Our Board

With deep experience at the intersection of county government, community development, and organizational leadership, Wayman brings a unique ability to align stakeholders, strengthen governance, and translate strategy into results—particularly in environments requiring public trust, operational discipline, and cross-sector collaboration.

Wayman served 17 years in local county government in Kent County, Michigan, including as Administrator/Controller and Assistant Administrator. During his tenure, he co-founded the West Michigan Sports Commission and the Kent Schools Network and led nationally recognized performance management and collective impact initiatives to improve outcomes for children and families in underserved communities.

Before his public service career, Wayman held leadership roles at Steelcase, Inc., and Michigan National Bank – Central. He also enjoyed a brief professional career in the National Basketball Association, playing for the Los Angeles Lakers and Detroit Pistons.

Following his tenure in public service, Wayman founded Wayman Britt Enterprises, where he provides executive coaching and management consulting services to public, nonprofit, and private sector clients. His work focuses on leadership development, organizational effectiveness, governance alignment, and community-centered strategy.

He also authored Fulfilling the Dream—My Path to Leadership and Finding Purpose Through Serving Others.

He currently serves in several leadership and governance roles, including Chair of the Trinity Health Michigan Board, Trustee of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, and member of the Grand Rapids University Preparatory Association Board. He has received widespread recognition for his contributions to public service, leadership, and community advancement.

Jermale D. Eddie is an award-winning entrepreneur, business strategist, and connector of people and opportunity. He currently serves as the Program Manager for Venture Creation at the Michigan State University Research Foundation, where he supports entrepreneurs, fosters innovation, and helps emerging ventures thrive across West Michigan.

As the Owner and Principal Consultant of Konexa Group, Jermale focuses on community-centered business development, neighborhood revitalization, and inclusive entrepreneurship, helping organizations and founders align business growth with community impact.

Jermale previously served in leadership roles with SpringGR and Amplify GR, where he worked to strengthen local economies, expand opportunities for diverse entrepreneurs, and connect community assets to sustainable business growth.

For more than a decade, Jermale owned and operated Malamiah Juice Bar and Malamazing Juice Co., one of the nation’s few Black-owned wholesale cold-pressed juice companies. What began as a small family business grew into a beloved regional brand, recognized by Forbes, PBS, NPR, and Travel Noire, and carried by major retailers including Meijer, Fresh Thyme, and JW Marriott. Though both ventures have since closed, their impact continues to inspire local entrepreneurs and community builders across West Michigan.

Jermale’s professional journey has always centered on community, innovation, and equity. His leadership extends beyond his professional roles, as he serves on the Grand Rapids Public Schools Foundation Board and is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Jermale holds degrees from Grand Valley State University and Spring Arbor University. Among his many honors are the Catalytic Investment Award, Good for Michigan Award, EPIC Award, and GIANTS Award.

He and his wife, Anissa, live in southeast Grand Rapids, where they are raising their three sons and their dog, Toffee-Rose. His work and life remain centered on the intersection of business, community, and belonging.

Steve is a healthcare executive with over 20 years of experience leading digital health transformations. He currently guides Mentavi Health’s digital innovation strategy to deliver accessible, evidence-based mental health solutions nationwide, ensuring Mentavi’s platforms enhance, rather than replace, the connection between patients and providers. He has proven expertise in artificial intelligence including the governance, architecture, engineering and delivery of generative AI applications.  He holds a Master of Arts in Psychology from Western Michigan University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Aquinas College.

Justin is a partner at CBH Attorneys & Counselors. He practices in the area of personal injury and civil litigation.

Justin was born and raised in Caledonia, MI, just outside of Grand Rapids. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies from Davenport University before continuing his education at Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Justin joined the firm in early 2016. Since then, he has assisted numerous personal injury clients in obtaining significant monetary recoveries, with several resulting in seven-figure resolutions.

In addition to the legal field, Justin is passionate about hunting, fishing, and the outdoors.