Seidman College of Business Alumni Affinity Network
Seidman Alumni Affinity Network Application
CALLING ALL BUSINESS LAKERS! Are you an alumnus of the Seidman College of Business? Are you passionate about your educational experiences and interested in helping Seidman further its mission? Perfect! The Seidman College of Business Alumni Network Board of Directors (a.k.a. Seidman Alumni Network Board) is continuously looking for passionate Seidman alumni, no matter their geographic location, to join the board.
The Seidman Network Board actively works on engaging and adding value for the entire Seidman Alumni Network through hosting events and engagement opportunities with the college, current students, and other alumni. The board also regularly partners with the College Dean, Faculty, and Students on furthering the mission of our beloved Seidman College of Business. If you are interested in learning more, feel free to contact Board President Jill Dooley (BBA '90, MBA '99) by email or by completing this board application and submitting it to [email protected].
Bylaws
The Seidman College of Business Alumni Network bylaws describe the purpose of the network and outline the specific guidelines and operating procedures of the Seidman College of Business Alumni Network Board of Directors (a.k.a. Seidman Alumni Network Board).
Executive Board Members
President: Jill Dooley
1st Vice President: Joel Schick
Vice President: Erika Wilmers
Vice President: Jarret Martus
Secretary: Eunice Lopez-Martin
Member at Large: Jacque Schafer
Member at Large: Jack Iott
Immediate Past President: Ryan Slusarzyk
Andrew Beers (BS '13)
Andrew is a Managing Partner with Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial where he leads a team of Financial Representatives in the West Michigan area. He graduated in 2013 with a BS in Mathematics and Business. Andrew joined Modern Woodmen directly out of Grand Valley. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing basketball, and being on the lake.
Elizabeth Blair (BBA '09, MBA '12)
Elizabeth is the Business Innovation Manager for Bosch North America. She graduated from GVSU in 2009 with a BBA in International Business and Economics and again in 2012 with an MBA. Prior to Bosch, Elizabeth worked at Steelcase, Concentrek, Flagstar Bank, and Walt Disney World. She is also a co-founder of a Michigan-based startup.
Kevin M. Clancy (BBA '15)
Kevin is a Manager of Business Process Implementation at Stryker where he leads the development and deployment of new end-to-end commercial processes for the global enterprise resource planning program. Prior to his current role, he gained diverse perspectives from working in the medical device, automotive, and financial services industries. He holds a BBA in finance and marketing from Grand Valley State University and an MBA from Western Michigan University. While at GVSU he competed on the men’s water polo team and worked in the University Development Office on the Telephone Outreach Program.
Jill Dooley (BBA '90, MBA '99)
Jill has been a business professional and nonprofit leader for the past 36 years. She recently became Senior Director, Philanthropy at Kids' Food Basket. Prior to her work in the non-profit sector, Jill's professional experiences included industrial engineering, operations management, and business development roles. She graduated from GVSU Seidman College of Business in 1990 with a BBA and again in 1999 with an MBA.
John Grahs (MBA '13)
John is the Director of Information Technology of Kent Power, Inc. Prior to his current position, he served as the IT and Operations Manager at Spartan Distributors and Systems Engineer for Star Cutter Company. He holds a degree in electrical engineering from Michigan Tech; and in 2013, he earned his MBA from the Seidman College of Business.
