The First Steps Commission is made up of community, business, and philanthropic leaders in the Grand Rapids Area.  Members have diverse interests and backgrounds but share a guiding principle:  all children deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Commission Members:

• Doug DeVos, President, Amway (Co-chair)
• Kate Pew Wolters, Director, Steelcase Inc. (Co-chair)
• Lew Chamberlin, CEO/Managing Partner, West Michigan Whitecaps (Secretary)
• Bob Herr, Retired Partner, Crowe Horwath LLP (Treasurer)
• Dr. Jeanne Arnold, Vice President for Inclusion and Equity, Grand Valley State University
• Cecile Fehsenfeld, Co-owner, Schuler Books & Music
• Lynne Ferrell, Chair, Great Start Collaborative of Kent County
• Betty Burton Groce, Community Volunteer
• Steve Heacock, Community Volunteer
• Sue Jandernoa, Community Volunteer
• Kevin Konarska, Superintendent, Kent Intermediate School District
• Kathy Muir, Community Volunteer
• Maureen Noe, President, Heart of West Michigan United Way
• Karen O’Donovan, Community Volunteer
• Trish Reid, Great Start Parent Coalition
• Milt Rohwer, Retired President, Frey Foundation
• Carlos Sanchez, Executive Director, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce West Michigan
• Joan Secchia, Community Volunteer
• Carl VerBeek, Of Counsel, Varnum LLP