VanAcker Joins Choose Lansing
Choose Lansing announced the addition of Julie VanAcker as membership and community outreach coordinator.
VanAcker joins Choose Lansing with experience in community engagement, events, partnerships and promotions. In her new role, she will work alongside Director of Membership and Community Engagement Melissa Nay to support Choose Lansing members and community outreach efforts throughout the Greater Lansing area.
Julie VanAcker
“We’re excited to welcome Julie to the Choose Lansing team,” said Julie Pingston, president and CEO of Choose Lansing. “Her deep knowledge of Greater Lansing, community involvement and experience bringing people together will be valuable as we continue strengthening our partnerships and supporting the region’s hospitality and tourism community.”
For the past five years, VanAcker co-led Greater Lansing Area Moms, a local resource she helped establish to connect families with businesses, organizations, events and experiences throughout the region. Her work included partnerships and promotions with Michigan State University Athletics, the Wharton Center for Performing Arts and Capital Area District Libraries, as well as helping organize GLAM Jam, an annual event that grew to approximately 50 vendors and more than 1,000 attendees.
A lifelong Greater Lansing resident and Michigan State University alumna, VanAcker earned a bachelor’s degree in dietetics from MSU and has been a certified tourism ambassador since 2022.
“Julie has a genuine passion for Greater Lansing and a strong understanding of what makes our community special,” said Nay. “Her creativity, local knowledge and collaborative approach will be great assets to our team, and I’m looking forward to working alongside her.”
Triterra Recognized on Inc. 5000 List
Triterra, a Michigan-based environmental consulting firm, announced its sixth consecutive appearance on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the U.S.
In 2026, Triterra ranked No. 2,701 overall, 119% three-year growth, No. 46 in Michigan and No. 16 in environmental services in the United States.
The Inc. 5000 provides a look at the fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States. Many well-known brands, including Chobani, Grubhub, Meta, Microsoft and Zappos, earned national recognition as Inc. 5000 honorees early in their growth.
“Being named to the Inc. 5000 for the sixth consecutive year is an incredible honor,” said Don McNabb, co-founder and CEO of Triterra. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our team, the trust our clients place in us, and our commitment to creating healthier communities through meaningful partnerships and practical environmental solutions.”
The 2026 Inc. 5000 ranks companies based on percentage revenue growth from 2022 to 2025. To qualify, businesses must be U.S.-based, privately held, independent and meet minimum revenue requirements established by Inc. magazine.
Maner Costerisan Recognized for Culture
Maner Costerisan, a full-service public accounting and business consulting firm, has been recognized as a 2026 Best Place to Work in Michigan by Crain’s Detroit Business, marking the firm’s fifth consecutive year on the annual list.
The recognition highlights Michigan employers that foster strong workplace cultures and employee engagement. The selection is based in part on employee feedback, making the honor a reflection of team members’ experiences at their organizations.
The firm also recently earned the No. 5 spot on Crain’s Grand Rapids Business’ 2026 Best Places to Work in West Michigan list, further recognizing its commitment to creating a workplace where employees can grow, collaborate and thrive.
“This recognition reinforces the kind of workplace we strive to create at Maner Costerisan,” said Trey Williams, president of Maner Costerisan. “Our team members are at the heart of our success, and we’re committed to giving them opportunities to grow, collaborate and build meaningful careers while making a difference for our clients and communities.”
ATHENA Welcomes New Leaders
ATHENA International welcomed Owosso-native Carrie Rathbun Hawks to its board of directors. She is joined by Sandra Corey-Knight of California.
Rathbun’s appointment reflects the kind of leadership ATHENA champions: values-centered, service-driven and focused on creating meaningful impact for leaders and the communities they serve, according to ATHENA International President and CEO Traci Costa.
As a 2018 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient of the Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce, ATHENA Leadership Institute certified facilitator and graduate of the ATHENA Leadership Institute, Rathbun has a deep understanding of ATHENA’s mission, leadership principles and culture. She has demonstrated a strong and sustained commitment to the organization through her work developing and supporting leaders in ATHENA programs.
Professionally, Rathbun is an accomplished communications strategist, with 35 years of experience in public relations, stakeholder engagement and organizational leadership. Her background includes leading her own public relations firm, teaching at the university level, and serving in leadership roles across numerous nonprofit and professional boards.
“I am thrilled to welcome Carrie Rathbun Hawks to the ATHENA International board of directors,” said Costa. “Carrie brings a deep understanding of ATHENA’s mission and culture, along with thoughtful leadership and strong governance experience. She is a highly respected leader, and I am confident her insight and commitment will strengthen ATHENA as we continue to advance, support and celebrate women leaders around the world.”
Clobes Added as Circuit Chair
Circuit, a collaborative network of 80 credit union and credit union service organization owners, announced new board of directors leadership elected at its third-quarter meeting.
April Clobes, president and CEO of Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, was elected chairperson of the Circuit board of directors.
In addition, Brenda Worrell, president and CEO of ICCU, will serve as vice chairperson, and Brandon Riechers, president and CEO of Royal Credit Union, will serve as secretary/treasurer.
James Nastars, president and CEO of Meritrust Credit Union, will serve as immediate past chairperson.
“April, Brenda and Brandon have each led their organizations through real change, and that experience matters as we push Circuit’s work into new territory,” said Ned Tobey, CEO of Circuit.
Circuit’s board of directors guides the organization’s strategy and ensures its work remains aligned with the needs of its owners and the broader credit union movement.
“Credit unions are facing significant competitive pressure, and the organizations that will win are committed to collaborating on innovation solutions to meet members’ needs,” said Clobes. “This is exactly what Circuit exists to do. I’m energized to work with the Circuit owners to bring unique solutions to market.”
Maurer-Wagner Hired as Hygienist
Triterra, a Michigan-based environmental consulting firm, added Ashton Maurer-Wagner to its industrial hygiene group. Maurer-Wagner will serve as an industrial hygienist based in the firm’s Grand Rapids office.
Ashton Maurer-Wagner
In his new role, Maurer-Wagner will conduct inspections and surveys for hazardous materials, including asbestos, mold and lead, and ensure abatement activities strictly comply with regulatory standards. His responsibilities also include evaluating workplace health and safety protocols, supporting environmental assessments and delivering technical solutions across client project sites. His background includes hands-on experience in facility safety compliance, equipment operation, field troubleshooting and safety team leadership.
Maurer-Wagner earned a bachelor’s degree in natural resources management from Grand Valley State University, where he also completed coursework through the Grand Valley State University Honors College.
McLaren Loves Lansing Raises $47K
McLaren Loves Lansing, a fundraiser for the McLaren Greater Lansing Foundation, raised $47,000 on Aug. 21 during the event at the Lansing Brewing Co.
Funds raised during the evening supply programs, services and equipment that help provide world-class health care throughout the Greater Lansing community.
The indoor/outdoor strolling event hosted by Dr. Chip and Katie Taunt featured local food options, drinks and desserts, a chance to win prizes and more.
