Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass, Inc. Board of Directors Elect Dr. Robert Smith, Andrew Sinclair, Karen Marsman, and Neil H. Miller as New Executive Team
Feb. 5, 2008 NILES, Mich. — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass has elected four new people to the executive team of the board of directors: Dr. Robert Smith, Director of Smith Educational Associates (president); Andrew Sinclair, Government Relations Specialist and Manager of the U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency sponsored Energy Star® appliance efficiency program for Whirlpool Corporation (first vice-president); Karen Marsman, Senior Support Account Manager for Infor Global Solutions (second vice-president); and Neil H. Miller, City President for 1st Source Bank (serving another term as treasurer).
A 21-year member of Phi Delta Kappa, Smith is a veteran educator who has worked extensively at the K-12 and collegiate levels, as well as within the Michigan Department of Education and the State Department of Education. He serves on the steering committee of Bridges to Digital Excellence in Benton Harbor. Smith Educational Associates provides nonprofit organizations with research, grant writing and other education-related services.
Sinclair, a former Big Brother Program Coordinator, was initially recruited to assist with the expansion of Big Brother Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass into the northern portion of Berrien County. Prior to becoming a board member, Sinclair showed his passion for the organization’s mission by donating money from a “Jeans Day” fundraiser with fellow Whirlpool Corporation employees.
A Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass board of directors’ member since 2006, Marsman has been a Big Sister to a Niles Elementary School student since 2005. “Participating in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Lunch Buddy program is a terrific way to spend quality time mentoring a young person in the community,” says Marsman. Marsman has been involved in developing business partner sponsorships and has chaired the annual Bowl For Kids Sake fundraising event during her tenure on the board of directors.
As the City President of 1st Source Bank, Miller oversees branches in Niles and Dowagiac while handling the needs of business banking clients. Miller is a graduate of Marian College in Indianapolis, Indiana with a B.S. in Accounting. In addition to his involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass, Miller is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Niles.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass congratulate Dr. Robert Smith, Andrew Sinclair, Karen Marsman, and Neil Miller on their election to the board's executive team.” said Veronica Pettigrew, CEO/Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass. “We are excited about and looking forward to this team helping to take the organization to the next level.”
In addition to the newly elected executive board members, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass’ board of directors has appointed several new members to their board including; Jazmine Kyles, Branch Supervisor of the Niles main office for Chemical Bank; Misty LaViolette, Assistant for The Red Shoe and Cupcaketree.com; and Jane Wise, owner of wiseHaus design, LLC. These members join Tim Brown, owner of Brown Funeral Home; Jerry Rossow, past president of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass; and Cathy Whetstone, Member Service Representative of Greater Niles Community Federal Credit Union.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass, Inc.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass helps vulnerable children beat negative odds. Our professionally supported volunteer services are proven to reduce children’s risk of dropping out of school, becoming violent, using drugs and alcohol, and falling victim to other negative cycles. Big Brothers Big Sisters and our network of supporters recognize the hardship, pain and challenges that children in too many communities confront. Our movement is relevant and there’s an urgent demand for what we achieve. In addition to our traditional mentoring program which matches a Big Brother or a Big Sister with a child of the same gender for at least one year, we provide "Lunch Buddy" mentors who meet with a child at their school once a week during lunchtime. In 2007, the organization served 85 youth and as many Bigs in our community. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass, Inc. is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization celebrating 41 years of service in Berrien and Cass Counties of Southwest Michigan. Learn how you can join the movement to change how children grow up in Berrien and Cass Counties by going to BBBSofBC.org or call (269) 684-1100, toll free (877) 367-2244.
