial journey firsthand, launching, scaling, and successfully exiting a thriving restaurant brand. He channels those experiences into every EOS engagement, helping clients navigate growth without losing the life they love. Before striking out on his own, Nick spent more than two decades in leadership at Graeter’s Ice Cream and Grande Cheese. At Graeter’s, he guided the marketing team through a national expansion. At Grande, he collaborated with entrepreneurially minded small-to-mid-sized business owners to turbocharge their sales and marketing.
Nick is the author of two business books:
- The Beaver’s Blueprint: Escaping the Hamster Wheel to Achieve Your Dam Goals, practical strategies for turning activity into productivity.
- The Elephant’s Room: Creating a Circle of Abundance in a World of Vultures, a guide to building generosity and trust as competitive advantages.
Areas of Expertise:
- EOS Implementation & Leadership Team Coaching
- Co. Starters Business Model Canvas Facilitation
- Aligning Strategic Vision & Simplifying Complexity
- Cultivating Focus, Discipline & Accountability
- Building High-Performing, Healthy Leadership Teams
Certifications:
- Professional EOS Implementer
Jenna Memmelaar
Jenna Memmelaar is a dedicated bilingual educator with over 13 years of experience in curriculum development, instructional design, and student engagement. With a strong background in both classroom teaching and e-learning development, Jenna excels at creating engaging learning experiences tailored to diverse audiences.
Currently serving as an educator at Grand Rapids Christian Schools, Jenna has played a key role in developing Spanish-language materials, evaluating e-learning resources, and refining instructional methodologies to improve student outcomes. Her expertise spans K-12 education, digital content creation, and professional development, with a proven track record of increasing learner engagement and achieving measurable growth.
Jenna holds a degree in Elementary Education and Spanish from Calvin University and is currently pursuing an Instructional Design Certification. She is highly skilled in Google Suite, MS Office, Articulate Storyline, and Canva, allowing her to design dynamic learning programs. With a commitment to fostering meaningful learning experiences, Jenna continues to drive innovation in education and training.
Areas of Expertise:
- Learning and Instructional Design
Abbe Knorek
Abbe Knorek is an accomplished human resource professional with over two decades of experience in employee relations, organizational development, and compliance. She has excelled in leadership roles at TELUS Health and MorningStar Health Inc., where she provided strategic guidance on complex FMLA, ADA, and employment law cases, managed large-scale client accounts, and maintained exceptional client satisfaction ratings. Abbe is also a passionate educator, having taught management and HR courses at several institutions, including Davenport University and Kalamazoo Valley Community College.
With a Master’s in Labor Relations and Human Resources from Michigan State University and a strong track record in change management, policy development, and team coaching, Abbe brings a wealth of expertise to every organization she serves. She is a former Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification holder and an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
Areas of Expertise:
- Compliance & Safety
- FMLA
- ADA
- Leadership Development
Certification:
- DDI