Jack Iott (BBA '13)
Jack is a Manager of Corporate Development and Global Mergers & Acquisitions at General Motors. In his role, he focuses on executing investment opportunities and strategic partnerships to support the organization's Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, Zero Congestion vision. Prior to his role at General Motors, Jack worked in private equity including investment roles for Ottawa Avenue Private Capital (RDV Corporation). In addition to competing for the GVSU Lakers Track & Field Team, Jack served as Student Body President in 2012-2013. Jack holds a BBA from Grand Valley State University and an MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
Mark Kubik (BBA '96)
Dr. Mark Kubik is currently a faculty member and Interim Unit Head of the Marketing Department at the Seidman College of Business, joining the faculty in 2016. Prior to his academic career, he worked as a senior finance executive who is experienced in corporate strategy design, personal production, portfolio management, and acquisitions. Dr. Kubik was recruited to national sales and marketing positions within the United States and is a proven expert skilled at restructuring organizations and implementing cross-functional strategies, resulting in increased revenue. Additionally, he has an extensive background leading professional teams and developing improved sales revenues. He earned his Doctorate in Business Administration, (D.B.A.) from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, and holds an M.B.A. from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. His research and teaching interests include sales and sales management and he is the faculty advisor to the Professional Sales Association.
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Eunice Lopez-Martin (BBA '09, MBA '21)
Eunice is a Senior Operations Manager for Steelcase in the Grand Rapids headquarters. She graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2009 with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelors of Arts with an emphasis in Spanish Literature, and with her Masters degree in Business Administration in Spring of 2021. She has been in the Finance industry for 15 years. Eunice is on Grand Valley’s Alumni Association Board, Inner City Christian Federation Board, and the Grand Rapids Rotary Club Board. She is also an active participant with the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Grand Rapids Young Professionals group. Her volunteer activities include Habitat for Humanity, United Way, Gilda’s Club, and Junior Achievement. Eunice lives in Kentwood with her son Antonio and loves to spend time with family and work out.
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Jarrett Martus (BBA '12)
Jarrett is Chief of Staff to the CEO and Secretary, Board of Directors at University of Michigan Health-West where he focuses on non-clinical aspects of the health system. Prior to this position he worked as a fundraiser for both Grand Valley State University and with the Metro Health Hospital Foundation. He holds a BBA from Grand Valley State University and served as Student Body President in 2009-2010. Jarrett currently serves as a mentor in the Seidman College of Business and is an avid fan of Laker Athletics.
Ashley Morehouse (BBA '09 and BA '09)
Ashley is a Senior is a Senior Director of Marketing and Sales at Immaculate Flight. Prior to her current, role, she lived in Munich, Germany for three years working on product development and category management for Steelcase. Ashley worked in various departments including e-commerce, product management and sales for Steelcase in Grand Rapids spanning 10 years. She graduated from GVSU in 2009 with a BBA in International Business and Marketing and a BA in Spanish.
Suzina Orelli (BBA '07, MBA '10)
Suzina is a Manager, Integrated Data Analytics at Corewell Health. Prior to her current role, Suzina worked at Amway in various departments including Global Sales and Internal Audit spanning a seven-year career there. Suzina also worked at the Michigan Public Health Institute for three years after graduating from GVSU. She graduated from GVSU in 2007 with a BBA and again in 2010 with an MBA.
Caleb Pols (BBA '14)
Caleb is as a Relationship Manager at TriCoast Advisors where he spearheads a team of advisors that help clients successfully tackle the complexities of risk, insurance, and employee benefits. He works primarily with mid-market businesses in the construction, manufacturing, and transportation verticals. Caleb is a Licensed Insurance Counselor (LIC) and a Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS). In addition to the Seidman Alumni Affinity Network Board, he serves as a board member for Kid’s Life Bible Club, the Seidman Finance Advisory Board, ACG Young Professionals and the ACG Cup. Caleb enjoys outdoor activities including golfing, hiking, snowboarding, and traveling.
Samantha Riga (BBA '19)
Samantha is the Senior Plastic Surgery Sales Representative at Johnson & Johnson for the Detroit territory. Previously she was a Dental Territory Manager at Align Technology. She graduated from Grand Valley in 2019 with a BBA, double majoring in Marketing with an emphasis in Sales and Supply Chain Management. While at GVSU, she interned at Abbott and Whirlpool, was on the Women's Varsity Soccer Team, the President of the American Marketing Association, and was the student representative on the Alumni Board. She is excited to be back on the Alumni Board!
