Jones Inducted into Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame
Longtime Lansing news anchor Sheri Jones was one of seven inductees into the 2025 Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame in an October ceremony.
For more than 37 years, Jones was the trusted voice of WLNS-TV 6 in Lansing. A fearless journalist and community leader, she has exposed critical issues from the opioid crisis to human trafficking while producing Emmy-winning documentaries and leading global humanitarian efforts.
Sheri Jones
Other inductees this year included Diana Lewis, Valerie Newman, Marge Byington Potter, Jacqueline Taylor, Doris Biscoe and the Kalamazoo Ladies’ Library Association.
“These honorees represent the best of Michigan’s spirit — truth-tellers who shaped journalism, advocates who fought for justice, educators who opened doors and women who built institutions that still serve us today,” said Carolyn Cassin, president and CEO of Michigan Women Forward. “Each has left an unmistakable mark on our state’s history and future, and we are proud to celebrate their legacies at this year’s induction ceremony.”
Brzezinski Named VP at Gillespie
Real estate developer Gillespie Group promoted Ashley Brzezinski to the position of vice president of marketing.
Ashley Brzezinski
As vice president of marketing, Brzezinski will continue to define and advance the vision for Gillespie Group’s brand strategy, communications and community relationships, ensuring every initiative aligns with the company’s long-term goals and growth objectives. She will lead efforts that strengthen brand reputation, expand market presence and drive measurable business outcomes, while growing Gillespie Group’s reputation as a forward-thinking leader in real estate development. Through her strategic leadership, Brzezinski will guide the integration of data-driven insights, innovative campaigns and collaborative partnerships to create impactful experiences that resonate with residents, partners and the broader community.
Michigan Works! Announces Honorees
The Michigan Works! Association honored the director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Employment and Training as its 2025 Champion of Workforce Development and two local workforce development leaders with Michigan Works! Shining Star Awards.
Stephanie Beckhorn, who has 24 years of experience in workforce development, was recognized for her deep commitment to strengthening the Michigan Works! statewide network and making a meaningful difference for the people it serves. The Champion of Workforce Development Award is presented annually to a workforce champion who exemplifies the highest standards of leadership and who has made significant contributions to the public workforce system in Michigan.
Stephanie Beckhorn
The Shining Star Awards celebrate Michigan Works! frontline staff who, through dedication and outstanding contributions to workforce development, personify the Michigan Works! Mission. This year’s local honorees included Mohibullah “Mo” Israr, new Americans navigator at Capital Area Michigan Works!, and Patty Sudbay, employment counselor at Michigan Works! Southeast.
Desk Drawer Foundation Donates $30,000 to Five Recipients
The MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, awarded $30,000 in grants to Chicago Voyagers, Concordia Place, the Mosaic Film Experience, Racquet Up Detroit and the Zekelman Holocaust Center during the third quarter of 2025.
Established in 2019, the foundation is committed to partnering with donors to empower transformational change to make a sustainable difference in local communities. This mission is advanced through strategic investments in five philanthropic pillars — the arts, entrepreneurship, financial education, stable housing, and youth empowerment.
Foster Swift Welcomes Litigator
Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC welcomed litigator Amanda “Amy” S. Marinkovski to the firm’s finance, real estate and bankruptcy practice group.
Amanda “Amy” S. Marinkovski
Her experience includes civil litigation and assisting clients in a variety of matters, namely real estate litigation issues involving landlord/tenants, from initial consultation through resolution and, when necessary, trial. Additionally, she handles a wide range of probate litigation matters, including will and trust disputes, as well as guardianships and conservatorships.
She received her Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University and Juris Doctor from Michigan State University’s College of Law. During her time at MSU’s College of Law, she was a competitor at the National Moot Court Competition in Child Welfare and Adoption Law.
MEDC Wins Six Excellence Awards
Detroit rolled out the red carpet for the International Economic Development Council Annual Conference, and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. celebrated six Excellence in Economic Development Awards — three gold and three silver — for its work to support communities across the state, develop and retain talent, and build a future for Michigan residents and businesses.
This international recognition for the MEDC builds on its designation as an accredited economic development organization by the IEDC in April, an honor that recognizes professional excellence among economic development organizations worldwide. The MEDC is one of only two U.S. state agencies to receive AEDO accreditation, affirming its position as a national leader in economic development strategy, innovation and execution.
Organizations Join MIHEART
The Michigan Higher Education Attainment Roundtable announced the addition of four key organizations: the Michigan Works! Association, Launch Michigan, the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and the Small Business Association of Michigan. The new member organizations underscore a unified commitment across workforce development, K-12 education, higher education, economic development and the small-business community to advance progress toward the state’s Sixty by 30 attainment goal — 60% of Michigan residents earning a postsecondary certificate or degree by the year 2030.
Convened by Michigan College Access Network, MIHEART is a cross- sector collaborative focused on developing, attracting and retaining workforce talent in Michigan. The cornerstone of MIHEART’s work revolves around its 2025-2026 Talent Sustainability Agenda, which outlines 10 key policy priorities and strategies designed to increase access to and completion of postsecondary education, address equity gaps, and strengthen the state’s talent ecosystem.
Lamson Joins Transworld
Timothy J. Lamson has joined Transworld Business Advisors.
With more than 30 years of experience and more than 500 transactions closed, Lamson brings a wealth of knowledge in business sales and marketing, franchise sales and development, broker opinion of value, exit planning, and mergers and acquisitions.
Lamson is passionate about helping clients achieve their business objectives and works with the utmost confidentiality to support their professional goals.
Sparrow Carson Recognized for Care
University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Carson has been named a top performer for quality care in a new nationwide study.
The hospital earned the ranking in the small community hospital category of the 2025 Vizient Quality and Accountability Study. Vizient is a leading health care performance improvement company, and its annual study recognizes excellence in delivering high-quality patient care.
“We are thrilled to accept this recognition that reflects the dedication and hard work of our Carson team members,” said Linda Reetz, market president for community hospitals at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow. “This award demonstrates our excellence in delivering the highest quality of care with a focus on safety, effectiveness, efficiency and patient-centered care. It’s quality care close to home.”
Wightman Director Named Marketing Chapter President
Wightman Director of Marketing Nicollette Cardwell has been named the 2025-2026 president of the Society for Marketing Professional Services Southeast Michigan Chapter.
Nicollette Cardwell
Cardwell, who joined Wightman in 2022, has been instrumental in leading the firm’s marketing and communications initiatives, driving brand visibility, and supporting strategic development strategies within the company across its Great Lakes service region. With more than 14 years of experience in marketing and professional services, she has a Nicollette Cardwell proven track record of creating meaningful connections between clients, communities and design professionals.
