Recreation Center Front Desk: 616-331-3313
Kelly Family Sports Center Front Desk: 616-331-8940

Brad Wallace

Associate Athletic Director, Athletic & Rec Facilities

Brad joined the Athletic and Recreation Facilities Management Department in August 2005. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science from Grand Valley State University while working within the Athletics department. After graduation he secured a Recreation Center Facilities Graduate Assistant position at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale where he received his Masters of Science degree in Sports Administration. Brad has worked a variety of event and facility management jobs to include positions with the West Michigan Whitecaps, Berlin Raceway, Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place. Along with normal daily work duties, he stays active through on campus committee work and involvement within professional organizations. Brad is married with two children and enjoys spending time with his family. Other interests include camping, hiking, cars, and traveling.

Email: wallaceb@gvsu.edu

Phone: 616-331-8728

Meghan Pynnonen

Assistant Athletic Director - Recreation Center & Pool

Meghan began working at Grand Valley State University in Housing and Residence Life in 2012.  She transferred to the Athletic and Recreation Facilities Management Department in in August of 2015 and was promoted to her current role in 2019.  Prior to GVSU, Meghan spent seven years working in ticket operations for the West Michigan Whitecaps.  She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management from Bowling Green State University in 2005 and his currently working towards a Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis in Adult and Higher Education from GVSU.  Meghan is married with two children and enjoys spending time with her family. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, staying active, running with her beagle, and spending time with family and friends.   

Email: pynnonem@gvsu.edu

Phone: 616-331-2716

Brent Tavis

Assistant Athletic Director - Kelly Family Sports Center and Outdoor Fields

Brent joined the Athletic and Recreation Facilities Management team in May 2017. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Sport Management from Davenport University in 2009, and went on to get his Master’s degree in Public Administration in 2012 from Grand Valley State. During his time in grad school he worked as the Graduate Assistant for the Kelly Family Sports Center. After grad school, Brent went to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. There he held the role of Assistant Athletic Director for Events and Facilities from 2012-2016. In May of 2016, he took over the role of Assistant Athletic Director for Business and Finance to oversee the business operations. Outside of work, Brent enjoys spending time in the outdoors and with his family. 

Email: tavisbre@gvsu.edu

Phone: 616-331-8730

Dionte McBride

Facility Operations Coordinator, Athletic & Rec Facilities

Dionte joined the Athletic and Recreation Facilities Management team in January 2018. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from Grand Valley State University in 2015, and got his Master’s degree in Higher Education from Grand Valley State University in 2017. During his time as a graduate student he served as the Graduate Assistant for Athletic and Recreation Facilities for the Recreation Center and Fieldhouse. Currently, he serves as a Facility Operations Coordinator responsible for student staffing and events. During his spare time, Dionte enjoys spending time with his dog, going to the movies, playing/watching sports, and being outdoors.

Email:  mcbriddi@gvsu.edu

Phone: 616-331-3223

ALEX WISE

Facility Operations Coordinator, Athletic & Rec Facilities

Alex joined the Athletic and Recreation Facility Management team in July of 2019. He earned his Bachelors of Arts in Communications from Saginaw Valley State University in 2015 and his Masters in Higher Education Leadership from Oakland University in 2018. While receiving his Masters Alex was the Graduate Assistant for the Athletic Facilities and Events department. Alex also worked at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in the Athletic Facilities and Events department before landing at Grand Valley. Alex enjoys outdoor activities (during the warmer months), sports, traveling, and spending time with his family on the east side and in Ohio.

Email: wiseal@gvsu.edu

Phone: 616-331-2686

NICOLE BROWER

Athletic & Rec Facilities Office Assistant - Finance & Memberships

Nicole joined Athletic and Recreation Facilities Management team in May 2019 following three years as an Office Assistant with the Brooks College Dean’s Office. Nicole worked as a realtor for 13 years prior to completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies in 2016 and  plans to pursue a Master’s of Higher Education with an emphasis in Adult and Higher Education starting in the fall 2019 semester.  Nicole enjoys spending time with her family enjoying the highlights of each season across the state of Michigan.

Email: browerni@gvsu.edu

Phone: 616-331-8894

Kate Knopp

Athletic & Rec Facilities Office Assistant - Scheduling

Kate joined the Athletic and Recreation Facilities Management team in September 2017.

She earned her bachelor’s degree at Western Michigan University (WMU). Shortly after graduating college Kate moved to Chicago, where she worked at Columbia College Chicago and served as a board member for a non-profit organization. She moved back to West Michigan where she worked for Kendall College of Art & Design Facilities and then WMU Conferencing Services before joining the Lakers. Kate spends her free time with friends and family and loves time on the lake shore, exploring the area and traveling as much as possible. 

Email: Knoppk@gvsu.edu

Phone: 616-331-2685

Jenn Maki

Graduate Assistant - Kelly Family Sports Center and Outdoor Fields

Jenn joined the team in July 2018. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications in May 2018. Throughout her four years at Green Bay she had the opportunity to work in collegiate athletics along with semi-professional and professional sports. Jenn was heavily involved with the Athletics Department and Recreation Center at UW- Green Bay, serving as an Intramural Supervisor for three years. Over the last year Jenn was fortunate enough to work for Green Bay Packers in the Brand and Marketing Department. Go Pack Go!

Email: makijenn@gvsu.edu

Phone: 616-331-8948

Colin Bachinski

Graduate Assistant - Fieldhouse/Recreation Center

Colin joined the Athletic and Recreation Management team in 2019 after completing his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Psychology from Grand Valley State University. He is currently pursuing his Master of Social Work degree. Prior to joining GVSU ARF Management, Colin held many different positions within the Athletic & Rec Facilities Department, most recently as Student Building Supervisor. Outside of work, Colin enjoys attending concerts, sporting events, and enjoying time back home in Manistee, as well in Grand Rapids with family and friends.

Email: bachinco@gvsu.edu

Phone: 616-331-8601