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Randy Thelen

President & CEO, The Right Place

As President & CEO of The Right Place, Randy leads economic development strategy through collaboration with local, State, and national organizations and stakeholders. His role is central to the organization’s core work of business retention, expansion, and attraction within the community, while aligning with The Right Place’s mission of driving sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity for all in the Greater Grand Rapids Region.
Randy joined The Right Place team in 2021 after serving as Senior Vice President of economic development at the Downtown Denver Partnership. There he led efforts to attract investment, recruit and retain business, and advocate for housing, retail, and public policy initiatives. He supported downtown projects totaling more than $1 billion in investments.

Prior to his role at the Downtown Denver Partnership, he led the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership, a two-state, eight-county regional economic development effort. Randy executed a $24 million Prosper Omaha strategy which brought $3.9 billion in new capital investment and 13,000 new jobs to the area.

Randy’s career began at economic development organizations in Evart and Monroe, Michigan before he moved to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). From there, he was hired as the first President of Lakeshore Advantage, where he led attraction of $1.2 billion in investments and 8,000 jobs during his 10-year tenure.

Kendra Kuo

Director - U.S. Commercial Service

Kendra Kuo is the Director of the U.S. Commercial Service in Grand Rapids, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration.  Kendra advises U.S. companies on developing international marketing strategies by providing them with guidance on every level of the export process.  She joined the Commercial Service in 2000, as an International Trade Specialist, serving in offices in Atlanta, Grand Rapids, and on temporary assignments at the U.S. Consulate in Shanghai, China, and the American Institute in Taiwan. Kendra came to the U.S. Commercial Service after working as the Assistant Director of International Trade for the Association for Print Technologies. Kendra is the Executive Secretary of the West Michigan District Export Council, a member of the World Trade Week Committee, and volunteers on the Advisory Board for Michigan State University’s Center for International Business Education and Research.  Kendra graduated from Michigan State University with a B.A. in International Relations.

Colin Bird

Consul General of Canada in Detroit

Colin Bird (ALB Hons [Government Studies], Harvard University, 1994; LLB Hons, University of Ottawa, 2003) joined Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in 2009. He has served as counsel to the NAFTA Secretariat and in the department’s Trade Law Bureau, where he focused on trade remedies and aerospace and softwood lumber trade issues, and he was a director in the North America Bureau of the Trade Negotiations Branch. Until 2019, Mr. Bird served as minister-counselor for trade and economic policy at the embassy in Washington, D.C., where he was responsible for all aspects of the United States-Canada trade relationship, including the 2 countries’ cooperation in multilateral forums. He has also represented Canada before dispute settlement panels and the Appellate Body at the World Trade Organization. Most recently, he was the executive director in the Trade Policy Branch responsible for multilateral trade matters, particularly Canada’s membership in the World Trade Organization, and served as Canada’s senior trade official at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, where he chaired the Trade Committee, and at the G7 and G20.

Brett McGee

Brett McGee is an International Economist in the Office of Trade Negotiations and Analysis. He provides industry and policy decision makers with information on the impacts of economic and regulatory policies on U.S. manufacturing and services industries, as well as provides a solid foundation of trade and industry research to support the development of national trade policies. His portfolio includes work on Section 232 steel and aluminum safeguards, Section 301 China tariffs, preferential trade agreements, Miscellaneous Tariff Bills (MTBs), and foreign trade retaliations. Prior to coming to DOC in 2019, Brett worked in Peace Corps Paraguay as a Community Economic Development Volunteer. He holds a Master of Arts in International Trade and Investment Policy from George Washington University.

Emma KurtzFreilich

Emma KurtzFreilich is an International Economist in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Trade Policy & Analysis at the International Trade Administration. She provides research and analysis on the effects of trade policies to American industries and policymakers with an emphasis on global supply chains. Emma received a bachelor’s degree in economics and international studies from Johns Hopkins University and a master’s degree in economics from the University of Chicago.

