Passing the Torch: Leadership Lessons from Past, Present & Future Board Chairs
JEFF CONNOLLY, JEN CROWLEY & JAMES BYL are three names making business happen in West Michigan. From leading companies to inspiring professionals across the region, these leaders are spearheading initiatives at your Grand Rapids Chamber and are working tirelessly to support our business ecosystem.
Meet these three leaders below and hear leadership lessons from their experiences.
JEFF CONNOLLY
2022 BOARD CHAIR, CHAMBER CHAMPION
Jeff Connolly serves as the senior vice president and president of West Michigan & Upper Peninsula for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. He recently completed his term as 2022 board chair for the Grand Rapids Chamber and has continued to be deeply involved in the Chamber’s initiatives.
For over 17 years, Connolly has been active with the Grand Rapids Chamber, holding numerous positions on the board, committees and the foundation. In 2023, Connolly entered the “hall of fame” as a Chamber Champion for his dedicated service to the community.
Connolly has seen the organization ebb and flow over the years, but his favorite initiative was seeing the Grand Rapids Chamber Foundation step up during the pandemic.
“We’re continuing to evolve as a community, and the Chamber has evolved as well. We’ve had a foundation for many years, but through the Covid-19 pandemic, we were able to use the foundation to help distribute funds and support local businesses.”
Connolly also reflected on his board experience and how different leadership styles have shown up over the years. He has worked closely with the Chamber’s current board chair, Jen Crowley, as she transitioned into the role.
“Jen is part of a long legacy of not just good and respected leaders, but highly engaged leaders. There’s a delicate balance between being a strong leader and knowing when to let others step up. Jen’s energy as board chair has been electric, and I’m excited for what’s next.”
JEN CROWLEY
2023 BOARD CHAIR
Jen Crowley serves as the co-owner and chief marketing officer for Highland Group and is nearing the end of her term as the Grand Rapids Chamber’s 2023 board chair.
During her time on the board, she served in roles related to budget and finance, public policy, governance, compensation and more. Additionally, Crowley has been involved with several councils and initiatives throughout the years, including serving as the Create Great Leaders council chair in 2015-16.
Now, nearing the end of her one-year term, she’s looking back on her experience and reflecting on the progress the Chamber has made under her leadership.
“This was a BIG year for growth – the new office space, the first full year of the Center for Economic Inclusion, expanding the Elliott- Larsen Civil Rights Act, advancing housing policy, welcoming new Americans, childcare advocacy and more. The Chamber is busy supporting the business community,” says Crowley.
While growth is a great thing, the 2023 board chair is even more focused on leaving a lasting impact for years to come.
“My hope is that in five or ten years, when we look back at the work that the Chamber is doing now, we will see that impact in the community. Are new Americans being welcomed? Have we made meaningful progress on housing affordability and accessibility? Are more people able to create wealth and opportunity through owning or running a business? I want to make a difference that lasts.”
JAMES BYL
2024 BOARD CHAIR
James Byl serves as the owner and president of both Multi-Automatic Tool & Supply Company and Belding Tool & Machine, and will be taking the reins when his board term begins in January 2024.
Byl has been involved with the board for the past 6 years and has held roles on the Executive Board and the Political Action Committee at the Grand Rapids Chamber.
In his new role, Byl is looking forward to serving the community and helping to cultivate a vibrant downtown.
“There are so many great organizations to be involved with here in Grand Rapids, but for me, particularly as a business owner, the heart or essence of a city is its culture and vibrancy.”
Value-driven plans. More resources. Better business benefits.
“I believe the Grand Rapids Chamber is THE organization for helping businesses thrive.”
Byl is eager to get started in 2024 and hit the ground running, especially in a major election year.
“It’s going to be a really big year. I am looking forward to some good political endorsements, another great lineup of programs, and more progress in housing and the many things the Chamber is doing to elevate our city. Personally, I’m looking forward to getting to know all the Board members better, and also the various committee members.”
GR Chamber Promotes Jessie Stek to Director of Operations
Today, the Grand Rapids Chamber announced the promotion of Jessie Stek to Director of Operations. 
