BUSINESS SERVICES

LYNN CHEN-ZHANG

CEO Zhang Financial, Portage

GUILLERMO CISNEROS

President, CEO West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Grand Rapids Lynn Chen-Zhang is the CEO of Zhang Financial, a leading fee-only wealth management group in the nation. She is the president of Western Michigan University’s Board of Trustees and served as the president of the WMU Foundation for three years. She is a member of the KSO Board of Directors and serves as the chair on the investment committee. Chen-Zhang also is a member of the Economics Advisory Council for the Department of Economics at Columbia University and a COUR Member (The Committee on University Resources) for Harvard University. She was awarded the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award by Invest in Others Charitable Foundation.

EDUCATION: Shanghai University (B), Western Michigan University (M), Northwestern University (M) TOUGHEST CHALLENGE: My husband and I run a business together. It is hard NOT to discuss business at the dinner table FAVORITE BOOK, MOVIE, TV SHOW: My favorite book is “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” Favorite movie is “Dances with Wolves.” Right now, I am watching “The Split” on Hulu. I am a big fan of British TV dramas ADVICE TO AN 18-YEAR-OLD: Put on sunscreen! FAVORITE DESTINATION: John Ball Zoo and downtown Grand Rapids PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Lucy Liu

Guillermo Cisneros has grown West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce membership numbers, event turnout and more during his time at the helm. In 2018, he launched an initiative that focuses on economic development for Latino business owners, and he also launched an initiative that will focus on workforce development and talent acquisition by connecting Latino college students and local employers. He sits on the following boards for the city of Grand Rapids: Economic Development Corporation; Brownfield Redevelopment Authority; To College, Through College; and Grand Rapids Racial Equity Initiative. He also sits on the Workforce Development Advisory Board for TalentFirst, the Economic Club of Grand Rapids board and the Diversity Council for Varnum.

EDUCATION:Autonomous University of Campeche, Mexico (B), Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain (M) FIRST JOB:I was a bookkeeper when I was 19 years old in my hometown of Campeche, Mexico. BEST ADVICE YOU RECEIVED:My dad would always tell me, “Keep moving forward no matter the obstacles and barriers.” TOUGHEST CHALLENGE: Moving to the U.S. and not speaking the language nor being able to find my career path for several years.

RICK BAKER

President, CEO Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, Grand Rapids Under Rick Baker’s leadership, the chamber has developed a strategic focus on three key areas: being a champion for an inclusive and magnetic community; accelerating business growth through cutting-edge programming; and providing a positive business climate by aggressively advocating for business. Baker began his career in chamber management in May 1988. He has held executive positions with chambers in Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota, prior to assuming his current position in April 2011. He is a 1995 graduate of the U.S. Chamber Institute for Organization Management at the University of Colorado.

EDUCATION: Upper Iowa University (B) BOARDS: The Economic Club, The Right Place, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., Grand Valley Metro Council, Experience Grand Rapids, The Rapid, West Michigan Policy Forum FIRST JOB: At age 12, a laborer at a southeast Minnesota sawmill FUNNIEST WORK EXPERIENCE: After giving a presentation to a county board in Iowa, I forgot the small lectern was raised and I missed the step, falling to the floor and taking the Iowa and U.S. flags that flanked the podium to the floor with me. Not quite the way I had hoped to exit the stage. HIDDEN TALENT: A certified captain in the U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marines

JANE CLARK

President, CEO (retired) Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce Jane Clark joined the Holland Chamber in 1990 as membership director, became chamber president in 2004, and at the end of August retired from the chamber. She will serve as senior adviser until Dec. 31, 2022. During Clark’s 18 years as president, the West Coast Chamber has been recognized as a Five-Star Chamber, an honor held by fewer than 1% of chambers of commerce nationwide. She was instrumental in leading the merger of the former Holland and Zeeland chambers to form the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce, implemented the chamber’s commitment to the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), championed the robust renovation of the organization’s 8th Street office in downtown Holland, and led the chamber’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her board work includes the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), Black River Public Schools, Holland Hospital, Holland Museum, Holland PSD, Housing Next, Lakeshore Advantage, Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals, Model Community, Now for the Next, Riverview Group, Tulip Time Festival and Zeeland SARB.

EDUCATION:Indiana University (B) TRAVEL DESTINATION:Naples, Florida

SHANNON COHEN

Founder, CEO Shannon Cohen Inc.

