Beth McCarthy, Chair

Owner, MacBeth & Co.

Mitch Deisch, Secretary

City Manger, City of Manistee

Mitch Deisch is representing the City of Manistee, who has contracted for economic development services from the AES office. Mitch has served as the City of Manistee City Manager since September 2001. Prior to Manistee, Mitch served as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Grand Haven for 6 years. Mitch received a B.S. and Masters of Public Administration from Central Michigan University and maintains Credential Manager Status from the International City Managers Association. He currently serves on the Manistee Recreation Board of Directors, Alternatives for Area Youth Board of Directors, Manistee Soccer Club Board of Directors and Manistee Sunrise Rotary Board of Directors.

Glenn Lottie

Amy Wojciechowski, PH. D.

Professor of Business Studies, West Shore Community College

Dr. Amy Wojciechowski is a Professor of Marketing and Management and is Chair of the Business Division at West Shore Community College. She studied business at Central Michigan University, career and technical education at Ferris State University and educational leadership at Western Michigan University. Amy is President of the Steering Committee for the West Central Technical Preparation Partnership, Chair of the West Shore Community College Teaching and Learning Team, and is on the Hospitality, Travel & Tourism, and Business advisory boards. Amy has also presented at several local, state, and national conferences. She co-authored an article for the Online Distance Administration Journal and is currently contributing toward a college-level textbook titled, Writing for College, Writing for Life. Amy was recently awarded the Master Teacher of Post-Secondary Business Education Award for 2007 by the Michigan Business Education Association.

Director of Operations, Manistee-Benzie Community Health

Ingemar Johansson is representing Manistee-Benzie Community Mental Health (MBCMH), an organization that has contracted with the AES for micro-business development service for MBCMH consumers. Ingemar was born and raised in Sweden and immigrated to the USA in 1978. He has a Business Economics Degree from University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Ingemar has worked in various administrative functions in the mental health and disability arena for over 30 years in Sweden, Ohio, and Michigan. He is the Director of Operations for MBCMH. He has been involved in many community development projects over the years including the current Micro Business Development project for people with disabilities. Ingemar holds Board positions at the statewide MARO Employment and Training Association and at the Benzie Transportation Authority. He has also presented at numerous state and national conferences, consulted with a number of mental health organizations across Michigan, and has professional and personal affiliations with several local organizations.

Boardmember, Manistee County Community Foundation

Laura Horvat is representing the Manistee County Community Foundation, an organization that has contracted with the AES for community development and grant administration services. Laura brings many years of community and business development experience to the AES board. She serves on the boards of the West Shore Medical Center Foundation, the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Charter Township of Filer’s Downtown Development Authority. Along with her husband, Laura is owner-operator of four Wendy’s restaurants in northern Michigan, including the Manistee-based Wendy’s as well as Manistee’s Super 8 Motel. Laura was recently appointed to serve on the strategic planning committee for Wendy’s Franchisee Association.