Brittany Foley

Trade Commissioner - Consulate of Canada

Brittany Foley is a trade commissioner with the Consulate General of Canada in Detroit. In this capacity she oversees the agricultural and agri-food file and also manages a special project within the Consulate to better connect economic development strategies between Windsor & Detroit.

She began her career in Detroit by managing business development programs and strategy as well as certain legal matters for a commercial interior design start up affiliated with the Quicken family of companies. She then worked as a project manager for Rock Ventures where she was responsible for overseeing the implementation of Rock’s multi-million dollar parks strategy in Downtown Detroit. Brittany also developed and implemented Michigan Community Resources’ economic development strategies in low income communities, funded by the New Economy Initiative.

A graduate of William & Mary School of Law, Brittany is a licensed attorney and also holds a master’s degree in Urban Planning and graduate certificate in Real Estate Development from the University of Michigan. She obtained her undergraduate degree in economics and foreign service, with a focus on multilateral trade, from Alma College.

Brittany sits on the advisory board of the Urban Land Institute’s Michigan Chapter (communications committee chair) and the Pontiac Yacht Club. She and her husband live in Detroit with their daughter, dog, and cat.

Brett McGee

Brett McGee is an International Economist in the Office of Trade Negotiations and Analysis. He provides industry and policy decision makers with information on the impacts of economic and regulatory policies on U.S. manufacturing and services industries, as well as provides a solid foundation of trade and industry research to support the development of national trade policies. His portfolio includes work on Section 232 steel and aluminum safeguards, Section 301 China tariffs, preferential trade agreements, Miscellaneous Tariff Bills (MTBs), and foreign trade retaliations. Prior to coming to DOC in 2019, Brett worked in Peace Corps Paraguay as a Community Economic Development Volunteer. He holds a Master of Arts in International Trade and Investment Policy from George Washington University.

Peter Jolliffe

FBI Detroit - Grand Rapids RA 

Peter Jolliffe is a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Detroit Field Office, and has been assigned to work counterintelligence matters since 2010. Prior to the FBI, Special Agent Jolliffe worked as an engineer for a decade, in both the private sector and with the Department of Defense.

Derrick Knox, Jr.

CEO - Diverse IT

Derrick “DJ” Knox, Jr. is an upfront leader, problem-solving thinker, and natural entrepreneur. Wherever the innovation is, you will find Derrick, sleeves rolled-up, and ready. Early on, Derrick’s vigilance to forge ahead, learn, grow, and build upon his studies at Cornerstone University (Psychology), made being a progressive agent of action an obvious next step. DJ was a CEO-in-the-making, serving the community, and leveraging his strong work ethic and technical capabilities.

His brainchild, Diverse IT – a one-of-a-kind, inclusive-by-design, minority-owned IT Solution Services and Consulting firm – drives equity and creates space for amazing talent to serve organizations worldwide. Diverse IT is headquartered in Lansing, Michigan and has offices in Altadena, CA; Indianapolis, and Hammond, IN. “At Diverse IT, Diversity isn’t just a tagline, it is a way of life.”

Throughout DJ’s progressive leadership career, his service, impeccable character, and distinct integrity would strengthen the bond he now has with his partners and long-time clients. With more than 20 years of experience in building an attainable vision from complex business and technology opportunities, Derrick has earned numerous executive accolades, certifications, and global recognition.

DJ is a lifelong student who continues to build upon his Bachelor’s in Psychology and Information Technology, while utilizing these skills to transform communities.

Taylor Gast

Attorney - Foster Swift

Taylor Gast helps businesses of all sizes and at all stages of development grow and solve problems as an attorney at Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith. He provides practical and thoughtful advice on issues including technology law, data privacy and cybersecurity, startups, mergers and acquisitions, and others. His breadth of legal expertise complements his focus on providing practical guidance to help businesses grow and address challenges.

