Navigating the Pathway to Your Success
Our Team
Nancy Peters-Lewis | Executive Director
Nancy joined the CCAC team as Executive Director in the Fall of 2014. Before joining the CCAC, Nancy was the Education Director and Community Outreach Coordinator for the YMCA in Battle Creek. Prior to that, she served as the LCAN Coordinator of the Greater Albion College Access Network. Nancy is a Jackson native and a proud alumna of Jackson High School.
Nancy obtained her Bachelor of Economics and International Studies from Albion College, where she also minored in French. She continued on to acquire her Masters in Organizational Management from Spring Arbor University. Throughout her professional career, she has served in various capacities within government, non-profit, education, and business arenas, with a strong focus on providing equal access to programming for underrepresented populations.
Nancy spends her personal time reading, running, biking, swimming, and enjoying the arts. She also appreciates the togetherness she finds with her husband and six children.
Favorite Quote: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead
Contact: nancy@jacksoncac.org
Specialty Areas:
Leadership Management • Fundraising and Grant Writing • Communications • Business Direction and Strategic Planning • Public Relations • Organizational Management • Agency and Staff Evaluation • Community Advising, Presenting, and Speaking • Recruiting and Retaining Quality Staff • Creating a Strong Organizational Culture • Program Expansion and Design • Engaging Board Members, Volunteers, and Donors • Growing and Protecting Earned Revenue and Grant Funding
Megan Pitts | Operations, Development, and Impact Director
Megan hails from Danville, Virginia. She attended the University of Virginia, where she earned her bachelor of arts in Sociology. Before joining the CCAC, Megan worked as a High School Career Coach and a Student Success Coach at Danville Community College, where she helped students create a post-secondary plan and navigate through barriers within higher education.
In her free time, Megan enjoys going on long walks and working on various craft projects including crocheting, knitting, and sewing. She also loves to spend quality time with her husband and her Boston Terrier, Lacey.
Favorite Quote: "Around here, however, we don't look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward opening up new doors and doing new things...and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." - Walt Disney
Contact: mpitts@jacksoncac.org
Specialty Areas:
Office Scheduling and Maintenance • Advisor Support • Fund Drive Support • Team and Board Meeting Support • Summer Melt Coordination • New Employee Onboarding and Training • Communications and Marketing Coordination • Website Maintenance • Social Media Management • Quarterly Newsletter and Monthly Scholarship Development • Data Management and Analysis
Stacy Bell | Finance Director
Stacy, a native of Kalamazoo, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Spanish from the University of Michigan, and continued on to acquire her Masters of Business Administration from Western Michigan University. Prior to joining the CCAC, Stacy worked for PNC Bank as a Treasury Management Officer and Business Banker.
Stacy now resides in Jackson with her husband and daughters. In her free time, she enjoys golfing, attending college football games, and spending family time in northern Michigan.
Favorite Quote: "When writing the story of your life, don't let anyone else hold the pen." - Unknown
Contact: stacy@jacksoncac.org
Specialty Areas:
Payroll • Annual Fund Drive • Accounts Payable and Receivable • Preparation of Financial Reports • Budgets and Audit Review
Brian Green | Community Initiatives and Advising Director
Brian is a Jackson native and a graduate of Michigan Center High School. Brian continued his education at Eastern Michigan University, where he studied Language, and the University of Michigan - receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Communications. He returned to further his education at Baker College of Jackson, building core competencies in Human Services and Psychology. It was through a Baker internship that Brian arrived at the College and Career Access Center. After the term, he was hired to assist in the Summer Melt program, later transitioning into an advisor position.
In his free time, Brian serves the Jackson community as a volunteer and mentor. Brian is also a dedicated father who enjoys spending quality time with his daughter, particularly developing culinary skills together. Brian's other interests include, writing fiction and poetry, long-distance running, and musical performance.
