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Board of Directors

Shanell Weatherspoon

Interim PRC President and Board Chair.

Shanell Weatherspoon the Founder of Essential Recycling, LLC, a recycling and sustainability company specializing in providing Recycling Services for the Commercial Real-estate, HVAC, Healthcare, and Manufacturing Industries.  Having Started Essential Recycling in 2008 with her husband, Shanell expanded her role with the company in 2019 to include oversite of operations, after leaving an accomplished 20+ Year Career in Human Resources.  Shanell is a talented Business Leader, Entrepreneur, Executive, and Leadership Coach. With over two decades of experience, Shanell has helped ambitious entrepreneurs and leaders do work they love and be remarkable at it. Fueled by a passion for sustainability, environmental equality, and leadership & talent development, she is using her wealth of knowledge, diverse background, and business acumen to make a difference for her community. Through her work at Essential Recycling, Shanell and her husband are expanding recycling access and utilization, as well as working to build a strong circular economy in SE Michigan.  Shanell has brought her expertise in HR, Marketing, and Operations to the Pontiac Regional Chamber of Commerce and is working with its board to grow, evolve, and sustain the 119-year-old organization for Future Generations.  Shanell prides herself on her ability to break down barriers and build collaborative relationships. She is a strategic thinker and visionary, that can look beyond the status quo, to see the potential in people and organizations. Shanell is also a former elected official, having served on the Pontiac Public Library Board, and is a Founding Board Member for the Pontiac United Education Coalition.  She also serves on several additional boards, and committees.  Shanell lives in Oakland County, and she and her husband are the proud parents of 3 children.

DAMANY A. HEAD

In Memoriam: Immediate Past PRC President and Chair

Damany A. Head (March 1977 – July 2025) was a cherished husband, father, and community leader known for his love of life and commitment to positive change. A Mechanical Engineering graduate from Ohio Northern University, he worked with firms like Quaker Chemical and General Motors before founding Essential Recycling with his wife Shanell in 2008, focusing on sustainability. For nearly 30 years, Damany innovated and led organizations to benefit people and the planet. As President of the Pontiac Regional Chamber of Commerce, he revitalized the Chamber, leading to its 121st anniversary. He founded the Pontiac United Education Coalition (PUEC) in 2020, launched Pontiac READS! in 2021 for literacy, and created HIRE! Pontiac in 2022 for workforce development, benefiting local high school students. As a servant Leader, Damany held several Board of Director roles including serving on the Veterans Life USA board helping to guide its development into the beacon of hope and help that it is for Veterans today. Living in Southeast Michigan with his family, Damany valued his role as a husband and father. His life exemplified vision, faith, and leadership, leaving a profound legacy that will inspire future generations in Pontiac and beyond. He is greatly missed by all who knew him.
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Holly E. Myers

Holly E. Myers is the Global Operations Director for Labs in Pontiac and Warren within the General Motors Global Product Development Group. She is responsible for lab strategy and operational oversite of component labs that test engines, transmissions, electric drive units and EV batteries plus leads the
Structural Development, Aerodynamic Wind Tunnel and Climatic Wind Tunnel vehicle labs. Holly is the Site manager for the GM Pontiac Engineering Center and serves on the Pontiac Regional Chamber Board of Directors. Prior to her current assignment, she spent three years as the Operations Director and onsite GM shareholder representative at the Chongqing Branch of SAIC GM Wuling Automobile
Company, Ltd. China. This site of 3000 had a full vehicle assembly and engine plant with 350,000 vehicle/engine annual capacity. Holly has extensive background in manufacturing, manufacturing engineering and laboratory operations. During her 30-year-career with General Motors, Holly has lived and worked in eleven locations in two countries and five states within the USA. Throughout Holly’s career she has been a leader in the implementation of lean operations and people empowerment. She has a BS in Manufacturing Management from Kettering University and dual master’s degrees as a GM Fellow in Business and Industrial Operations Engineering from the Tauber Institute at the University of Michigan.

Jim Gaeschke

Pontiac Metal Center & Flint Metal Center Plant Director
General Motors

Jim Gaeschke was named Plant Director for General Motors Pontiac and Flint Metal Centers in May 2023.

In this role, he is responsible for leading and inspiring the plant teams to drive and deliver positive business performance through exceptional execution of lean manufacturing principles impacting safety, quality, and cost. Both Pontiac and Flint Metal Centers are three-shift operations with nearly one thousand salaried and UAWrepresented team members producing vehicle stampings and metal assemblies for the majority of General Motors’ U.S. assembly plants. This is Jim’s third assignment in the city of Pontiac. He worked at GM Pontiac from 2002-2004 and 2013-2015 performing Press Room and Tool & Die leadership roles.