Taylor has significant experience with issues that arise at the intersection of business, technology, and the laws of the United States and other countries. He regularly assists organizations in preparing for and responding to data privacy and cybersecurity incidents, including data breaches. He has assisted organizations in consistently communicating with customers, employees, regulators like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and others after a data security incident occurs. Taylor is proficient with the many sector-specific regulations affecting data privacy compliance including the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, HIPAA, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), and the multitude of state legislation passed in recent years, as well as foreign rules like the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Taylor also has experience designing, installing, and maintaining proactive cybersecurity and privacy programs for a variety of organizations.

Joel Mitchell

Partner - Plante Moran

Joel Mitchell, Partner, Plante Moran helps manufacturers, technology companies, and businesses to discover ways to minimize their global tax obligations while staying current with compliance and reporting requirements. He provides his clients with assistance with mergers and acquisitions and other major transactions. Joel also serves as a resource for companies that have business operations or ownership outside the U.S.

Joel recognizes the importance of planning when it comes to evaluating and improving the operations of a business. While his clients appreciate that he is proactive in identifying value-added opportunities, his colleagues like the fact that he is constantly looking for new and better ways to do things. Joel has a diverse background of working with companies from various sectors and sizes. Joel is a member of the AICPA, the MICPA, the West Michigan World Trade Week Planning Committee, the West Michigan District Export Council, and the advisory board for the Paton Center at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, which is where he received a B.B.A and M.S. in accounting. Joel also has a M.S. in taxation from Grand Valley State University.

Allie VanDriel

International Trade Specialist - U.S. Commercial Service in Grand Rapids

Allie is an International Trade Specialist with the U.S. Commercial Service in Grand Rapids, Michigan, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA). As an International Trade Specialist, she helps Michigan businesses grow their international sales through customized export consulting and by leveraging the Commercial Service’s strong overseas network. Allie came to the U.S. Commercial Service after working as an International Marketing Specialist for the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD). While at MDARD, she provided guidance to Michigan companies seeking to establish and expand their exports of food and agricultural products. Allie received her Master of Business Administration from Central Michigan University and her Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Michigan State University, where she was a member of the Women’s Track & Field team. Allie is a Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) and has spent a significant time abroad, having traveled to more than 30 countries.

Kerry Brozyna

Vice President and General Manager - Wolverine Worldwide

Kerry Brozyna's career spans 28 years as an executive leader with extensive, global travel which includes living and leading a large tannery in Shanghai, China. Kerry joined Wolverine Worldwide, Inc. (WWW) in March of 2013, serving as the Vice President and General Manager of Wolverine Leathers. In his role, he has traveled extensively to Vietnam, China, Thailand, Indonesia, and India. WWW is made up of a portfolio of outdoor, athletic, work, and lifestyle brands to include Wolverine Leathers, Merrell, CAT, Hush Puppies, Chaco, Wolverine Footwear, Bates, Harley Davidson, Hytest, Sperry, Saucony, Wolverine Kids Group, and Sweaty Betty.

Kerry sits on two Boards of Directors; Leather and Hide Council of America (Co-Chair) and World Affairs Council of West Michigan (Membership Chair). He has been chosen to speak to Global Sourcing undergrad classes annually at both Davenport University and Grand Valley State University and has participated in a Two Ten Foundation mentorship program. Kerry is an accomplished speaker at major, global events about product development, productivity enhancements and the supply chain.

Cameron Nguyen

Senior Investment Consultant - Viet Roar

Cameron Nguyen is a Senior Investment Consultant from Vietnam with over a decade of helping international manufacturers navigate the Vietnamese business landscape. She has expertise in market entry, supply chain management, and product launch which has driven hundreds of national and private programs to achieve ambitious goals. Cameron finds it incredibly satisfying to contribute her global business development skills to the growth of foreign investment in Vietnam.

