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A word from our Executive Director, Nancy Maurer 

Happy New Year!  
Nancy Maurer_ LO Executive Director Photo

Yes, I realize that's an odd greeting since we've experienced some of the most sweltering days of summer recently. But July 1 marked the start of the 2016-2017 fiscal year at Leadership Oakland. And we are excited about a brand new program year!

Looking back on 2015-2016, I'm pleased to report that LO remains a strong organization. LOXXVI was one of our largest classes ever with a very ambitious class project that is bearing fruit already, literally. The Breakfast of Champions series boasted record numbers thanks to the great speakers who gave of their time and expertise. And the silent auction at Taste of LO was our most successful, raising nearly $4,000 for LO scholarships.

You can see why we're looking forward to building on that momentum for 2016-2017. So what's ahead?
  • Cornerstone - 52 leaders are expected to travel Up North in September to kick-off the class of LOXXVII. I'm looking forward to meeting all of them. Judging from their applications, they are an impressive group that I'm sure will claim to be The Best Class ... Ever!
  • Advanced Leadership Institute (ALI) - It's not too late for alumni to become a part of ALI -4 to increase their personal and professional leadership effectiveness. Click here for the application.
  • Breakfast of Champions - We are finalizing the speakers for this year's Breakfast of Champions series and expect to announce them soon.
  • Alumni events - Plans are under way for a special alumni event in October as well as Taste of LO in March 2017. Stay tuned!
None of this would be possible without the loyal support of our alumni and organizations throughout Southeast Michigan. Thank you very much! I'm looking forward to seeing you all in the coming year.

Nancy
ALIDive into the Advanced Leadership Institute (ALI)

ALI is a small-group program offered to LO Cornerstone graduates interested in expanding their personal leadership skills. Selected applicants will take a deep dive into leadership throughout this nine-month intensive program.  Visit our website for an application.
The deadline is August 12.
board
LO Board Members 2016 - 2017

Michelle Crockett, LOXVI -  President
Miller, Canfield, Paddock & Stone, P.L.C.
Susan Gibson, LOXXIII
Rehmann
Phillip Korovesis, LOXVIII -  Vice President
Butzel Long P.C.
Scott Hiipakka, LOXVIII
Executive Office of the Governor 
State of Michigan
Jim Piper, LOXIX, ALI-1 -  Treasurer
Ralco Industries
Jennifer Korman, LOXIX
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services
Patricia Blount, LOXXIII, ALI-3 -  Secretary
St. John Providence Health System
DeAndre Lipscomb, LOXXIV
Health Alliance Plan
Kitty Adler, LOXVIII
The Townsend Hotel
Dominic Mirabella, LOXXI, ALI-3
Northwestern Mutual
Pete Auger, LOXIX
City of Novi
Kenneth Randazzo, LOXVIII
DTE Energy
Michael Dixon, LOXVI
Beaumont Health
Christine Santos, LOXXI
TTi Global
Michael Elinski, LOXXI
Ally Financial, Inc.
Tammy Shepherd, LOXXIII, ALI-2
Oakland County
C.J. Felton, LOXXIII, ALI-2
Community Housing Network
Wendy Strip, LOIII, ALI-1
Detroit County Day School
Homayune Ghaussi, LOXIX
Warner Norcross & Judd LLP

Timothy Wyman, LOXXIII
Center for Financial Planning

LO Leaders Update

We love sharing how our leaders are growing, inspiring and leading in and around Oakland County. Send all good news to [email protected] with 'leader update' in the subject.

Jordan Twardy_ LOXXV
spotlightAlumni Spotlight

Jordan Twardy, LOXXV
Community and Economic Development Director
City of Ferndale
  
What made you decide to go through the LO program?
Many of my board members went through it - while an employee of the 8 Mile Boulevard Association, I benefited from the presence of several board members who had gone through Leadership Oakland over the years. They each conveyed how valuable the experience would be from the perspective of building new relationships and meeting new colleagues. I was intrigued by their consistently high praise for the program and was eager to expand my own network, and build relationships with other leaders.
 
