A passionate entrepreneur, Tanya Hill developed and patented ForeverFresh Disposable Undergarments and later launched a line for children- ToddiFresh. Both products are used in schools and hospitals in the U.S. Tanya is also an airport concessionaire. She and her partners operate local and nationally branded retail and food and beverage concepts at Detroit Metro Airport.

Hill has received numerous awards and recognition for her entrepreneurial accomplishments. Hill serves on several boards including The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) and the Oakland Schools Education Foundation.   A sought-after motivational speaker, Hill freely uses her knowledge and life lessons to inspire and mentor those around her.  Other recognitions include The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Top Ten Award, Women of Excellence and induction in Who’s Who inaugural edition of Vital Signs: “A Tribute to African American Achievement In Healthcare”, the Powerful Women of Purpose award from the Rhonda Walker foundation and the Esteemed Women of Michigan.  

Lyle is one of the founding partners of Telemus Capital – one of the nation’s largest independent investment advisory companies in the country. He has more than 22 years of industry experience across all facets of financial wealth planning and investment management. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Lyle has been named as one of Crain’s Detroit Business “40 under 40” – its annual list of emerging leaders in Southeast Michigan. In addition, Lyle is a Certified Financial Planner. He is on the board of directors of Sterling Bancorp and is a Past President and Co-Founder of the Berkley Education Foundation. Lyle is an accomplished amateur golfer and also loves to travel with his wife and three children.

Kara James has 16 years’ experience in the financial services industry. Kara James is a Partner in the Assurance Practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP serving clients within the banking industry, with particular focus on consumer lending. Kara has provided services to PwC’s largest clients that participate in mortgage banking, auto lending, credit card and student lending. These services include providing accounting, regulatory, strategic and operational advisory services. Kara has experience in providing both auditing and consulting advice to her client base on current accounting issues, regulatory developments and actions as well as mortgage and auto operations.

Kara currently serves as the PwC Detroit office’s Giving and Parenting Network Partner Champion. She also sits on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee working with her colleagues to discuss issues in the community around racial and social inequities. Kara lives in Northville, Michigan with her husband, David, Cooper 5 and Kennedy 3. She also has three fur babies, two Shih Tzus Sparty and Bella and a cat named Shuri. She enjoys traveling to different countries and loves a good book. She is passionate about Financial Literacy and helping underprivileged students. Kara also currently sits on the Board of Detroit Cristo Rey High School.

Chuck is a founder of the firm Stevenson and Bullock, P.L.C. and has been practicing law for over 20 years. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the Tennessee Bar Association. He is a Trustee for The Pewabic Society, Inc. (Pewabic Pottery), the Michigan Opera Theatre, and the Historical Society of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Chuck is well known in the Metro-Detroit Philanthropic Community. He enjoys the social benefits of membership at the Detroit Athletic Club and the Detroit Club. He resides in Detroit, Michigan. He is the proud father of David, Katie, and Michael.

Michael Dery is the executive VP of sales with Pocketnest, whose mission is to end financial illiteracy and provide everyone a path to financial wellness via technology. He has spent my career helping clients solve business challenges and bridge the
gaps in their organizations with solutions that leverage data to answer critical questions.

He has spent the past years supporting the FTGD via the Emerging Leaders Committee by sourcing sponsorships for the Masters Watch Party & First Tee Golf Outing. Outside of the FTGD, He serves on the Executive Committee for the ACS Detroit Select Golf Outing – the largest fundraiser in Southeast Michigan for the American Cancer Society.

Spencer Golden-Sims moved to the Metro-Detroit area in 2019. In his current position as Development Manager for Bedrock Detroit, Spencer oversees the development process for some of Detroit’s most historic buildings and sites. Prior to relocating to Detroit, Spencer spent several years redeveloping strategic neighborhoods in Cincinnati, OH. Spencer has an undergraduate degree in business from Xavier University and earned his Real Estate Development certificate from Cornell University.

Recently married, Spencer and his wife Lauren enjoy traveling together and trying out new restaurants. The Couple has a dog named Nova who keeps them on their toes. When Spencer is not training his dog, he can be found on the golf course enjoying a round with his friends or volunteer coaching at Belle Isle. Spencer is a product of the First Tee (Canton, OH) and lives the core values every day.

Steve is an Executive Vice President with Hylant Group, a family owned, regional insurance brokerage with 16 offices in seven states. Steve founded the Michigan offices which has grown to over 150 employees. He also has served for several years on the board of the Worldwide Broker Network which services international clients in over 100 different countries across the globe. In addition, Steve sits on the board of the Hylant Family Foundation as it supports dozens of charities across the Midwest.

A native Toledoan, Steve graduated from the Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree and has lived in the Detroit area for over 30 years.