Moving to the US 2 years ago, Cameron founded Viet Roar with the purpose of fostering healthy trade between Vietnamese and American businesses, reducing commercial reliance on China, and ensuring ethical business practices. For more information about Cameron and her track record, check out her LinkedIn profile at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hoaianhcameron/

Romy Ancog

Lead Export Finance Manager - U.S. Small Business Administration

Romualdo (Romy) Ancog is the Lead Export Finance Manager for the SBA covering Michigan, Indiana and Northern Ohio. Working out of the US Export Assistance Center in Detroit, Romy supports lenders and small businesses with SBA trade finance products and other exporting issues. He joined the SBA in 2008 and previously managed the Michigan lending team. Romy came to the public sector as an experienced commercial banker. His diverse background in finance has made him a foremost authority on small business lending. He is an alumnus of the University of Michigan and has his MBA from the University of Detroit.

Brian Picarazzi

Senior Area Manager - U.S. Small Business Administration

Brian Picarazzi is located in Grand Rapids. Brian has been in lending for 15 years, starting his career in residential mortgages and then transitioning to small business banking. Brian has been with the SBA for 14 years and lives in Grand Rapids with his wife and 4 daughters. He is responsible for marketing and outreach activities to lenders and small businesses. Prior to joining the SBA, Picarazzi was a branch manager and small business banker at Regions Bank in Florida. Brian holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Mansfield University. Brian is also a Veteran.

Mariel Huasanga

Regional Director, Central Region - EXIM Bank

Before joining EXIM, Mariel served as the Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center and International Trade Center, where she provided in-depth export planning to SMEs and managed the ExporTech program in Illinois. She has extensive experience in exporting, importing, international business intelligence, and international logistics. 

Mariel received her Bachelor's degree in International Business from the University of Lima, an MBA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and holds the Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) credential from NASBITE International. Mariel speaks multiple languages fluently, including Italian, French and Spanish.

Craig Larsen

Vice President - Global Trade Treasury - Huntington National Bank

Craig Larsen has been working in International Trade Finance since 1997. Between 1997 and 1998, Mr. Larsen developed the market in Letter of Credit and Documentary Collection sales for southeast Michigan, northern Ohio, and northern Indiana for the former Old Kent Bank located in West Michigan. 

At the end of 1998, Mr. Larsen continued in this capacity at Comerica Bank, located in Detroit Michigan. At Comerica, Craig further developed a specialty in export finance utilizing credit guarantees and short-term credit insurance from the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Markets covered were Ohio and Michigan. 

In 2008, Craig joined Huntington National Bank to begin and manage an EXIM Bank lending program and help further develop Trade Finance product sales in the Midwest. Today Huntington Bank is among the top 20 banks in the United States offering the Working Capital Guarantee Program as a Delegated Exim Bank lender possessing the highest level of lending authority granted by the Exim Bank. Prior to changing his career emphasis to international, Craig worked in Private Banking at Chase Manhattan as a loan officer. 

Mr. Larsen received a Master of Arts degree in International Relations from Michigan State University in 1987. His undergraduate degree was also from Michigan State University in Political Science with an emphasis in Russian and Soviet studies.

Sonja Johnson

Executive Director, GVSU's Van Andel Global Trade Center

Sonja is a licensed United States Customs Broker, who specializes in the global supply chain, foreign-trade zone administration, and import/export compliance. Before joining Van Andel Global Trade Center, she worked for several multinational companies both in technology manufacturing, as well as a global logistics company, supporting international sales, customer service, and global supply chains developing and overseeing global trade and import/export compliance and duty drawback programs. Sonja has been in her current role as Executive Director of the Center since 2006 and serves as Director of the Kent-Ottawa-Muskegon Foreign Trade Zone Authority.