Jim has more than 32 years of Manufacturing experience with General Motors. He initially started with General Motors as an engineering co-op student in 1990. Upon his graduation, Jim joined GM full-time in the Tool & Die College Graduate Program. Jim has held positions in a variety of manufacturing operations with increasing responsibility. He held assignments at Mansfield Stamping in Ohio, Wentzville Assembly Plant in Missouri and Flint Assembly Plant in Michigan.

Prior to becoming the Plant Director for Pontiac and Flint Metal Centers, Jim was the Plant Director of Parma Metal Center in Ohio.

Jim holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Detroit Mercy and a Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering from Kettering University. He also has a Paint Technology Process Control Certification from Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Jim and his wife, Carrie, have three adult children Ryan, Connor and Evan.

Andrea Meyer

Andrea Meyer has been engaged in the field of education since 2005, and has worked to develop the Center for Success literacy focused after school program since January of 2015. Prior to that, Andrea gained experience as a classroom teacher for 10 years, mostly in the subject area of Language Arts in a variety of urban settings from Center Line, MI to South Central Los Angeles. She has served on the Leadership Team of two Charter Schools, adding valuable insight to discussions on school structures and best practices for student success. Her work at Center for Success has offered the opportunity to bring parents and community members into the conversation of serving and uplifting youth. 

Andrea holds certifications in Evidence Based Literacy Instruction (EBLI) and English Language Development (ELD) which support her role in creating
meaningful, individualized lessons for readers at the Center. Andrea sits on the Board of Directors for both the Center for Success and the Grosse Pointe Old Devils. As the Executive Director of Center for Success Network, Andrea oversees the implementation of the strategic plan of the organization, staff training and program design.  Andrea holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Western Michigan University, gaining her
degree through their Urban Education program.  A lifelong learner herself, 

Andrea has been part of the Crain’s Leadership Academy, and the Leadership DELI presented by NEW and Zingermans.  In addition to her role at CFSN, Andrea is a co-chair for the Summer Learning Table for 313 Reads!, which fosters rich partnerships to ensure that more children in low-income families succeed in grade-level reading by the end of third grade.  Her most important role is mom of 3 amazing kids (under the age of 6).

Eric Hydorn

An associate attorney at the Dobrusin Law Firm, P.C., Eric Hydorn serves clients to secure their intellectual property including the preparation and prosecution of patent applications. He focuses his practice on the technical arts of chemistry, mechanical engineering, and biology.

Eric joined the Pontiac Regional Chamber in 2019 intending to serve the  business community of Pontiac.

Eric believes in fostering the growth of and collegiality between businesses  as well as strengthening the ties between the community at large.

Eric received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and completed his undergraduate studies in Chemistry at Hope College.

Prior to embarking on his legal career, Eric worked in the fields of automotive electrochromic mirrors and industrial metalworking fluids. During law school, Eric began his practical legal training at a Tier 1 supplier of climatized automotive seating before joining the Dobrusin Law Firm as a law clerk.
Eric was raised in Rochester and currently resides in Pontiac. During the coveted warm seasons in Michigan, you will find him either on the golf course or one of Oakland County’s beautiful mountain biking trails.

Craig Walden

Craig Walden is the Chief Financial Officer of Auch Construction, a planning and construction
management firm specializing in healthcare, educational and institutional construction in southeast
Michigan. Prior to Auch Construction, Craig spent 12 years working in Public Accounting with Doeren
Mayhew. Craig is a certified public accountant and is a member of Michigan Association of Certified
Public Accountants and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Regina Campbell

Regina Campbell fulfills her mission to build trust and community through quality workmanship in her role as President and founder of Ginasis Construction.
Regina has worked in the construction industry for the past decade – before founding Ginasis, Regina developed her construction experience by working as a commercial Construction project coordinator with AUCH Construction while also completing her OSHA 510 certification. To date, she remains an active member of the National Association of Black Women in Construction and her all-around impacts in the association are evident. Aside from being a general contractor, Regina is also a licensed real estate agent. Staying engaged through committee involvement, Regina has served on the NW Construction Technology Advisory Committee as well as a Real Estate Grievance Committee.

