Birgit Klohs
President & CEO
616.771.0324
klohsb@rightplace.org
Provides strategic direction for the organization; and provides location and expansion assistance to Kent County and international customers. Markets Greater Grand Rapids to an international audience.
Ray De Winkle
Vice President, Business Development
616.771.0571
dewinkler@rightplace.org
Provides retention and expansion assistance to Right Place customers.
Rick Chapla
Vice President, Urban Redevelopment
616.771.0328
chaplar@rightplace.org
Leads Right Place urban redevelopment activities.
Jim Ross
Vice President, Innovation & Technical Services / MMTC-West Regional Manager
616.771.0557
rossj@rightplace.org
Serves as the lead liaison for identifying and developing opportunities for Greater Grand Rapids companies to achieve world class operations and sustained growth. Leads InnovationWorks and Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center-West.
Susan Jackson
Senior Business Development Manager
616.771.0556
jacksons@rightplace.org
Provides retention and expansion assistance to Right Place customers.
George Bosnjak
Business Development Manager
616.771.0326
bosnjakg@rightplace.org
Provides retention and expansion assistance to Right Place customers.
William C. Small
Innovation Director, Technology and Growth Services
616.301.6247
smallw@rightplace.org
Provides business leadership for Eureka! Winning Ways and InnovationWorks Technology Portal for The Right Place and MMTC-West.
Bill Foley
Innovation Director, Advanced Production
616.301.6246
foleyb@rightplace.org
Leads InnovationWorks' advanced production initiatives, including facilitating the Advanced Production collaborative network, and assisting clients.
Anne Saliers
Innovation Director, Sustainability
616.301.6248
saliersa@rightplace.org
Leads InnovationWorks' sustainability initiatives, including facilitating the Sustainability collaborative network and identifying resources for West Michigan firms.
Twayne Howard
Chief Administrative Officer / Assistant Treasurer
616.771.0312
howardt@rightplace.org
Oversees all operational functions for Right Place including financial activities and reporting, human resources, information technology, and contract management.
Brian Walquist
MMTC-West Marketing Outreach Manager
616.301.6245
walquistb@rightplace.org
Leads MMTC-West outreach efforts to small and mid-size manufacturers in 17 West Michigan counties.
Tim Mroz
Senior Director of Communications
616.301.6791
mrozt@rightplace.org
Provides overall leadership and direction for all Right Place communication strategies and plans including public relations, marketing, and advertising.
Natalia Powers
Events Manager
616.771.0327
powersn@rightplace.org
Laura Blake
Director, Internet Communications
616.771.0563
blakel@rightplace.org
Manages Right Place internet communications strategies and initiatives in collaboration with the Senior Director of Communications.
Jenny Shangraw
Information Resource Manager / Cybrarian
616.771.0343
shangrawj@rightplace.org
Provides custom research services and community economic statistics to Right Place customers.
Mary Ann Medendorp
Assistant to the President
616.771.0325
medendorpm@rightplace.org
Provides administrative support to the office of the president; and supports all communication to Right Place board members and investors.
Sarah Whyte
Assistant to the President
616.301.9393
whytes@rightplace.org
Robin Oliver
Executive Administrative Assistant
616.771.0576
oliverr@rightplace.org
Tyrea Duncan
Executive Assistant
616.771.0304
duncant@rightplace.org
Provides administrative support to the MMTC-West Regional Manager; as well supporting industry council administration, team metrics, product delivery, and other administrative functions.
Amy Winkler
MMTC-West Client Coordinator
616.771.0561
winklera@rightplace.org
Coordinates The Right Place, Inc.'s User Groups and the Michigan Shingo Prize, and maintains the customer database.
Bob Johnston
Contract Employee
616.822.3609
bob.mmtcwest@comcast.net
Facilitates The Right Place's Manufacturers Council and leads client development for the Green Supplier Network and Manufacturing Skills Co-op
Hans Andreas (Andy) Fein
Consultant
011.49.711.615.9073
fein@andreasfeinmarketing.com
Principal Consultant, Hans-Andreas Fein & Associates. Assists Right Place marketing efforts in Germany.
Rick Fleming
Contract Employee
616.844.1366
ciarichard@chartermi.net
Michigan Shingo Director