Professional Snapshot
Experience: I started out at another local investment advisor firm as an admin and immediately moved into the Operations Manager role and during my 20 years there, I served in many capacities including portfolio management, office management, and compliance–all while maintaining the operations role. Prior to joining the NPF team, I worked at Van Andel Institute on the investments team overseeing the endowment. In this role as Investment Operations Analyst, I managed all investment data and provided performance reporting for the team and board.
Education: BBA in Finance from Grand Valley State University
Personal Insights
What drives you and what do you enjoy most about being an Operations Manager?
The joy that comes from seeing a process from inception to final implementation and watching the organization thrive on the work of the operations team is fulfilling. Data output, research, projects, and reporting are all dependent on the clean data that goes in, software utilization, and organization. When everyone in the firm can confidently do their work knowing the data and systems are accurate and timely is my why. My passion for operations is to continually improve the process for everyone within the organization and the clients.
What was your journey to the investment world and NPF specifically?
My journey is non-traditional in that I started out in accounting and went back to school after finding accounting lacked a certain level of excitement. After a few years in Investment Management, I discovered that was my passion and have worked downtown Grand Rapids in investment capacity for almost three decades in the investment operations space.
What are the values that drive you in your professional and personal life?
Striving to be a better version of myself day after day. I am a lifelong learner who seeks good in people, building relationships, always challenging myself all while remaining humble with a heart full of gratitude. Life is too short…take the leap, seek adventure, and learn from the failures. These daily life challenges, big or small, should be tackled with grit, honesty, sense of responsibility and all be done with grace, positivity and kindness.
Where did you grow up and where do you live today?
My roots run deep in Grandville where I grew up. My husband, Darrin, and I bought our first home in Grandville, and we raised our two daughters there and they became fourth generation Grandville graduates. I served on many committees and organizations in Grandville over the years and we owned a thriving business there for over ten years. We decided to move out into the country and are now South of Hudsonville where we live in the best neighborhood, with acreage to roam, which is perfect for our three Australian Shepherds. My heart will always belong to West Michigan.
What is your favorite place in West Michigan?
Lake Michigan is my favorite place! I have traveled the world, and we are blessed with our beautiful shoreline and all it offers. Saugatuck Dunes State Park hiking trails and Oval Beach would be my top choice in West Michigan.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love to be outdoors in any season and especially during sunny days and if hiking is involved, I’m in! I always have three books that I’m reading at any given point in time; non-fiction, fiction and devotional. Hospitality and all that comes with that; entertaining, event planning, and welcoming inclusion. As a major Disney fan, I am always planning a magical vacation but traveling to new destinations is usually on the calendar as well.