Board Members

 

Executive Board

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Al Poullisse

President

Ties to the Westside: Life long Westside resident, veteran and homeowner.

Occupation: Retired flooring contractor

I got involved with WGNO because I love to see a clean safe living environment for our community.
— Al Poullisse
 
Not the type to merely raise tough questions or complain about problems, I bring up solutions and push new thoughts to the front of the line. Participating in WGNO is key factor in putting actions to the rhetoric of civic discussions. I often joke that I was “born with the give-back gene” and to truly be part of a community, I feel it is important to be involved in stepping up and “doing.” After all, a neighborhood is made by the people in it, the choices they make, and work they do. In an age where we’ve lost a lot of our sense of community in America, this organization is place to preserve and foster it - and do so for all of us.
— Lucas Leverett

Lucas Leverett

Vice President

Ties to the Westside: We relocated to GR and lucked out by snagging our favorite rental home option right here on the West Side. As we both work from home and I base my freelance practice there as well, the West Side is our work and play community, 24/7. The rich history, working-class roots, and scrappy nature of our neighborhood resonate with my background, values, and outlook.

Occupation: Marketing, Branding, Design, and Events professional

 

Meredith Lawson

Treasurer

Ties to the Westside: Resident

Occupation: Higher Ed Admin

To be involved and make an impact in my neighborhood.
— Meredith Lawson
 
As a small business owner in the West Grand neighborhood, I resonate with the mission and vision of the WGNO and strive to be a strong advocate for the West Grand community.
— Kennedy Fitzgerald

Kennedy Fitzgerald

Secretary

Ties to the Westside: Resident and business owner on the Westside

Occupation: Owner of Trinity Chiropractic 


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Suzanne Sutherland

Ties to the Westside: Resident Homeowner

Occupation: Attorney

I became involved with WGNO to be more engaged with my neighborhood and to facilitate connections between West Grand residents, businesses and city services.
— Suzanne Sutherland
 
To be added.
— Don Walker
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Don Walker

Ties to the Westside: Resident & homeowner

Occupation: Retired

Deandre Jones

Ties to the Westside: A resident leader who looks to create equitable economic change & growth.

I got involved with the neighborhood organization because I wanted have an impact and give feedback on businesses that try to build their companies & be sure they will be equitable giving companies that truly give back to the community they work in.
— Deandre Jones
 
I got involved with WGNO because I’ve appreciated how the organization has helped me as a resident and business owner - so, I’d like to give back by serving on the board.
— Paul Soltysiak

Paul Soltysiak

Ties to the Westside:

I grew up on the WestSide, and moved away for many years - but have now been back here for about 5 years, and love it! So great to see all the positive changes, and I think it’s the most diverse area of the city in many ways. Love the preserved buildings, mixed in with new development, too!

Occupation: My main occupation is as Sales Consultant with Holland Litho Printing Service. I also own two other businesses, and am one of the founders of “Fans of Valley Field”, a 501c3. We work with the city on the activation and renovation of Sullivan (formerly Valley) Field.

 

AliciaMarie Belchak

Ties to the Westside: Resident homeowner & duplex landlord from nearby JBAN/SWAN area since 2002

Occupation: Certified life & leadership coach; speaker, trainer & facilitator; strategic communications, journalist & freelance writer

As a long-time Westsider, I am excited to lend my voice and expertise to WGNO – both as a nearby neighbor and as a professional. My father-in-law grew up on Bristol Ave. and the Westside is where I’m raising his grandkids, so I’m truly invested in seeing this community thrive well into the future!
— AliciaMarie Belchak
 
I got involved with West Grand because I believe I have a contribution to make in terms of helping to keep the neighborhood clean and welcoming. I also think I have skills that will benefit West Grand in particular and especially their mission to make the westside the best it can be. I’m also a true believer in helping people, especially those in need and most importantly I want to stay active.
— Noel Allen

Noel Allen

Ties to the Westside:

I am part of the West Grand walking club and activities. I frequent the westside and I’m quite familiar with the neighborhood.

Occupation: Retired, Writer

 

Chase Banaszak

Ties to the Westside: Born and raised in Grand Rapids. Went to high school downtown at Catholic Central. I lived on west side for over five years first as a homeowner and now as a condo owner at 7th St Lofts.

Occupation: Senior District Sales Manager for Cook Medical Urology Division. I.E. I sell Urology products to hospitals so the surgeons can do their procedures.

 
Living in the west side for for over 5 years I’ve really enjoyed and seen how much it’s grown. I wanted to give back to the community anyway I can. Last April participating in the clean up really sparked my interest and if there is anyway I can help the West Grand Neighborhood I’m all for it!!
— Chase Banaszak
 
 
I wanted to be a part of the growth of the community and have a say in what is going on in the neighborhood. I wanted to volunteer time to the community that I live in and serve. As a business owner I can also serve in that capacity.
— Tyler Johnson

Tyler Johnson

Ties to the Westside: Landlord, Resident of the Westside for over ten years, Business Owner

Occupation: Real Estate

 

Ronaldo Vallejo

Ties to the Westside: Resident

Occupation: IT Consultant services-small business owner

I happily became a West Grand neighbor in 2010 and slowly I started to learn about the history behind Grand Rapids’ West Side. From its strong immigrant population background from the Baltic countries in the 1800’s, through the African American wave that moved to West Michigan during WW I and II to its yearly celebrated Polaski days and current state of mixed and diverse population the neighborhood invites everyone to embrace it and be part of it. WGNO gave me the opportunity to be part of the voices of this amazing community and that’s how a happy resident became an involved Board Member of WGNO.
— Ronaldo Vallejo
Coming Soon!
— Seth Moore

Seth Moore

Resident.

 
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Dan Grinwis

Advisor to Executive Board

Ties to the Westside: Resident, homeowner, co-founder, board member & volunteer at Oasis of Hope Center

Occupation: Jesus follower, pastor/teacher, Advocate for the West Side, Volunteer at Oasis of Hope Center

I became involved with WGNO because it is one of the best possible avenues for putting that pride and passion into action on behalf of the people of the Westside, along with an opportunity to get to know them even better.
— Dan Grinwis