Staff

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” Henry Ford

Education: Bachelor’s of Science, Social and Management Studies, Antioch College. Masters of Science, Sociology, London School of Economics

Experience: After starting her career in her hometown of Kalamazoo, Kelly worked in London and Chicago for seventeen years in the field of housing and community development. Kelly has worked with a variety of federal housing programs including HOME, CDBG and NSP and worked on a number of partnership initiatives bringing together local agencies to coordinate resources to tackle issues such as foreclosure, crime and safety and housing and community development needs. She has spent time in the non-profit, public sector and private consulting arena.

Description of Duties: Kelly is responsible for overall management of staff and operations of the Land Bank with a view to ensure that important mission objectives and organizational accountabilities are met and opportunities to partner and achieve greater impact are identified and implemented. Kelly provides management support to Land Bank staff in achieving mission based objectives

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

Education: Associates of Applied Science.

Experience: After a decade in the construction field, Kenn joined the City of Kalamazoo where he served in various capacities including; construction and housing inspection,grant programs management,and coordination of dangerous buildings and demolition activities. He joined the Land Bank in March 2011 to utilize his knowledge and skills to advance the organization’s mission.

Description of Duties: Develop and conduct Requests for Proposals, Qualifications and Invitations for Bids. Manage contracts for property maintenance, consultants, demolition, construction, and other activities. Evaluate properties and assist in planning for potential acquisitions and subsequent redevelopment.

“Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom.” George S. Patton

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Music with Minor in Business, Western Michigan University.  Masters of Public Administration, Keller Graduate School at Devry University.

Experience: During her five years with the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department, Amanda worked as a Senior Financial Analyst with the Community Services programs, including the Weatherization and Community Development Block Grant, Community Services Block Grant, and Head Start programs.  These programs strengthened Amanda’s expertise in grant-funded programs, expanded her knowledge of public administration, and exposed her to the complexities and challenges of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funding.

Description of Duties: Amanda is responsible for providing oversight and organizational accountability in the areas of finance, compliance and administrative matters.  Amanda works with staff in the organization and the Land Bank’s funding sources to ensure that all grant and financial compliance objectives are met.  She also provides oversight for administrative functions of the organization.

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”-Anne Frank

Education: Bachelor’s of Social Work with Specialization in Health Promotions from Michigan State University.

Experience: Started and managed a farmers market and facilitated health promotion programs in South Lansing for 2 years, before moving to Kalamazoo and working with the Land Bank. Also, certified Urban Gardener and Master Gardener from MSU Extension.

Description of Duties: Catie manages the Side Lot, Adopt-A-Lot and Rental programs for the Land Bank. She also coordinates tax foreclosure and bank donation acquisitions and connects all Land Bank activities with and to garden resources.

“Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” Lewis Carroll

Education: Bachelor’s of Science in Urban and Regional Planning with a Specialization in Environmental Economics from Michigan State University

Experience: Prior to joining the Land Bank, Natalie worked at Michigan State University, where she coordinated and drafted Safe Routes to School action plans for various communities statewide. During this time, she also interned at a non-profit organization in Chicago where she worked on survey development and data analysis.

Description of Duties: Natalie develops and maintains the Land Bank’s record keeping systems and assists in ensuring compliance with federal and Land Bank requirements. She also participates in community outreach and shares information about the Land Bank with the public.

Education: Bachelor’s of Science in Urban and Regional Planning from Western Michigan University

Experience:  Mike is a recent graduate of Western Michigan University. His studies have focused on neighborhood planning, environmental resource management, and historic preservation. Mike also has experience renovating historic homes. Before returning to college, Mike worked for several years in various customer service capacities. He is excited to be working with the Land Bank in his hometown to continue to strengthen the city’s neighborhoods.

Description of Duties: Mike assists in a variety of Land Bank operations, including data management, property assessments, and program coordination.