In honor of International Women’s Day, we want to recognize and thank the women who dedicate their time and talents as MML Foundation board members. The women on our board are leaders in their industries and in their communities. Here’s how they work to make sure more people love where they live.
Jenifer Acosta
Jenifer Acosta’s work in real estate and community development makes an impact in Michigan’s Bay City region. Her projects have earned awards in historic preservation and economic development. Her work as a changemaker and force for positive change have earned her a RUBY (Recognize the Upward, Bright and Young) Award. Jenifer co-founded Infuse Great Lakes Bay, a local community development nonprofit organization. She serves on the Urban Land Institute (ULI), Michigan Local Product Council for Housing and Community Development, ULI Michigan’s Women’s Leadership Initiative, Michigan Municipal League Foundation, Midland Center for the Arts, City Market, and the SVSU Foundation.
Susan Baldwin
Susan Baldwin has been a dedicated public servant, committed to bringing about the best for Battle Creek, the community she calls home. She is currently a city commissioner who has also previously served as mayor. A retired attorney, Susan dedicates much of her time to committees and causes that are critical for the success of the City of Battle Creek. She served as the executive director of the Economic Development Forum for Calhoun County for nine years. To name a few of her volunteer roles, Susan serves on the board of Battle Creek Unlimited, the Planning Commission, and the Public Transportation Committee.
Carla Gribbs
Carla Gribbs has been with DTE Energy for over 35 years. As a regional manager, she is responsible for local government and community relations in Northern Michigan. Not only does she support the work that DTE does to create a bright, sustainable energy future for Michigan, she also commits her time to serving local nonprofits and development organizations including Venture North, Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, and Otsego County Economic Alliance.
Barb Holt
Barb Holt is an experienced leader and committed public servant. She served as a city commissioner and later as mayor for the City of Walker, Michigan. Barb also dedicated many years to The Rapid, an interurban public transportation system serving the Grand Rapids metro area, including serving as chairwoman of The Rapid’s board of directors.
Debbie Leich
Debbie Leich has over 25 years of investment management experience. Known for developing trusting relationships with her clients, Debbie’s expertise is in establishing a clear investment strategy and working consultatively with clients to implement and adopt those strategies to changing economic and market conditions. Her investing expertise is a critical asset to the MML Foundation board.
Pat Lockwood
Pat Lockwood currently serves as mayor protem for the City of Fenton. Her career in public service spans many years, including serving as mayor for 11 years and as a State Representative for Michigan’s 51st District. Her many positions serving communities at the state and national level include: MML Board of Trustees member and MML president (1994-1995); National League of Cities board member; past president of Michigan Women in Municipal Government; and former president of Genesee County Cities/Villages Association. She is currently serving on the board of Keep Michigan Beautiful and the Fenton Community Foundation. Pat was awarded an MML Honorary Life Membership in 1999. From 2004 to 2010, she was appointed by then-Governor Granholm to the position of policy director for the Emerald Ash Borer Program and served as the commission advisor for the Michigan Department of Transportation.
Jeanette Pierce
In 2006, Jeanette founded the Detroit Experience Factory, using tours and experiences to take people beyond the headlines and educate them about Detroit’s history, culture, and community. As demand grew for more in-depth learning experiences to help people understand the city’s complex history and connect them to Detroit’s people, places and projects, Jeanette created the City Institute to do just that. Over 115,000 people have taken a tour with Detroit Experience Factory in the last 13 years.
Jeanette Pierce is a lifelong Detroit resident who grew up in the Morningside neighborhood of Detroit. She’s also a social entrepreneur and a mother of triplets.
Jenee Velasquez
Jenee Velasquez has a long history of serving her local community of Midland. She served as chief executive officer of Midland Tomorrow, Midland County’s economic development corporation, beginning in 1999. For two years prior to that, she served as Midland Tomorrow’s manager of economic development services. She was Midland’s first Downtown Development Authority coordinator and served in that capacity for five years. Since October 2005, she has been serving as The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation’s first executive director.