Jessie joined the Chamber team in December 2018. Her role entails managing the Chamber’s collaborative office, assisting members in effectively using event spaces, conference rooms, and work areas within the Grand Rapids Chamber offices, and supporting the Chamber Board. With a passion for excellent service and helping others thrive, Jessie is dedicated to creating an environment that helps drive the Grand Rapids business community forward.
Over the course of her five years at the Chamber, Jessie has taken on a variety of responsibilities, including leading a complete redesign of the room rental program and preferred caterer process.
Jessie provided leadership through the Chamber’s office expansion, which added 5,000 square feet and nine new meeting rooms. Since the completion of the expansion in July 2023, utilization of the Chamber’s meeting rooms has more than doubled, with an average of 100+ room rentals monthly.
“Jessie has been instrumental in ensuring excellent member experiences when visiting the Chamber space,” said Kate Wezeman, Senior Vice President of Finance & Operations for the Grand Rapids Chamber. “She has grown our room rentals exponentially and always hustles to find optimal solutions for our guests. She is an example of someone who lives our Chamber values, and we’re thrilled to celebrate her growth on the team.”
As the Director of Operations, Jessie will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the Chamber’s collaborative workspace and room rental utilization.
To send a congratulations or schedule a tour of the Chamber space, please contact Jessie Stek at jessie@grandrapids.org.
The Transformative Power of Human Connection
Reflections on the Leadership Lesson of Christo Brand, Mandela’s Prison Guard Turned Friend
Last week, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted Christo Brand for a special leadership lesson breakfast to share his story of befriending Nelson Mandela, one of his former prisoners.
Throughout his stories, Brand highlighted the positive outcomes that are possible when human connections are made across differences.
Seeing One’s Humanity
Upon entering his profession as a corrections officer, Mr. Brand was told to see prisoners as the enemy, as terrorists who threatened their country, and to treat them accordingly. But Brand chose to see the prisoners in his care as human beings worthy of respect, affirming their humanity through small acts of kindness, which were received with gratitude by Nelson Mandela and his fellow prisoners.
Brand encouraged prisoners to pursue and further their education; and he observed the positive impact education had on Mandela’s life, even though Mandela was serving a life prison sentence.
A West Michigan Story
This observation resonated with my work in the Calvin Prison Initiative (CPI), a bachelor’s degree program offered in partnership between Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary to incarcerated students in the Michigan Department of Corrections.
Through education, the CPI equips students and graduates to become leaders and positively impact their community; and because most CPI students are serving life sentences, they are transforming the prison community from the inside.
Christo Brand and Nelson Mandela exemplify the transformative power of human connection and education to bridge the divide across many areas of difference; and I’m grateful the Calvin Prison Initiative is among many people and organizations striving to make such tools accessible in the West Michigan community and beyond.
Learn more about CPI at an upcoming documentary screening, Behind Our Walls, which recently won the Best Documentary award at the Grand Rapids Film Festival.
36th Annual ATHENA Awards Celebration
The ATHENA Awards Celebration honors those who embody, encourage, and promote the inclusion of women. Join us for an afternoon of celebration, inspiration, networking, and announcing our ATHENA award recipients on Wednesday, October 8!
ATHENA Leadership Award Finalists
The ATHENA Leadership Award is presented to an exceptional leader whose dedication to professional excellence, community service, and empowerment of women exemplifies the highest standards of leadership and mentorship. The finalists are:
Adam Dee
Vice President of Actuarial for Health Plan Business (HPB)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Amy Lee
Executive Dean of Collaborative Programs
Michigan Community College Association; Director, EPiC Consortium
ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award Finalists
The ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award is presented to a rising leader who demonstrates excellence, creativity, and initiative. They serve as a role model and improve the quality of life for others. The finalists are:
Adam Dee
Vice President of Actuarial for Health Plan Business (HPB)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Amy Lee
Executive Dean of Collaborative Programs
Michigan Community College Association; Director, EPiC Consortium
ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award
The ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award recognizes a company that intentionally fosters an environment for women to thrive. This organization is outstanding in their pursuit of supporting, developing, and honoring women leaders in every stage of their life and career. This year, the recognition goes to Huntington Bank!
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Finalist Reception
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