Under Sonja’s leadership, Van Andel Global Trade Center received the U.S. President’s “E” Award in 2019, the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.   The Center has over 270 seventy members, helps answer over 2,600 questions on international topics each year, completes over 100 consulting projects for local businesses each year, and trains over 1,500 business professionals each year.  In addition, the Center connects with over 200 students each year.  The Center has employed over 70 students providing them with hands-on experience to complement what they are doing in their academic programs.  Sonja holds a Bachelor of Science with dual majors in International Business and Marketing from Minnesota State University, Mankato, Minnesota, and a Master of Business Administration, from Seidman College of Business, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan.   

Kiel Ursin

Carnet Specialist - ATA Carnet

Kiel Ursin is a Carnet Specialist and Customer Service & Sales Representative for boomerang carnets. His extensive experience and expert knowledge cover carnet usage, carnet countries, as well as foreign and domestic customs services. Kiel guides clients in all industries, from Fortune 500 companies to symphony orchestras, manufacturers to film production crews, individuals to small, medium, and large enterprises. He is a licensed bond and insurance advisor for ATA Carnets and international travel. 

Kiel has expertise in training and coaching companies on how ATA Carnets can help grow their business internationally by saving substantial expense on their temporary exports. In presentations for export organizations and industries, Kiel sheds light on the benefits of using carnets for boomerang freight, and companies learn about both the practical and dynamic growth aspects of carnet use. 

Additionally, he is an authority and issuer in the U.S. and Canada of the Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD), the “vehicle passport” for temporary admission of motor vehicles (private and commercial road motor vehicles) in countries where required. A CPD is like a passport for a vehicle to enter one or more countries temporarily without having to pay the import-duty and taxes. Kiel is originally from Lake Zurich, IL, and joined Boomerang in 2016.

John Worthington

President & CEO - IBT Online

John Worthington helped start IBT Online in 2002, since then they have grown the business every year thanks to their clients whom they have helped grow online and globally. John started his professional career in London, United Kingdom qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. Since then he has lived and worked in Belgium, France, and the U.S.

Today, he enjoy using his experience and knowledge in the field of international online business development to help small businesses take advantage of the ever-changing online environment to grow globally. Every month John speaks at a number of international business development events and sits on the board of a number of international companies.

John's responsibilities at IBT Online include new business development, Online Global programs evolution, meeting client expectations, as well research and development re automation, "service as a software" and web-3 for Online Global solutions.

Carl Hobson

Founder & CEO - Oasis Advanced Engineering, Inc. 

Carl Hobson is the founder and CEO of Oasis Advanced Engineering where he has been involved in the research and development of combat vehicle gunnery and maintenance training systems for 30 years. Prior to establishing Oasis Advanced Engineering, he worked at General Dynamics Land Systems where he was involved in the development of autonomous vehicle technology and the development of the Abrams M1A2 main battle tank. Before joining General Dynamics, Mr. Hobson was an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Western Michigan University. He possesses advanced degrees in Computer Science and Education.

Ned Piccinini

President and CEO - MCM Learning, Inc. 

Ned Piccinini is the President and CEO of MCM Learning.  Founded in 1991 Ned and MCM have been providing custom performance-based training and learning solutions for its clients for over thirty years.  Early on MCM focused on three industries Construction, Medical and Automotive.  However, in 2009 MCM shifted it’s focus to the Department of Defense, and in 2013 MCM was awarded its first contract as part of the draw down effort in Afghanistan.  Since then, MCM has been providing instructionally sound technical training solutions and integrated product support to meet the evolving needs of our US Service Members.

Natalie Chmiko

Senior Vice President, Small Business Solutions - Michigan Economic Development Corporation

As the Senior Vice President of Small Business Solutions, Natalie is responsible for overseeing the development and execution of organizational strategy and is accountable for implementing a long-term vision and short-term strategy to support small businesses. Throughout various roles in her 9-year tenure at MEDC, she has focused on growing Michigan exports, fostering rural development, connecting businesses with growth opportunities, and supporting manufacturers with adopting new technologies. Under her leadership, the International Trade team was the recipient of the 2017 President’s “E” Award which is the highest recognition any U.S. entity may receive for supporting export activity. Prior to joining MEDC in 2014, Natalie was the Assistant Economic Developer at Saginaw Future Inc., supporting local business and community economic development projects.