What did you think you would get out of it?
Expansion of my network of professional connections - I was excited about the possibility of meeting many others who were excelling in their careers and honing their skills as leaders in a variety of different professional realms.
 
What did you actually get from the experience?
A bigger network, but also good friends, life lessons and growth as a leader. I learned from others who were excelling in diverse ways and diverse industries. The sessions were a great platform for reflection on our world but also on self - I came to understand myself better as a leader as well as the different types of leadership in our society.
  
What would you tell someone who was thinking about applying for the Cornerstone Program?
Like anything, you get out of LO what you put in. It is a worthwhile experience that will help you grow as a person and leader. I would tell the applicant that they should be ready to listen and learn.
 
Have you made any changes since your LO graduation? (personally, professionally or in the community/volunteer wise)  
Yes - I've more aggressively sought partnerships with other organizations in an effort to deepen our impact. The experience also helped put my career path in perspective, helping me to keep a more open mind about my own personal mission and professional development. Recently I accepted an exciting opportunity that came my way to enhance my career and my community impact.
member
Member News
Stephen Johnson, LOXXIII, is an alum currently teaching English in China with Disney English. Disney English has centers located in 9 different cities throughout China. Stephen has been teaching in Guangzhou since June of 2015. Guangzhou, China's third largest city is about 2 hours from Hong Kong and has an estimated population of over 11 million. Stephen teaches about 90 students weekly. The youngest being 3 year old learners who are just learning the letters of the alphabet, and 9-11 year old children who have advanced skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Currently, Stephen is also working to obtain the internationally recognized CELTA teacher qualification. Upon completing this certification, he will be eligible to teach all levels of English learners anywhere in the world.

For any further questions about a career teaching English as a foreign language, or living abroad feel free to contact Stephen at  [email protected]  

Congratulations to Dawn M. Schluter, LOV, from Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C. for being recognized as one of the "Women in the Law 2016" by the Michigan Law Weekly.  Read more

Congratulations to  Keefe Brooks, LOV , for being featured in Crain's special report on litigators involved in major court action.  Read more
Congratulations to Tina Barton, LOXXV , Rochester Hills City Clerk, for receiving the 2016 City Clerk of the Year award for Michigan.  


Congratulations to Joel Keiper, LOXXIII, who has returned to the Detroit Medical Center (DMC) as its regional chief business development officer, effective July 25. In this role, Keiper will focus on business development for the DMC. He also assumes responsibility for physician integration, physician relations management and service line development as DMC continues on its path to becoming a Top 15 health care system.


Congratulations to Scott Hiipakka, LOXVIII, on his new position, working in the Governor's Executive Office for his Chief of Staff and Cabinet Director. 


Join Nancy Maxwell, LOXXV, Sweet Dreamzzz Founder, at her annual A Night to R.E.M.ember fundraising event on Saturday, September 10 at Ford Field. All proceeds will go to support their sleep education programs for at-risk youth and their families. Visit their website for more information.

Congratulations to Lori Blaker, LOXX, President/CEO of TTi Global who announced the opening of the firm's first retail automotive service center and training center in Kabul. The firm has plans of opening additional facilities in Kabul and other major cities throughout Afghanistan.  Read more

Congratulations to Jason Paulateer, LOXXVI, and his wife, Chapri Paulateer, for being recognized by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services with the Adoptive Family Excellence Award in recognition of their outstanding commitment to Michigan's foster children. 

Genisys Logo
While celebrating 80 years of financial success,  Genisys Credit Union has received the 2016 Economic Bright Spots Award from Corp! Magazine. The award recognizes Michigan companies that continue to flourish in economic growth, expansion and are hiring Michigan's brightest talent. One of sixty honorees, Genisys is the only financial institution recognized as a Michigan Bright Spot. 
volunteer
Volunteer and Board Opportunities   

Canterbury on the Lake is seeking new directors (for term 2017 - 2020) who have elder law, geriatric medical or fund raising experience. Contact past LO Board President, Jim Gessner, LOV at 248.360.1393 or, [email protected]

Partner News

Corp! Magazine  is Celebrating A Decade of Michigan Diversity & Inclusion on September 28th. 

They currently are accepting nominations until August 15th. Here is the link to nominate:
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