Author: Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes
Community Involvement
Published:
Friday, 25 Sep 2026
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Our Associate Leadership Board is growing, and we couldn't be more excited about the professionals joining it. This year, we welcomed nine new members who care deeply about the students and communities across the Michigan Great Lakes region. They bring a fresh perspective and a shared commitment to expanding opportunity for every young person working toward their future. We're glad they're here and can’t wait to have them on the team!
Drew Klopcic is a Sales Consultant at Amway, where he designs and delivers learning experiences that support markets across the globe. He brings a background in education, having previously served as the Director of Alternative Education at Northview Public Schools, where he focused on connecting students to meaningful career and real-world opportunities.
Drew is committed to youth development and is passionate about helping young people build the skills and confidence needed to succeed. His work with organizations like Junior Achievement, STEM Greenhouse, and other community initiatives reflects his dedication to expanding access to educational and workforce opportunities for students across West Michigan.
He lives in Rockford, Michigan, and has two kids, Lilly (6) and Dylan (4). Outside of work and community involvement, Drew enjoys spending time outdoors and golfing.
Dan Michaud is an Investment Advisor at NPF Investment Advisors. He helps business owners and families coordinate their investments, taxes, retirement, and estate planning to achieve their long-term financial goals. Known for his relationship-focused approach, Dan is passionate about helping clients build financial confidence, retire with purpose, and create lasting legacies. He holds degrees in Business Administration and Mathematics from Aquinas College, along with a CFP® certification and multiple securities licenses.
Dan lives in Grandville, Michigan, with his wife and two young children, where faith, family, and servant leadership remain central to his life and work. Outside of work, you can find him talking about Detroit sports, singing, or playing ball with his kids around the yard.
Andy Ply is a banking professional with more than 20 years of experience in branch management, business development, and community banking. He currently serves as a Branch Manager with Independent Bank in the Grand Rapids area, where he works with individuals, families, and local businesses to help them achieve their financial goals.
Throughout his career, Andy has been passionate about building strong relationships, developing teams, and supporting the communities he serves. His experience in financial services has given him a particular appreciation for the importance of financial literacy and helping young people understand the skills and opportunities that can prepare them for future success.
Andy and his wife have been married for more than 20 years and live in the Grand Rapids area with their two boys. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and being involved in the local community.
Ted Rounds is a Credit Analyst at Mercantile Bank, where he prepares, underwrites, and presents credit memorandums for new and existing commercial loans opportunities. He uses his technical finance skills to assess the risk of businesses and help structure new credit opportunities and support customer relationships.
Ted received his degrees in Finance and Accounting from Grand Valley State University, and he is committed to helping teach the next generation about financial literacy. Along with JA, Ted also volunteers for United Way’s VITA Tax program, where he prepares tax returns for low-income families and individuals.
Ted is originally from Kankakee, Illinois, where he grew up a die-hard Chicago sports fan. He also enjoys outdoor activities such as golf and pickleball.
Lashae Simmons II is a community leader, entrepreneur, and advocate dedicated to creating opportunities and strengthening communities. As the Founder of Black Wall Street Muskegon, Lashae has built a platform focused on celebrating Black and brown businesses, fostering economic empowerment, and creating spaces where entrepreneurship and community connection can thrive.
Professionally, Lashae serves as a Program Manager at DTE Energy, where she leads initiatives that support organizational goals, community engagement, and impactful partnerships. Her work reflects a commitment to service, innovation, and building bridges between businesses, organizations, and the communities they serve.
As a proud mother of two, Lashae is passionate about creating a legacy that inspires future generations. Through her leadership, professional work, and community involvement, she continues to champion growth, representation, and change.
Amari Smith is a Senior Wealth Management Associate at Greenleaf Trust, where she works with individuals and families to help them navigate financial decisions and plan for the future. A graduate of Western Michigan University, she earned both her finance degree and MBA while developing a passion for financial education and helping others build confidence in their financial lives.
At Greenleaf Trust, Amari helped launch the firm's financial literacy program, which continues today through educational initiatives designed to make financial concepts more approachable and accessible while also introducing young people to careers in finance. She enjoys simplifying complex topics and empowering others to make informed financial decisions.
Junior Achievement's mission strongly aligns with Amari's belief that financial literacy can create opportunities and open doors for future success. She is excited to support JA's efforts to equip students with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in school, work, and life.
Last November, he was fortunate enough to marry his wife and best friend, Courtney. They have a home on the Northeast side of Grand Rapids. Their community includes couples they've met together at church, and they love to spend time with them camping, playing board games, and having deep conversations. Courtney's family has a lake house in Charlevoix, which is where they spend a lot of time during summer weekends. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, pickleball, beach dates, and connecting with friends.
Kolby Williamson is an entrepreneur, community advocate, and emerging leader with a passion for creating opportunities that help people recognize their potential and build meaningful careers. As the founder of The Opportunity Bridge, Kolby is working to connect early-career individuals ages 18–25 with mentorship, professional development, career resources, and the networks they need to thrive. Her work is rooted in a simple belief: talent is universal, but access is not.
Kolby is also the owner and CEO of KolbyKo, LLC, a creative content and social media business that helps residential real estate and property management companies showcase their communities and connect with their audiences through engaging digital content. Her passion for workforce development, leadership, and community impact is grounded in her own professional experiences in human resources, recruiting, talent acquisition, and entrepreneurship. She has a particular interest in helping young people navigate the transition from education into the workforce and ensuring they have access to the tools, relationships, and opportunities necessary to succeed.
Kolby is completing her degree in Integrative Studies with a minor in Leadership at Grand Valley State University. She also holds a Certificate in Human Resources and Talent Management, a Professional Certificate in Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations, a Professional Certificate in HR Business Partner 2.0 from AIHR, and certified with the city of Grand Rapids as a Micro Local Business Enterprise. Through her work and community involvement, Kolby is committed to building stronger connections between education, career readiness, and opportunity. She is excited to serve on the Junior Achievement Associate Leadership Board and contribute to JA's mission of empowering young people to succeed in the world of work and beyond.
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