Natalie holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business from Saginaw Valley State University and is accredited as a NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional. She was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to serve as a board member for both the East & West Michigan District Export Councils and is the current Vice President of the State International Development Organizations.

Jeffrey Richardson

Principal - Miller Canfield

Jeffrey Richardson is a member of Miller Canfield’s Corporate Transactions Team, and Export Controls and Sanctions Group, advising multinational clients in the information technology, manufacturing, and defense sectors on matters including mergers and acquisitions, export controls, sanctions, distribution agreements, joint ventures, software and technology licensing, and strategic corporate structuring. Specifically, Jeffrey brings expertise in matching operational business execution requirements with functional business structures. He frequently advises multinational clients on corporate matters, as well as export controls and sanctions compliance, technology and information control protocols, and intellectual property matters arising within business structures. His breadth of experience is informed by a business management and litigation background.

Chris Gartman

Principal - Miller Canfield

Chris Gartman is a principal in Miller Canfield's Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group. He is experienced assisting clients with business and succession planning, real estate conveyances, contracting, creative financing, leasing, government regulation and other services. Chris' practical experience and awareness allow him to help clients constantly stay ahead of potential issues and address unforeseen ones.

Chris has particular experience in the craft brewing industry and was previously assistant head brewer and quality manager at The Five Points Brewing Company in Hackney, London, where he also maintained his legal practice serving clients in the alcoholic beverage, retail and entertainment, and real estate and construction industries. He is an active member of Miller Canfield's alcoholic beverage regulation team.

Anthony Brown

Vice President - OPCO Lubrication Systems, Inc.

Anthony P. Brown is the Vice President of both Mighty Lube Systematic Lubrication and OPCO Lubrication Systems, where he has worked for over 20 years. With his bachelor’s degree in International Business from Johnson and Wales University in Denver, Colorado, Anthony has driven international business expansion, further developing a worldwide distribution network and sales team.  

With extensive experience in Industrial 4.0 solutions for conveyor chain maintenance, he founded the MOCS educational training course at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology. This course covers extensive 2-day training on conveyor chain maintenance and has impacted several manufacturing plants and industries.

Recently, Anthony founded APEX Lubrication, which is now taking in-depth conveyor maintenance analytics with machine learning technology to mobile devices, further changing the future of conveyor maintenance. 

Brian Gill

Esquire

Brian Gill is a former diplomat and a commercial attorney with US and European law degrees. Since 2000, he has managed international teams in both the public and private sectors, in-person and remotely, as well as supervised outsourced services in Poland, Serbia, and India. Work-abroad assignments include Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, heading the national office as representative of the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative; Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, supporting the local staff of a credit bureau in a project funded by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD); Tbilisi, Georgia, leading the legal department of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation (OSCE) Mission to Georgia; and Vienna, Austria, overseeing multinational procurement and contracting staff.

After returning to West Michigan in 2013, Brian served as Amway’s Acting Legal Director for Russia, managing a legal team in Moscow, subsequently taking on responsibility for 30 countries with compliance and legal professionals located in the US, Europe, and Africa. As Global Compliance Director for The Body Shop, Brian managed a primarily UK-based team, with Australia being a key market. Brian is fluent in Russian, speaks conversational German, and guest lectures in international business negotiation.

Greg Rhodes

Business Development Consultant - AEBetancourt

Greg’s career has been devoted to developing effective business client relationships, leading results-focused project work, recruiting, developing talent and overseeing strategic planning for service delivery. He prides himself on listening to uncover real business challenges and assembling the team and strategies to resolve them. Greg is a graduate of Kent State University, holds the “Breakthrough Award” from Mandel Communications and serves on numerous community and charitable boards including the Y of Greater Grand Rapids.

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