Matthew Johnston is the Global Real Estate Director at TI Fluid Systems. In his role, he is responsible for the real estate and facility activities in respect to the acquisition, utilization, and disposition of TI property. In addition, he provides guidance, support, and consultation on real estate, construction, facility planning and other support functions to more than 110 facilities worldwide.

Matthew currently serves as Co-Chair of Leaders for Kids, which is an advisory board to the Children’s Foundation. Matthew has always had a passion to help those in need and is always looking for opportunities to help programs supporting children. He is excited to be a part of such a great organization and even more excited to help it continue to grow.

Matthew earned his B.A. in Business Management from Northwood University.  He resides in Clarkston with his wife Shelley and two daughters, Grace and Eleanor.

Donna M. Joseph, President of DMJ Group, LLC has provided marketing services for 35 years both while in the corporate sector as well within her own business. Donna created DMJ Group, LLC in the year 2004 and immediately became immersed within the integrated marketing business practice area with major corporations and philanthropic organizations nationwide. Several important assets are her ability to lead, listen, communicate and be a solution provider. Her primary initiative is to create a viable and cohesive processes whether in the corporate or philanthropic sector. Her ability to “Think outside of the box “are critical in developing a durable message.

Other organizations include, American Heart Association, Arab American Chamber of Commerce, MS Society, Detroit Institute of Arts and has participated in numerous speaking and panel discussions over the years. She consistently offers her event management expertise by chairing numerous fundraisers and worked closely with several other philanthropic organizations.

Born and raised in Detroit, Leon Maynard is known for his love of the city and its people. He has served as a High School football coach or over 30 years and enjoys mentoring the next generation of leaders. Outside of working in medical sales with a concentration in hospice care, Leon is a community ambassador for Eastside Golf, a groundbreaking golf and lifestyle brand with deep roots in the Detroit Metro Area.

Leon is a father to one amazing son and outside of being a devoted parent, Leon enjoys connecting with golf and bowling with friends. An avid golfer and community advocate, Leon hopes to merge the two for maximum impact on the growth and development of Detroit’s most valuable asset, the people.

Anthony R. McCree has more than 26 years of public accounting and auditing experience.  He joined GJC in 2016 as Managing Partner.  Prior to GJC, Anthony began his career in 1996 at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), formerly Coopers & Lybrand. In 2002, he joined UHY LLP CPAs as Principal for over 13 years, where he was one of UHY’s leading members of the Audit and Assurance Department and member of the firm’s National Health Care Practice and SEC Practice. Anthony’s industry expertise ranges in nonprofit, manufacturing and distribution, health care, financial services, real estate and retail.

Anthony has extensive experience in the auditing of public companies, privately held organizations, tax exempt organizations as well as organizations in the manufacturing and distribution, health care, financial services, real estate, and retail industries, as well as employee benefit plans. He has experience assisting companies with public offerings, SEC reporting, due diligence services, and accounting for complex transactions such as business combinations, share-based compensation, complex debt and equity transactions, and revenue recognition.

As Managing Partner, Anthony continuously oversees ongoing staff development, service delivery strategies, and implementation of the firm’s strategic plan. Anthony has been the recipient of honors including recognition in the Michigan Chronicle’s “2010 Men of Excellence Awardee” and in the 2011 edition of “Who’s Who in Black Detroit”.

Tom McInerney is Senior Manager at Detroit’s PGA TOUR event, The Rocket Mortgage Classic. Tom focuses on leading corporate partnerships, hospitality sales, and brand activation. In addition to First Tee – Greater Detroit, Tom currently sits on boards for BuildUp STEAM & Chicago Reach.

Mark Montgomery is the owner and senior technology consultant for MSM Networking Solutions, a technology solutions company offering IT consulting, including network managed services, cloud solutions, document management and Voice and Data sales and implementation consulting.

Mark manages all client relationships and provides strategic guidance to organizations with respect to technology, IT infrastructure and the development of business process through IT enhancements. He has specialized in serving nonprofit customers and small businesses. Mark has operated MSM networking solutions for more than twenty years.

Mark’s company has been a longtime participant with Focus Hope’s internship placement program, accepting students for work at MSM Networking Solutions. Through this work he has contributed to the training of many young IT professionals in Detroit, hiring some full-time at MSM Networking Solutions or supporting their placement in other companies.

Mark is a member of the Detroit Athletic Club and has served on the IT committee for many years. He is an avid golfer and member of the TPC Dearborn Golf Club. Mark lives in Detroit with his family in Detroit University District and is involved in several community-based initiatives.

Lauren is an experienced communications strategist and award-winning video producer with over 15 years of experience in the journalism, media, and sports industries. She began her career in Washington, DC as a producer for C-SPAN and POLITICO and went on to lead corporate communications and PR for notable media companies including Tribune Publishing and The Onion.