Joel Schick (MBA '07)
Joel is the General Manager of Leads Generate Sales in Grand Rapids, a company focused on providing demand generation services to small, medium, and large businesses in various B2B markets aspiring to aggressively grow their sales pipeline. His organization also offers strategic consulting services to companies on their internal sales process. He is a Board Member of Digital Marketing Strategies, a company acquiring Digital Marketing firms throughout the U.S. and Canada. Prior to this, he worked in various sales and commercial corporate roles after graduating from Hope College with his undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Economics/Communication.
Kevin Schrock (BBA '15)
Kevin is a commercial lender for Mercantile Bank in Grand Rapids where he focuses on advising his business clients on all of their banking needs. He graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2015 with a focus in economics and statistics. Aside from the Seidman Alumni Board, he is also on the board of United Methodist Community House and Turnaround Management Association West Michigan. Kevin loves to get outside whether it’s hiking, skiing, running, biking, or playing Spikeball, and is an avid football and basketball fan.
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Phil Sims (BBA '11)
Phil Sims is the CEO of Integrity Tree Services (ITS), a full-service vegetation management organization. Previously he worked at BDO, and he earned his CPA in 2014. Phil graduated from GVSU’s Seidman College of Business in 2011 with a BBA and an accounting major.
Ryan Slusarzyk (BBA '08, MBA '20)
Ryan is a Principal Portfolio Manager at Stryker Corporate and he currently serves as the President of the Seidman Alumni Association. Ryan is the 2014 recipient of the Seidman College of Business Outstanding Alumni “Up & Coming” award and was also honored in 2014 with the inaugural Grand Valley State University “Young Alumni of the Year” award. Ryan is extremely active within the community, and aside from the Seidman board, he is also involved in: Cook Leadership Academy (mentor), Boys & Girls Club of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Community Foundation, and the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, to name a few.
Gabe Strickler (MBA '15)
Gabe is a Lead Global Sourcing Manager at Rivian (RIVN), a publicly traded company that designs and manufactures Electric Vehicles. Gabe oversees Rivian’s Upper and Underbody Capital Equipment Sourcing and Procurement activities. He holds degrees from Michigan State University (BA in Supply Chain Management) and Grand Valley State University (MBA). While at MSU Gabe was a member of the men's varsity swim team and served as captain his senior year. Gabe currently serves as a mentor within the GVSU Seidman College of Business Mentorship program.
Nelson VanElderen (BBA '75, MBA '94)
Nelson worked in the lumber and building materials industry for 31 years in various capacities and retired as Director of Marketing for The Standard Companies in 2008. He currently teaches marketing part time as an adjunct instructor for Seidman. Nelson has been involved with the Seidman Alumni Board since its inception and received his BBA (1975) and MBA (1994) from Seidman. He also serves on the Board for the Grand Valley Alumni Association as Vice President of Finance, so truly a ‘Laker for a Lifetime.’
Erika Wilmers (MBA '12)
Erika is the Business Development Manager at The C2 Group. She graduated from Hope College in 2011 and went on to graduate with an MBA from GVSU in 2012. Erika has worked in national and international business development for 9 years spanning from the lumber industry to sugar free candy. Her current role at The C2 Group has brought her into the technology space where she consults with enterprise level organizations to help shape their digital strategies.
Cameron Zbikowski (BBA '20)
Cameron Zbikowski is the Program Coordinator for the Student Veterans of America. An Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom War Veteran, he served in the Navy for over 8 years. He recently earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources Management, with a focus in International Business and Spanish, from the Seidman College of Business (‘20) and holds a Diploma of Business from the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia (‘19). His legislative proposal for improving the Veteran Affairs’ Patient Advocacy program was just signed into Public Law on 9/16/22 by President Biden.
For more on Alumni at GVSU, visit the GVSU Alumni & Visitors page.