Rachel Hood - Executive DIrector

rhood@wmeac.org

Rachel Hood became the executive director of WMEAC in January of 2007. Ms. Hood is charged with the work of leading WMEAC toward its new future and ensuring its sustainability. Rachel brings experience in fund development, strategic planning and program design and management to WMEAC.

Ms. Hood holds a BA in Social Relations from James Madison College at Michigan State University. From 2000 to 2004, she served as the Executive Director of West Grand Neighborhood Organization in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She also worked as a community relations consultant for Strategic Communications Group (formerly Jones, Gavan & Helmholdt, LLC). In 2005 she joined Metro Health Hospital as their Corporate Community Advocate.

Ms. Hood has focused on implementing sustainable development concepts in Greater Grand Rapids througout her career. She was instrumental in the program design and funding for the Turner Gateway Project, a Michigan Cool Cities project. Ms. Hood was key in launching Local First, an initiative to educate Greater Grand Rapids about the value of locally owned business.

Rachel lives with her husband, Dave Petroelje, an environmental consultant in Grand Rapids. She serves on the West Michigan Strategic Alliance Green Infrastructure Task Force, the Lower Grand River Organization of Watershed’s Development Team, the West Michgian Sustainable Business Forum Board, Green Grand Rapids Advisory Committee, the Grand Rapids Community College Sustainability Team, the Greater Grand Rapids Children’s Environmental Health Steering Committee, Grand Rapids Youth Boxing Foundation, Progressive Women’s Alliance Candidate Committee and the Michigan Clean Water Fund Political Action Committee.

Kristi Klomp – Water Quality Programs Coordinator

kklomp@wmeac.org

Kristi Klomp joined us as the Water Quality Programs Coordinator in July of 2008, and coordinates WMEAC’s activities involving the education and advocacy for West Michigan’s watersheds. As a part of this, she helms the Adopt-a-Stream program, and teaches others to analyze water quality.

Kristi holds a BS and an MS from the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University, giving her a strong and broad background in aquatic ecology.

Before coming to WMEAC, Kristi conducted fisheries research as part of a Fulbright Fellowship. She also taught Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University and Lansing Community College. Additionally, she has initiated and been involved with several aquatic investigations, analyzing aquatic life in response to sediment transport, dam removals, nutrient and pesticide contamination, and coastal development.

Ann Erhardt - Energy Programs Manager

aerhardt@wmeac.org

Ann Erhardt joined WMEAC as the Energy Programs Coordinator in April of 2010. Ann coordinates WMEAC’s energy activities, including Project Light Change and energy education and advocacy. WMEAC’s priorities for energy programs start with energy conservation and follow with the adoption of renewable, sustainable, and alternative energy sources for a balanced energy future.

Project Light Change has been implemented in Holland, Grand Haven, Muskegon, and Grand Rapids to promote energy conservation through the use of Compact Florescent Light bulbs (CFLs). The program also works to educate and develop mercury mitigation strategies for CFLs by engaging community leaders to implement recycling initiatives at the end of a CFL’s the useful life.

Ann holds two Bachelors degrees in Business Administration/Communications and Sustainable Business/Environmental Studies, from Aquinas College. In addition to her Industrial Design studies at Kendall College of Art & design, she holds an Advance Study Certificate in Design & Innovation Management from Ferris State University. This eclectic background gives Ann a unique perspective on the implementation of energy programs in West Michigan.

Before coming to WMEAC, Ann worked in the private sector as Director of Human Resources and Controller for companies from the health care and manufacturing arenas. Since then, she has gathered a diverse portfolio of experience in energy projects working with Steelcase, True Textiles, Eco Metrics LLC, West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, and the Center for Sustainability at Aquinas College.

Ann is active in the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum and serves as Chair of the Marketing and Communications committee. Ann also serves on the Board of Directors for the Grand Rapids Women’s Chorus. Her involvement with the GRWC also includes fund development and marketing.

Ann is a life-long Grand Rapids native and spends her time enjoying the many treasures that the city has to offer. Personal interests include softball, volleyball, hiking, mountain biking, theatre, art museum, gardening, nature walks, reading, movies, spending time with her dog, and singing.

Nancy Shovan - Operations Manager

nshovan@wmeac.org

Nancy Shovan joined WMEAC as our part-time administrative support assistant in July 2007. Currently, she is working ¾ time as the Operations Manager.

Nancy began her career in Information Technology (IT) while serving in the Air Force in the late 80’s. Although she has an extensive IT background, she has held various positions in the Accounting field as well.

She hold a BS in Applied Sciences from Ferris State University majoring in Computer Information Systems. Nancy also is an Adjunct Instructor for GRCC and enjoys teaching Business Administrative courses.

Growing up in Chicago, she appreciates and values being a part of an organization that cares to make a difference in environmental concerns.

Nancy lives with her husband and an active ten year old son that keeps them busy and entertained. Her family enjoys camping, boating and Michigan’s splendor.

Ken Secord - Bookkeeper

ksecord@wmeac.org

Ken Secord joined WMEAC as our part-time accountant in July 2001. He has been working in the accounting and computer consulting profession since 1979. He draws from vast experience in assisting with the set-up of various types of organizations with computer accounting systems. This work includes other non-profits such as the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation, the Grand Rapids Foundation, the Center for Environmental Study and various Township offices in the area. Ken is responsible for implementing and updating WMEAC’s non-profit fund accounting system.

Ken is married to local environmentalist, Jane Secord and they have three daughters. His hobbies are golf and fishing.