Professional Highlights from the 517 Region

Behavioral Health Manager Receives DAISY Leader Award

Sparrow’s manager of behavioral health has been recognized with E.W. Sparrow Hospital’s first-ever DAISY Leader Award for her continued compassion and passion for people struggling with mental illness.

Beth Creamer, who works at the behavioral health unit at the E.W. Sparrow St. Lawrence campus, has been a mental health nurse for decades and goes above and beyond to ensure patients receive leading-edge care. She works diligently to keep patients and caregivers safe while providing compassionate care.

Since being named department manager in 2020, Creamer has diligently worked to update the behavioral health facility, advocating for additional cameras, badge access and new security policies. She also helped to implement a new referral process to pull patients out of Sparrow emergency departments and into the adult and geriatric inpatient psychiatry units. Creamer also redesigned treatment planning to ensure patients are involved in their plan of care, and she is working with other behavioral health leaders to increase activity therapy for patients.

Lussier Joins Dickinson Wright

Dickinson Wright announced that Cole Lussier has joined the firm’s Lansing office as of counsel. Lussier most recently served as general counsel for the Michigan Senate, where he managed litigation, provided legal advice regarding potential legislation and the legislative process, and served as chief legal adviser to the Senate majority leader.

Lussier’s practice focuses on government affairs, regulatory matters and litigation. He has particular expertise regarding legislative issues and also assists clients with matters before regulatory and enforcement agencies.

GLSA Names Ziehmer as Executive Director

The Greater Lansing Sports Authority named Meghan Ziehmer, former associate director, as its new executive director.

In her 14-year career at the GLSA that began as a sports intern, Ziehmer has served as tournament director or event chair for several national-level events with organizations such as the NCAA, National Junior College Athletic Association, USA Figure Skating, USA Hockey, USA Archery, USA Gymnastics and the Professional Disc Golf Association.

In addition to continuing to provide event services to locally organized, committee-driven events, Ziehmer will be responsible for overseeing the sports team by developing strategies and budgets to help initiate and expand sport development in the community.

Maner Costerisan Announces Executive Promotions

Maner Costerisan, a regional business consulting and public accounting firm, announced two promotions and additions to its principal group, and a new board member.

Maddy Henry was promoted to principal in January 2023. She joined Maner Costerisan’s tax department in 2012.

Jordan Smith was promoted to principal in January 2023. He joined Maner Costerisan as part of the firm’s merger with Stevens, Kirinovic & Tucker PC LLC in January 2019.

Jeff Straus was named to the firm’s board of directors.

Sparrow Boards Add Community Leaders

Noted business, higher education and medical leaders have been appointed to the boards of directors that govern Sparrow Health System and its subsidiaries.

Sandra Pearson, former president

and chief executive officer for Habitat for Humanity of Michigan, has joined the board that governs the entire health system.

Joining the E.W. Sparrow Hospital board are:

Deborah Allen, judicial assistant/event planner for Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Douglas Shapiro and president of E.W. Sparrow women’s board of managers.

David Thomas, associate partner at Podium Risk Management.

A trio of leaders have become members of the Sparrow women’s board of managers. The new members are:

Julia Cawood, a former teacher, author, businesswoman and Sparrow volunteer.

Marianne Cox, retired manager at Grand Ledge Ford Lincoln and Sparrow volunteer.

Lou Ann Smith, case call clerk at the Michigan Court of Appeals and Sparrow volunteer.

As a community-based and community-governed health system, board involvement is essential to Sparrow’s success. Board members provide leadership and guidance, representing the needs of patients and our community.

A host of community leaders have also joined the board of the Sparrow Foundation. New members are:

Colin Cronin, vice president and co-owner of DTN Management Co.

Patrick Dean, president and CEO of Dean Transportation.

Price Dobernick, business manager and financial secretary of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 333.

Deb Ginsburg, past president of the Sparrow women’s board of managers.

Amy Scoby, senior vice president of marketing and business development for the Christman Co.

Sparrow’s community hospitals are also benefiting from the guidance of numerous new board members.

Local Insurance Agent Receives National Award

Greg Lemanski with State Farm Insurance Co. in Lansing recently received the National Quality Award for Life and Annuities for the 22nd consecutive year.

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors recognizes agents whose persistency records indicate competence and dedication to the insurance industry and their clients. Agents who earn the award have tangible evidence signifying the products they sell will meet the client’s needs.

Resch to Lead Lansing Chamber Board

Matt Resch of Resch Strategies will serve as the 2023 board chair of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce board of directors. Resch succeeds Mike Zamiara of Niowave, who will remain on the board as past chair. Lisa O’Connor of Publicom will serve as chair-elect and will serve as board chair in 2024.

In addition to Resch, Zamiara and O’Connor, the 2023 board officers will be Mark Burzych of Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC as legal counsel, Luke Terry of Rehmann as treasurer and Tim Daman as president and CEO.

The board includes several newcomers, including Kelly Preston of Capital Steel & Wire, Tom Ruis of PNC and Susi Elkins of MSU Federal Credit Union.

Maly Joins MCDC as Senior Loan Officer

The Lansing-based Michigan Certified Development Corp. announced the addition of Eric Maly as senior loan officer for the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan. His responsibilities with the MCDC will include marketing the Small Business Administration’s 504 Loan Program by working with lenders, small-business owners and other referral sources to secure 504 financing.

Maly comes to the MCDC from Huntington National Bank, where he was vice president of business banking.

“Eric’s background and experience make him an ideal fit for MCDC” said President Mark Williams. “He will be a great addition to the organization and to the small businesses in an important region of the state. His appointment helps us advance our mission of enhancing economic development and job growth in rural areas.”