First Steps Commission

dsc_0068-300x182 First Steps CommissionThe First Steps Commission is comprised of community leaders in the fields of business, education, healthcare, child advocacy, and philanthropy.  Members of the Commission have diverse interests and backgrounds but share a guiding principle:  all children deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential.

The Commission is the governing body of First Steps.  It was created in 2005 and was originally called the Early Childhood Children’s Commission.

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
  • Susan Broman, President, Steelcase Foundation
  • Cecile Fehsenfeld, Co-owner, Schuler Books & Music
  • Lynne Ferrell, Chair, Great Start Collaborative of Kent County
  • Jack Greenfield, Chair, Kent County Family & Children’s Coordinating Council
  • Betty Burton Groce, Community Volunteer
  • Steve Heacock, Chief Administrative Officer/General Counsel, Van Andel Institute
  • Sue Jandernoa, Community Volunteer
  • Kevin Konarska, Superintendent, Kent Intermediate School District
  • Kathy Muir, Community Volunteer
  • Khan Nedd, MD, Medical Director, Infusion Associates
  • Karen O’Donovan, Community Volunteer
  • Milt Rohwer, President, Frey Foundation
  • Carl VerBeek, Of Counsel, Varnum LLP
  • Rachel Westra, Great Start Parent Coalition