- Leadership changes will help further program goals and objectives
- Builds on significant momentum achieved in 2010; Over 2,000 students enrolled in first year
FLINT, MICH. – April 11, 2011 — The Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) today announced leadership appointments at YouthQuest, the organization’s afterschool program for at-risk children. The program operates at 15 schools in Flint-Genesee County. Changes in leadership are aimed at furthering the goals and objectives of the program and building on the success achieved in the first year.
“YouthQuest is off to a terrific start with over 2,000 students enrolled in the first year,” said Tim Herman, CEO of the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce. “I look forward to the outstanding momentum continuing with the new leadership team in place.”
John Waldo is named Program Director of YouthQuest, reporting to Rhetta Hunyady, Executive Director of YouthQuest and Regional Chamber Group Vice President of Operations and EETC. His appointment is effective April 13, 2011. In this role, Waldo will oversee the day-to-day delivery of the YouthQuest Program. In addition, he will serve as the primary contact for schools and community partners to execute the YouthQuest strategic plan. Prior to joining YouthQuest, Waldo was most recently Faculty Development Specialist for Baker College of Flint. He was responsible for creating and presenting professional development modules for faculty and he facilitated leadership and team development workshops. Other positions held include Director of Leadership Programs for Resource Genesee; Human Services Internship Coordinator for Baker College of Flint; and Health and Safety Facilitator for the Genesee Intermediate School District.
Sharri Newman is named Assistant Director of YouthQuest, reporting to John Waldo, effective April 1, 2011. In this role, Newman will be responsible for all programming, curriculum and professional development to support the YouthQuest plan. Prior to joining YouthQuest, Newman was the CEO for Exceeding Enterprises, a small business focused on designing and facilitating career development and entrepreneurial workshops for youth and adults. Newman has also served as a consultant for TeenQuest, an afterschool pre-employment and leadership training program managed by the Regional Chamber. Additionally, she held positions at the University of Michigan-Flint and provided consulting services to more than 50 K-8 schools for several years.`.
“We are very excited to have John and Sharri on board,” said Hunyady. “It’s a pivotal time for the program as we work to build on the success achieved in our first year. Their broad base experience in youth education and training and leadership skills will be invaluable.”
To learn more about YouthQuest, please visit www.yquest.org.
About the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce
The Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business and community advocacy in Genesee County. The Regional Chamber is over 100 years old, was established before the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and is a founding member of the United States Chamber of Commerce.
Two words describe the Regional Chamber as it enters its second century of service: collaboration and partnership. It is our goal to work with government, business, education and nonprofit organizations to support the growth and development of the community economically, culturally and socially.