Lauren gained experience in the youth and college sports industries while serving as Head of PR and Communications for the world’s largest college recruiting platform, NCSA College Recruiting, as well as PR and communications consultant for premier sports organizations including NFL FLAG and Rivals.com. Lauren is currently a director at Michigan-based agency, Lambert by LLYC, where she leads integrated marketing and PR campaigns for a variety of clients.

Lauren is involved in several Detroit-area non-profits including Christ Child Society of Detroit and the Pope Francis Center. She is passionate about volunteering with children and is a proud adaptive ski instructor for the Adaptive Ski Association of Western Michigan (ASAWM).

Dan is the Senior Vice President of Operations at Walker-Miller Energy Services, one of the largest African American owned clean energy firms in the United States. A decorated U.S. Air Force veteran, Dan is a proud graduate of the Detroit Public Schools Community District and Wayne State University, where he earned undergraduate and law degrees. He began his professional journey in the skilled trades and has progressed to serving in several senior leadership roles. An accomplished author, father and grandfather, Dan lives in Detroit with his wife. He enjoys chess, cooking/baking and boxing.

Michele Robinson has been an entrepreneur for over 25 years, first owning a mortgage company for 10 years and an attorney for over 25 years then as a financial and tax consultant for over 10 years. She currently runs a financial consulting firm, Blue Ocean Prosperity Group, specializing in financial, legal and tax planning for businesses. Michele has 2 law degrees, one from University of Windsor Ontario and the other from University of Detroit Mercy. She also has a degree in Business with a major in Finance and minor in Accounting. She has assisted hundreds of clients increase their knowledge and wealth with concepts from banking, wealth accumulation and minimization of taxes. Her financial background, accounting background, tax background and legal background makes her suited to and an asset for Board service.

Michele currently serves on the Board of Detroit Area Agency on Aging (“DAAA”) and serves as the chair of the Governance Committee and is on the Finance Committee. She has also served on the Boards of the National Association of Women Business Owners (“NAWBO”) and NAWBO/EXCEL a 501c(3).   Michele serves in several ministries at her church and mentors both individuals and business owners to learn how maximize tax deductions and increase wealth and cashflow. Michele loves to golf, travel and spend time with family in her spare time.

Danielle Russell is the Managing Director for Google’s Marketing Platforms in the Americas. Since joining Google in 2007 she has driven adoption of digital technologies and solutions within the C-Suite across the US and Americas. Currently, she oversees the strategic direction and growth of Fortune 500 companies in digital transformation and with this, consulting clients and their partners to orchestrate durable data & technology, privacy readiness, advanced measurement, predictive analytics, and organizational strategies & solutions. Danielle has extensive experience in the Finance, Travel, Pharmaceuticals, Health Systems, and Automotive sectors.

Danielle is also the Site Lead for Google’s Detroit, Michigan office where she focuses on partnering with Googlers on culture & connectivity and serving the Detroit and extended Michigan community.

She was recognized as one of the top 16 Technology Executives in Michigan by DBusiness magazine’s Detroit 500 in 2020 and 2021.

Danielle graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the College of William & Mary where she was a member of the Varsity Women’s Tennis Team and three-time NCAA Championship qualifier. She also has an MBA from Wayne State University.

Eric Salo is the Director of E-Systems Strategy and Product Management at Lear Corporation. He has over 10 years of experience in automotive and spent time advising for multiple Fortune 500 companies while leading the Industrials and Energy Practice at The Beacon Group (Accenture). Most importantly he is currently a Level 2 coach at The First Tee (Metro Detroit) and leads the Rackham site. His accomplishments have led him to be named as one of Crain’s Detroit 40 Under 40 in 2023.

Kim serves as COO at Visioneering and has over 20 years of investment banking, private equity and leveraged lending experience across a variety of industries with a particular focus on aerospace, industrial manufacturing, automotive and building products businesses.

Kim graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance where she was awarded a four-year scholarship on the Michigan State Varsity Women’s Soccer Team.

Wes is a Vice President of William Morris Endeavor Entertainment .

Wes has more than 10 years sales and marketing experience in the sports industry. Before his current role, Wes was the Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at the Detroit Pistons, served as Vice President of Sales for International Speedway Corporation, which at the time was a sister company of NASCAR that owned and operated 12 motorsports facilities across the country. His specific responsibilities in this role included national sponsorship sales efforts across ISC’s portfolio and oversight of Michigan International Speedway’s ticket sales and corporate partnerships departments. Prior to this, Weir served as President of Business Operations for the Detroit Pistons Development League franchise in Grand Rapids, the Grand Rapids Drive (now the Grand Rapids Gold).

Weir earned his bachelor’s degree in sports management from Trine University in Angola, Indiana. At Trine University Weir was a member of the men’s basketball team and served as Captain in 2009.