GRACI HARKEMA

Owner/diversity and inclusion consultant/speaker Graci LLC Shannon Cohen’s firm specializes in developing custom emotional intelligence, equity and wellness content for organizations including the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, Steelcase, United Way, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Amway, the city of Grand Rapids, Gentex, Atomic Object, Mercantile Bank and the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. She is founder and host of The Rockstar Woman Brunch; author of the book, “Tough Skin, Soft Heart” and owner-operator of a greeting card company and podcast by the same name; a W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network alumnus; co-founder of Sisters Who Lead, an affinity movement designed to advance the well-being and career mobility of women of color; and much more.

EDUCATION: Grand Valley State University (B, M) TOUGHEST CHALLENGE:Transitioning to wearing my natural hair versus straightening my hair. I cut off the relaxed portions to begin growing my natural tresses, so my hair was in a short Afro. The day after, I interviewed for a senior management position at a local organization. The woman who escorted me to the interview room did a double take and said, “I hope you are not going to wear your hair like that every day.” I ended up landing the role, and that woman became one of my direct reports. HIDDEN TALENT: My voice is very soothing. I have been invited to do some voiceover projects.

Graci Harkema is a multi-award-winning international diversity, equity and inclusion speaker and author. She specializes in unconscious bias and inclusive leadership training with Fortune 100 to small businesses. Harkema is recognized as a two-time 40 Under Forty Business Leader in West Michigan, three-time 200 Most Powerful Business Leaders in West Michigan, and one of the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan by the Grand Rapids Business Journal. Harkema is the author of her forthcoming memoir, “Rising: From a Mud Hut to the Boardroom — and Back Again.”

EDUCATION: Grand Valley State University (B) FIRST JOB: Sales associate at Gap INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE: “Keep your eye on the prize.” Growing up, my mom would tell me this almost daily. HIDDEN TALENT: I have a photographic memory FAVORITE BOOK: “Daring Greatly,” by Brené Brown TRAVEL DESTINATION: New York City ADVICE TO AN 18-YEAR-OLD:You can shine as your authentic self FAVORITE ATTRACTION:Grand Rapids Art Museum FAVORITE CHARITY:My parents’ faith-based nonprofit, Heart for Central Africa — Building Bukavu, which supports people in my hometown, Bukavu, Congo. BUCKET LIST: Vacation on the water in Santorini, Greece PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Gabrielle Union

FLORIZA GENAUTIS

CEO Management Business Solutions

JOHN HELMHOLDT

President SeyferthPR Born in the Philippines, Floriza Genautis has worked her way up the ladder of success to achieve her American dream of starting her staffing firm. After earning her bachelor’s degree in mathematics with an emphasis in computer application in her native country, Genautis came to the United States and started her first job at KFC, mopping floors. Although she started out working a menial job, since then, she has amassed over 25 years of experience in the professional staffing industry, including over 15 years in the accounting, finance and human resources industries. Before moving to Grand Rapids and creating MBS, she recruited for technology companies in Silicon Valley, working with companies such as Hewlett Packard, Hitachi Data Systems, Applied Materials, McAfee and Nike. Now with her own firm, she helps her clients find potential employees for accounting, finance, human resources, information technology, sales and marketing, nonprofit, government and engineering positions.

EDUCATION:De La Salle University, Philippines (B) HIDDEN TALENT: I like to take on sewing (easy pattern) projects HOBBIES:Cooking, entertaining and just hanging out with family and friends FAVORITE ATTRACTION:Various festivals in Grand Rapids

John Helmholdt joined SeyferthPR as president in 2022, after serving for 15 years as executive director of communications and external affairs at Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS). Helmholdt is tasked with deepening the company’s commitment to client service and growth, especially in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI); issues management; and public affairs. Prior to GRPS, he co-owned the political consulting firm Strategic Communications Group, formerly Jones, Gavan & Helmholdt. He also worked as a lobbyist and political affairs manager for the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and legislative aide for State Representatives Scott Shackleton and Michelle McManus. Helmholdt’s community involvement has included work with Junior Achievement, the city’s SmartZone, NIA Centre, Grand River restoration, the city’s master plan, and advisory panels involving Montessori and preschool education.