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Beverly Meek​

Joined Flagstar Bank in November of 2015.As First Vice President, Community Reinvestment Act Director, Beverly is responsible for developing,implementingand administering all aspects of the Bank’s Community Reinvestment Act ComplianceProgram, including the bank’s strategy for meeting the lending, investment and service needs of thecommunities in which the bank operates, including low to moderate incomeneighborhoods. Beverly hasover 20 years in banking. Her career started in 1980 with the Security Federal Savings & Loan Bank inSpringfield, Illinois. In 1992, she was hired at Bank One, in Springfield, Illinois, as Vice-President ofCommunity Reinvestment Act, (CRA). In 2004, she transferred to Chicago, Illinois where she held variouspositions within JPMorgan Chase; Illinois State CRA Manager, National Manager of the JPMorgan ChaseFederal Home Loan Bank, Affordable Housing Program, and Vice-President ofCorporate Responsibility.Beverly has served on many community boards as an active community volunteer and leader. FormerPresident of the Illinois Federation Community Schools, Evanston Community Development Board,Associated Colleges of Illinois and,The Chicago Pre-College Science & Engineering Board. FormerBoard member and founding member of, The Springfield Project, HOPE, The Dominican SistersCharitable Trust Fund, The Franciscan Sisters San Domino Fund, The Capital Community Health CareCenter Board, and Leadership Springfield alumni.Beverly resides in Royal Oak, MI and enjoys spending time with her son, daughter in-law and threegrandchildren.

Devan Green

Devan Brie S. Green is a Level 1 Professional Librarian and Library Director of the Pontiac Public Library, a class VI urban library in Pontiac, MI. She earned her Masters of Library Information Science (MLIS) from Wayne State University in 2013. She has been Library Director since 2014. Previously she worked as an Outreach Librarian at the Pontiac Library and Teen Librarian at the Auburn Hills Library. Her Bachelors of Communication Arts was awarded in 2000, where she majored in Radio, TV & Film also at Wayne State University. Mrs. Green is an author. Her published books are Her Confession, Wisdom Cries and Detroit Statuary. She is a Board Member of the Pontiac Regional Chamber and Chair Elect of The Library Network Steering Committee 2022. Mrs. Green is also the CEO of Lavish Bombs & Butters LLC a skin care brand that specializes in high end, luxurious skin care products.

Krysta Ivey

Director of Marketing, Communications, Physician Relations and Foundation at McLaren Oakland Hospital in Pontiac MI. The hospital is a 338 bed teaching hospital and has ambulatory sites in Clarkston and Oxford.
Krysta is an accomplished and well-respected health care leader with extensive experience in marketing acute care, ambulatory and physician group environments.
Krysta has been with the McLaren Health Care system for 17 years and in healthcare for over 20 years. Previously working as Associate Director of Midwest Development for the American Lung Association and Regional Director at City of Hope National Cancer Institute. Krysta earned her Bachelor of Arts from Central Michigan University, and a Master of Science in Marketing from Purdue University.

Michael Mazzeo’s

Dean, School of Business Administration

Oakland University

Dr. Mazzeois the Dean ofOakland University’s School of Business Administration.He cameto OaklandUniversity from Michigan State University Eli Broad College of Business.Mazzeobrings nearly 10 yearsof experience in academic administration, and more than 30 years in scholarship in the areas of finance,mergers, acquisitions and corporate structuring.His accomplishments include developing new international degree and certificate programs, anentrepreneurship specialization and supporting economic development activities. He also partnered withFortune 500 companies to create custom executive education programs and seminars.Consistently recognized for his teaching, Dr. Mazzeo’s distinguished record of scholarship includes thepublication of articles in top-tier finance journals such as theReview of Financial Studies. His research iscited frequently in textbooks; while national media outlets, such asBusiness Week, regularly seekhisopinion. He served as an associate editor of theJournal of Financial Research.Before joining Oakland University, Dr. Mazzeo served 23 years at MSU as associate dean, interimdepartment chairperson, and as a faculty member, among other roles. Priorto his appointment at MSU, hetaught at Indiana University. Dr. Mazzeo earned his bachelor’s in Economics from State UniversityCollege at Buffalo; and his master’s degree in Economics and Ph.D. in Finance from State University ofNew York at Buffalo.

