Professional Highlights from the 517 Region

Triterra Among Fastest-Growing U.S. Companies

For the second year in a row, Triterra, a Michigan-based environmental consulting firm, has been recognized on the annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States.

“We are thrilled to be selected to the Inc. 5000 for the second year in a row as one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S.,” said Don McNabb, CEO and co-founder of Triterra. “As the environmental consulting industry expands, we grow with it. We are investing in our people, technology and expansion initiatives to ensure that our clients are able to achieve their goals. In 2022, we opened our third office in Grand Rapids and continue to look for additional opportunities to expand.”

McLaren Hospital Wins  2022 National Merit Award

McLaren Greater Lansing’s new hospital project won a National Award of Merit in the Healthcare Facilities category from the Design-Build Institute of America. The McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital project was one of three health care projects from across the country to win this award.

“From day one, our design-build teams worked together with our clinicians to build a hospital that is not only beautiful but provides the best experience for our patients and visitors,” said Kirk Ray, president and CEO of McLaren Greater Lansing. “We are thankful for this recognition and look forward to providing our community with quality health care services they need to get care close to home.”

LEPFA Announces Changes, Staff Accomplishments

The Lansing Entertainment and Public Facilities Authority has announced new hires to provide top-notch service to customers and visitors to the Greater Lansing area.

New LEPFA board of commissioners officers include Larry Leatherwood, chair; Kenric Hall, vice chair; Maureen McNulty-Saxton, secretary/treasurer; and James Stajos, past chair.

In addition to leadership announcements, LEPFA  added the following new full-time and part-time/seasonal staff members: Rebekah Yeary, event coordinator; Jacob Quertermous, event coordinator; Justice Shankel, event coordinator; Stephanie Melancon, account analyst administrator; Kasey McFadden, administration assistant; Allison Rupp, accounting manager; Jocelyn Murchison, accounting/box office coordinator; Daniel Matwiczyk, golf operations manager; Kyle Quimby, facilities worker; Zander Tyler facilities worker; Michele Rachal, event staff; Margaret Williams, event staff; Aalillian Jones, stagehand; Roger Mims, stagehand; Kayla Milanowski, stagehand; Trent Hatcher, apprentice cook; Jordan Nosal, steward; Charles Terrell, banquet server; Nina King, banquet server; Jane Kobiska, banquet server; Carrie Blair, pro shop attendant; Scott Helmic, pro shop attendant; Zachary Weiss, golf cart attendant; Jack Merrill, groundskeeper; Tony Baker, groundskeeper; Noah Jacobs, groundskeeper; Daniel Empie, groundskeeper; Griffin Hotchkiss, groundskeeper; Willie Hartwell, groundskeeper; and Sean Moorehead, groundskeeper.

In addition to the staff additions, LEPFA executives also have earned significant accreditations. Recently, Keith and Mindy Biladeau, vice president of sales and service, expanded their professional development skills.

Peckham Earns Best and Brightest in Wellness

Peckham Inc.  has been named as one of Michigan’s Best and Brightest in Wellness, a program that recognizes companies that promote employee well-being, worksite health and wellness. Winning companies are evaluated on best practices, along with health and wellness benchmarking standards in the industry.

“Emphasizing well-being and health has always been an intentional focus at Peckham,” said Justin Walworth, chief of human resources. “Investing in things such as fitness centers at our facilities, freeaccess to therapy, financial incentives, and supportive training for improving health and more are all ways we facilitate our employees’ overall well-being and create a culture of wellness.”

GLCVB Celebrates Promotion, New Staff

The Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau announced the promotion of Stephanie Wohlfert to senior sales manager, as well as the addition of two new sales team members, Ariel Backus and Dani Schneider.

“We are excited to welcome Ariel and Dani to the organization and to celebrate Stephanie’s promotion,” said Julie Pingston, president and CEO of the GLCVB. “We have no doubt these new and current team members will be a crucial part of promoting Lansing as a meeting and tourism destination and helping us grow the local economy.”

In addition to her current sales responsibilities with the state association and government markets, Wohlfert will take on the lead role in developing and managing multiple professional meeting groups, as well as the GLCVB partner meetings.

Sokacz Named to Lead Trucking Association

The Michigan Trucking Association, the state’s leading truck trade association, announced the appointment of Jill Sokacz as president and CEO.

“We are excited Jill is now at the helm of MTA. Her dedication and expertise will lead MTA and its members in new directions to meet the ever-changing demands of the Michigan trucking industry,” said Chairman Brian Hitchcock.

Sokacz will primarily network with government and other industry partners to promote the goals of the organization and work with MTA’s board of governors to raise the association’s visibility while overseeing daily operations.

Sparrow Announces New Administrative Fellow

Sparrow Health System named Jared Coleman as the new James W. Butler III Administrative Fellow, aimed at honoring the legacy of a respected Sparrow board member and community leader.

The fellowship is named for the late James W. Butler III, who championed access to health quality care for the most vulnerable and led efforts toward the state’s first medical clinic for the homeless.

Coleman will work closely alongside Sparrow senior leadership and caregivers over the next year to prepare himself for a career in health care management.

“I chose Sparrow for the opportunity to learn from a compassionate group of executive leaders and to explore the different realms of health care,” Coleman said. “The fellowship provides a unique platform to explore health care, while making a direct impact within the system and community.”

Schroeder Elected to Home Builders Board

Karen Schroeder, vice president and co-founder of Mayberry Homes, was recently elected to the Home Builders Association of Michigan board of directors as the incoming secretary for 2023.

Schroeder’s commitment to the industry and the association are second to none. Her knowledge and expertise will bring additional value to the association board. With this election, she will move through the leadership positions and ultimately be president of the HBA of Michigan in 2026.