Favorite Quote: "I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you possess is a hammer, to treat every problem as if it were a nail." - Abraham Maslow
Contact: brian@jacksoncac.org
Specialty Areas:
Special Projects Support • Fund Drive Support • Newsletter Support • Community Initiative Coordination • Summer Outreach • Internship Coordination • Juniors Over the Local Circuit Coordination • Kids2College/Pathways to Professional Skilled Trades Coordination • Training and Mentorship • College and Career Advising • Resume, Cover Letter, and Interview Support
Jorge Rodriguez | College and Career Advisor
Jorge hails from the south side of Chicago, where he spent his childhood, but comes to the CCAC from San Antonio, Texas. Jorge graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Sociology. After completing an active-duty tour with the U.S. Navy, Jorge interned and pursued a position working with the Department of Family and Protective Services for the state of Texas. Most recently, Jorge moved to Michigan to explore new opportunities and achieve higher education. In his free time, Jorge enjoys exercising, lounging around, and spending time with his friends and family. Jorge's other interests include traveling and sight-seeing.
Favorite Quote: "Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get." - Andrew Carnegie
Contact: jrodriguez@jacksoncac.org
Specialty Areas:
College and Career Advising • Career Assessments • Resumes/Cover Letters • Soft Skills/Interviewing • Job Shadow Support • Career and Employment Exploration • Scholarship Support • FAFSA Completion • College and Skilled Trades Applications • Presentation Construction • Summer Outreach
Jorge Advises:
- Concord High School
- Napoleon High School
- Springport High School
Arlene Duncan | College and Career Advisor
Arlene Duncan, a native of Jackson, MI, is a dedicated college advisor specializing in guiding students towards their academic and professional goals. A proud alumna of Michigan State University, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Advertising Management & Media. With a background in marketing and youth mentorship, Arlene brings a wealth of experience to her role, empowering students to navigate their educational journey with confidence.
In her free time, Arlene finds joy in lifelong learning, shopping, and cherishing moments with her loved ones.
Favorite Quote: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill
Contact: aduncan@jacksoncac.org
Specialty Areas:
College and Career Advising • Career Assessments • Resumes/Cover Letters • Soft Skills/Interviewing • Job Shadow Support • Career and Employment Exploration • Scholarship Support • FAFSA Completion • College and Skilled Trades Applications • Presentation Construction • Summer Outreach
Arlene Advises:
- Grass Lake High School
- Vandercook Lake High School
- Western High School
Jake Gagne | College and Career Advisor
Jake was born in Livonia, MI, and moved to Linden, MI, at the age of 5, where he was raised. He graduated from Linden High School in 2017 and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Grand Valley State University in 2021, with a minor in applied statistics. After graduation, Jake spent several years in the sales industry, where he discovered a passion for working with people and serving as a source of information.
In his free time, Jake enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, Amanda, and their dog, Scooby. He also enjoys working out, playing the drums and piano, and completing projects around the house.
Favorite Quote: " People who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do." - Rob Siltanen
Contact: jgagne@jacksoncac.org
Specialty Areas:
College and Career Advising • Career Assessments • Resumes/Cover Letters • Soft Skills/Interviewing • Job Shadow Support • Career and Employment Exploration • Scholarship Support • FAFSA Completion • College and Skilled Trades Applications • Presentation Construction • Summer Outreach
Jake Advises:
- Northwest High School
Quincie Cheeney | Advising and Operations Support Specialist
Quincie was born and raised in Jackson County and the surrounding areas. Quincie graduated from Concord High School where she participated in a foreign exchange program allowing her to study abroad in Germany. She then attended Albion College where she graduated with a Bachelor's degree of Liberal Arts in Kinesiology. Prior to joining the CCAC, she worked as an ABA Technician providing behavioral health therapy to children with autism. Quincie has always enjoyed being involved in her community and helping others as well as learning about diverse backgrounds.
In her free time, Quincie can be found spending time with her family and friends or traveling to always find an adventure.
Favorite Quote: "No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world." -Robin Williams
Contact: qcheeney@jacksoncac.org
Specialty Areas:
Administrative Support • College and Career Advising • Career Assessments • Resumes/Cover Letters • Soft Skills/Interviewing • Job Shadow Support • Career and Employment Exploration • Scholarship Support • FAFSA Completion • College and Skilled Trades Applications
Quincie Advises:
- DaVinci High School
- East Jackson High School
- Michigan Center High School