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Special Olympics Michigan Emerging Leaders Advisory Council

The Emerging Leaders Advisory Council (ELAC) is a group of young professionals from diverse backgrounds who utilize their wide array of skill sets to passionately support SOMI’s Board of Directors in achieving SOMI’s mission.

In addition, members of the ELAC act as ambassadors for SOMI in their communities, targeting the younger demographic to promote awareness of Special Olympics and its programs, and engaging in volunteer opportunities.

Matthew Black

Sunset Grown
New Hudson, MI

Whitney Behnke

Account Manager
Aisle Rock Studios
St. Joseph, MI

Erin Bartlett

Travel Administrator
Gordon Food Service
Grand Rapids, MI

Preston Burrell

Account Executive
Lighthouse Insurance Group
Grand Rapids, MI

Jamie Clark-Drewke

Group Sales Account Manager
Olympia Entertainment/Detroit Red Wings
Madison Heights, MI

Chris Dean

Logistics and Market Analyst
Dean Transportation
Lansing, MI

Regina Gilmour

Associate Attorney
Mika Meyers PLC
Grand Rapids, MI

Ryan Hamlin

Federal Tax Staff/CPA
Crowe LLP
Grand Rapids, MI

Fuad Hasanovic

Marketing Manager
Nutra Food Ingredients
Grand Rapids, MI

Courtney Havens-Mitchell

Sports Medicine Manager
Metro Health
Grand Rapids, MI

Doug Labadie

Senior Manager
KPMG LLP
Berkley, MI

Katelyn Nerdrum

Retirement Plans Manager
Consumers Energy
Ann Arbor, MI

Courtney Vasquez

Deaf Blind Intervener
Michigan School for the Deaf
Durand, MI

Christopher Polemitis

Sales Manager
Brembo North America
Brighton, MI

Nicole Ridenour

Grocery Associate Category Business Planner
SpartanNash
Grand Rapids, MI

Evan Sassack

Financial Advisor
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
Grand Rapids, MI

Nicholas Simatos

Vice President/Commercial Lending
Lake Michigan Credit Union
Grand Rapids, MI