EDUCATION: Michigan State University (B) AWARDS: Ledy Award for Community Engagement (2018), Literacy Center of West Michigan; PR Professional of the Year (2016), West Michigan Public Relations Society of America; Grand Rapids Business Journal 40 Under 40 (multiple years) LITTLE KNOWN FACT: Son of former Grand Rapids Mayor Gerald Helmholdt

DEIRDRE JIMENEZ

President, CEO BIFMA Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA) in 2020 chose Deirdre Jimenez as its first president and CEO. Jimenez is an architect and interior designer with over 25 years of leadership experience serving in executive and ownership roles in corporate real estate and national architecture and engineering consulting firms. She is responsible for leading BIFMA and partnering with its board, membership and staff by “connecting and advancing the industry’s common interests through a period of disruption and growth.” Jimenez is a registered architect in several states and earned the NCIDQ certification and numerous professional industry awards. To support buying confidence, BIFMA launched a compliance program in early 2021 that provides customers and specifiers with a database of products that meet quality, safety and sustainability standards developed for the furniture industry.

EDUCATION: Lawrence Technological University (B, B) BOARDS: Advisory boards for Ferris State University School of Facility Management and Lawrence Tech School of Architecture and Design, chair of the restoration committee of the Frank Lloyd Wright Affleck House.

BETH KELLY

President, visionary HR Collaborative, Grand Rapids Beth Kelly is on a mission to make work better. As founder and president of HR Collaborative, she is the visionary behind a team of experts who fill in the HR gaps that organizations have today and who help them build sustainable people practices for tomorrow. HR Collaborative works with small to mid-size organizations across the Midwest, including but not limited to various industries, including education, health care, local government, manufacturing, nonprofits, professional services, and real estate. She started her career as Cascade Engineering’s first HR professional and saw the company grow from 150 employees to over 1,000. In her next role, she served as the senior vice president of HR for D&W Food Centers. She then ventured out independently, working with numerous organizations for over 20 years. Today, the media frequently interviews Kelly for her HR thought leadership and she has presented at multiple national conferences. In 2021 and 2019, Inc. magazine recognized HR Collaborative as one of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the nation.

EDUCATION: University of Michigan (B), Michigan State University (M) BEST ADVICE: If you can’t fix it, feature it. ADVICE TO AN 18-YEAR-OLD: Life’s journey has good roads and bad roads. Enjoy them all.

JEFFREY LAMBERT

Founder, CEO Lambert & Co., Grand Rapids The basement was where it all started for Jeffrey Lambert in 1998, but over the next 24 years, the co-founder has grown the public relations firm from a belowground business to a top 50 agency in the United States with offices in Grand Rapids, Detroit, St. Louis, Phoenix and New York City. The company has over 100 clients, including several publicly traded and privately held clients based in 20 states and six countries. Some of the growth of the company can be credited to six acquisitions including John Bailey & Associates in Detroit, Sterling Corporation in Lansing and Owen Blicksilver PR in New York City.

EDUCATION: Michigan State University (B) BOARDS: YMCA, Downtown Detroit Partnership, Armed Forces Thanksgiving event, Campaign Cabinet for the Michigan State College of Communications Arts & Sciences, Young Presidents’ Organization and Michigan State Varsity “S” Club INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE: “Fair is for children.” Winston Churchill TOUGHEST LESSON LEARNED: It’s more important to be respected than to be liked but harder to achieve. I’ve often failed as a leader by getting these priorities reversed. HOBBIES: Playing beach volleyball with people half my age and competing in sports of all kinds

CINDY LARSEN

President Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, Muskegon Cindy Larsen is president of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce. She oversees an advocacy and community development organization with over 1,250 members. The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber has won numerous state and national awards for overall programing and communications. She has served on a number of regional and national boards and councils. Larsen also has been involved in reinventing a waterfront community, marketing to the cruise ship industry and promoting the great art and great outdoors of the Muskegon Lakeshore. She is a strong advocate of Michigan’s Blue Economy. She spent a number of years marketing the state of Michigan in the Michigan Economic Development Office before moving to the Lakeshore Chamber.