DAMANY A. HEAD

Damany A. Head (March 1977 – July 2025) was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, friend, visionary, entrepreneur, engineer, community leader, and inspirator. Damany was known for his genuine love of life, deep care for people, and tireless commitment to catalyzing positive change in the world. He lived the Christian faith he embraced, embodying the spirit of love and service at its heart. He gave generously of himself, empowering others to rise to the highest versions of themselves and leading with vision, compassion, and purpose.
A graduate of Ohio Northern University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Damany spent much of his professional life working for engineering firms such as Quaker Chemical and General Motors. During the height of the recession in 2008, he was faced with a life-changing decision: continue his career as an engineer or channel his skills into building something lasting. From that choice, Essential Recycling was born—a business he and his wife, Shanell, built together to advance recycling and environmental sustainability in the commercial industry. It also marked the beginning of his lifelong pursuit of creating enterprises and initiatives that would leave a legacy of impact.
For nearly three decades, Damany worked continuously to innovate solutions, launch, and sustain organizations with a direct and positive influence on both people and the planet. In 2016, Damany became President and Chair of the Pontiac Regional Chamber of Commerce, where he played a pivotal role in saving the Chamber from closing its doors. Under his leadership, the Chamber not only survived but thrived—most recently celebrating its 121st anniversary, a milestone that would not have been possible without his vision and dedication. His ability to bring people together and drive meaningful change made him a trusted leader and an anchor of his community.
In 2020, Damany founded the Pontiac United Education Coalition (PUEC), an organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for Pontiac students and families. Through PUEC, Damany also launched Pontiac READS! in 2021, a local chapter of the National Campaign for Grade Level Reading, focused on increasing literacy and reading proficiency among children in Pre-K through 5th grade. In 2022, he developed HIRE! Pontiac, a workforce development program that provides pre-engineering internships for high school students in the Pontiac area. The program recently celebrated its fourth summer session, as well as the graduation of its first cohort of students—many of whom are now pursuing engineering or technical college programs. Damany was also a proud Board Member on several boards including Veterans Life USA helping to guide its development into the beacon of hope and help that it is for Veterans today.
Above all, Damany cherished his role as a family man. He lived in Southeast Michigan with his beloved wife, Shanell, and their three children. His family was his foundation, and the love he poured into them was evident to all who knew him.
Damany’s life was a testament to vision, faith, leadership, and love. All who knew him will attest that their lives were enriched by his presence, and all agree that he will be deeply missed. His legacy continues in the lives he touched, the businesses and organizations he built, and the enduring inspiration he leaves behind. Through his work in business, education, and community leadership, Damany Head stands as one of Pontiac’s most impactful modern leaders, and his influence will resonate for generations to come.

Regina Campbell

Regina Campbell fulfills her mission to build trust and community through quality workmanship in her role as President and founder of Ginasis Construction.
Regina has worked in the construction industry for the past decade – before founding Ginasis, Regina developed her construction experience by working as a commercial Construction project coordinator with AUCH Construction while also completing her OSHA 510 certification. To date, she remains an active member of the National Association of Black Women in Construction and her all-around impacts in the association are evident. Aside from being a general contractor, Regina is also a licensed real estate agent. Staying engaged through committee involvement, Regina has served on the NW Construction Technology Advisory Committee as well as a Real Estate Grievance Committee.
Beyond the construction industry, Regina is also a Licensed Respiratory Therapist, and graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10k Small Business Program, which has helped equip her with the skills and experience to elevate Ginasis Construction. She is an amazing businesswoman; she does her research. She is extremely professional and takes pride in all the works she does.
Beyond work, Regina is an amazing person and a mom. She enjoys jogging with her dog, Bella. She is a precinct delegate, serving her community while having a positive impact on society as a whole has become her lifestyle. Regina gives back to society in every way that she can; she serves the underserved.
Regina is passionate about sustainable living, social equity, and voting advocacy – in particular, one of her top priorities is collaborating with others to build a stronger sustainable community in Pontiac. She has coordinated voter registration drives; helping those in public housing gain access and information regarding voter registration.
As she grows as a small business owner and leader in the Pontiac community, she looks forward to joining the Pontiac Community Benefit Fund Advisory Committee, responsible for directing the Pontiac Community Foundation (a federally recognized 501c (3) non-profit corporation) on how to make donations to Pontiac organizations and students for the advancement of educational causes and other causes consistent with the Foundations purposes.
She has been a volunteer for the Clarence E. Phillips Accend Foundation since 2015 where she inspires promising youths to enhance the power of communities. She also pushes to promote the power of education, community service, and the arts within the community coupled with a mentoring element.
She is also an active volunteer for Simply Helping, Inc. where she has been supporting and empowering people in need for more than 8 years now. She helps to promote greater personal independence and enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities, and the underprivileged. Alongside other volunteers, she has accomplished this by creating a healthy and safe living environment with home modifications.
Regina brings over a decade of construction experience, leadership, and passion to both Ginasis Construction and the larger Pontiac community.