EDUCATION: Central Michigan University (B) DOWN TIME: I enjoy a good morning coffee while reading in a comfy chair. I enjoy walking and talking with family and friends. ADVICE TO AN 18-YEAR-OLD: Be confident and be patient

FAVORITE CHARITY: UNITED WAY

BUCKET LIST: Hiring someone to build a tiny house that is not very tiny. It will be located in the country. PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Amy Poehler or Tina Fey

SINDIA NARBER

CEO DK Security, Kentwood

JAMIEL ROBINSON

President, CEO Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses, Grand Rapids Sindia Narber followed a lengthy path to become CEO of DK Security, where she now oversees all administrative, operational and financial functions for the state’s largest locally owned security company. She joined DK Security in 2003 as a human resources assistant. She went on to become human resources manager, director of HR/administration, senior vice president of HR/operations, SVP/COO and, in 2021, CEO. Narber also serves on the board of Silent Observer and is a member of several other professional organizations. Started in 1995 by two former federal law enforcement executives, DK Security now employs more than 2,000 people in four offices throughout the state.

TOUGHEST CHALLENGE: Dealing with a pandemic and running a business is the toughest challenge I have faced recently. We continue to learn each day how to handle various COVID-related challenges and as a team, we all work together to overcome those challenges. BEST ADVICE: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” Wendy Mass FEW PEOPLE KNOW: I love to dance! FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: Maui, Hawaii ADVICE TO 18-YEAR-OLD SELF: Enjoy every minute of your life because it goes by quickly. BUCKET LIST: Going to New York City with my husband and attending a Broadway show.

In the nine years since since Jamiel Robinson founded Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses, he has increased the available resources, technical support and awareness for Black businesses in West Michigan. Robinson is a serial entrepreneur and the president and CEO of Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses (GRABB). GRABB is an economic development enterprise that focuses on fostering an economy that supports the revitalization of the Black community and expands opportunities for Black entrepreneurs in the metro Grand Rapids area. To date, Robinson has been recognized as a leading voice in West Michigan on economic equity. He also is president and managing partner of Isle Construction along with being co-owner and investor of several businesses including Motu Viget Spirits, Ambiance GR, Sip Coffee & Cocktails, Motu Lakeshore Wine Bar and Prohibition Cocktail Bar.

FIRST JOB: Helping to clean up my grandfather and uncle’s barbershop and property on South Division Avenue ITOUGHEST CHALLENGE: Overcoming a lot of systemic barriers and institutional racism that deny the majority of African Americans who are born and raised in the city of Grand Rapids from socioeconomic upward mobility and growing sizable and scalable business with revenue above $1 million

JANIS PETRINI

Owner Express Employment Professionals, Wyoming

HANNA SCHULZE

President People First Economy, Grand Rapids Janis Petrini opened her franchise of Express Employment Professionals in 1996 and has grown it into a top 10 producer out of 800 worldwide and a perennial Circle of Excellence member, an incentive program for sales. She invests in the community by allowing employees to support causes, by building the Express Pros brand with multiple community partners and by giving back with volunteer work and fundraising. The local Express Pros office has five divisions: professional; administrative; advanced manufacturing and skilled trades; light industrial; and training. In 2021, she launched Specialized Recruiting Group, a standalone company that is specifically focused on executive search and professional placement with a goal to strategically tap into new talent pools and further increase the company’s level of service for clients and professional candidates. Express Pros has employed more than 20,000 people and helped over 1,000 companies since opening in Wyoming.

EDUCATION: Carleton University (B) AWARDS: 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation, Compassionate Capitalist (Family Network of Wyoming), Pillar Award Lifetime Achievement, Torch Award for Ethics (Better Business Bureau Serving Western Michigan), WCSG 91.3 Hometown Hero Award, Express Franchise of the Year

Hanna Schulze has been working in economic development for over a decade. Her commitment to supporting local businesses and those that demonstrate responsible practices is apparent in every decision she makes, from the local bank where her mortgage is held to the fitness studio she attends several days a week. She is passionate about advocating for her neighborhood and serves as president of the Garfield Park Neighborhood Association board of directors. In the summer, she prefers long hikes and backpacking trips to sitting in the office, but she always is happy to serve her Local First and Good For Michigan businesses.

EDUCATION: Grand Valley State University (B) FIRST JOB: Server at Butch’s Dry Dock in Holland INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE: “An activist is one who is actively involved in creating a community, whether that is locally in their neighborhood or internationally. It is an admirable quality” – Jasmine Guy HIDDEN TALENT:I have been asked to sing at multiple weddings and have done so proudly. But I am profoundly terrible at karaoke TRAVEL DESTINATION: Anywhere I’ve never been DOWN TIME:Snuggling with my dogs, streaming obnoxiously dramatic series, listening to audiobooks FAVORITE ATTRACTION:World of Winter. I love having cool things to see and do outside, downtown, during the coldest months of the year