Our Team and Board

Our Team
Our Board

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:

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:

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 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:

Jake Advises:

Northwest High School

Quincie Cheeney | College and Career Advisor

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:

Quincie Advises:

DaVinci High School
East Jackson High School
Michigan Center High School

Sam Hunt | College and Career Advisor

A Jackson County native, Sam graduated from Jackson High School and earned her Bachelor of Applied Arts in Communication, with a minor in Recreation and Leadership from Central Michigan University. She brings valuable experience teaching and presenting in the classroom and is passionate about guiding students as they explore college and career opportunities. In her spare time, she loves to travel, play tennis, and spend time with friends and family.

Favorite Quote: "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." - Taylor Swift

Contact: shunt@jacksoncac.org

Specialty Areas:

Sam Advises:

Jackson High School

Sheila Troxel | College and Career Advisor

As part of the College and Career Access Center team, Sheila is passionate about guiding students toward their educational and career goals. Before joining the Center, she served as a Change Management Consultant and Director of Financial Education at TRUE Community Credit Union, building expertise in financial literacy and organizational change. Sheila holds a Bachelor of Arts in German with a minor in Communications from St. Cloud State University. She lives in Jackson with her husband, two dogs, and two cats, and enjoys mountain biking, skiing, knitting, cooking, and traveling.

Favorite Quote: "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by. And that has made all the difference." - Robert Frost

Contact: stroxel@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

Sheila Advises:

Columbia Central High School
Concord High School
Hanover-Horton High School

AnaLuisa Green | Operations Support Specialist

Luisa, a Jackson native, graduated from Jackson High School in 2022 and is currently working towards an Associate of Arts at Jackson College. From there, she plans to further her education out east, hoping to pursue opportunities within the field of Arts and Communications. Luisa began her service to the CCAC in Summer of 2024 as an IMPACT Advisor. She has since volunteered her support on programs like Kids2College/Paths2Professional Skilled Trades and Juniors Over the Local Circuit. Through chaperoning these tours, Luisa has been able to show 8th and 11th grade students across the 13 districts their various post-secondary options, broadening student horizons towards brighter futures.

In her personal life, Luisa has a passion for culinary arts, as well as enjoying creative outlets such as music and journaling.

Favorite Quote: “We don’t get to choose how we start in this life, but we can always choose how we finish” - Jim Croce

Contact: lgreen@jacksoncac.org

Specialty Areas:

Administrative Support • Social Media Support • Data Entry and Support • Community Initiatives 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

Our Board

Chrissy Siders - President/CEO for TRUE Community Credit Union and CURx - Board Chair

Chrissy Siders serves as the President/CEO of CP Federal Credit Union and CU Rx, a risk management and compliance CUSO operated by CP Federal Credit Union. Prior to assuming her role as President/CEO, she was the Vice President of Risk Management/Specialized Lending for the credit union. She joined CP Federal Credit Union in 1998. Chrissy obtained a BA in Criminal Justice in 1999 from Michigan State University and her MBA from Spring Arbor University in 2010. Chrissy holds certifications of Credit Union Compliance Expert, Certified Fraud Examiner, Bank Secrecy Act Compliance Specialist and Credit Union Enterprise Risk Management Expert.

Chrissy is also an adjunct professor at Spring Arbor University in both their undergraduate and graduate programs. Courses taught include Insurance and Risk Management, Financial Capstone, Managerial Accounting, Managerial Economics and Managerial Finance. Chrissy is also on the Boards of Marriage Matters Jackson, the Jackson College & Career Access Center, Henry Ford Allegiance Health and the Chamber of Jackson. Chrissy has been married to her high school sweetheart, Eric, for over 20 years and they have two daughters, ages 15 and 17. Chrissy is a passionate leader who loves the credit union industry and the Jackson Community.

Carrie Glick, JCF Emeritus Trustee, Former Teacher, Community Outreach Representative - Board Vice-Chair

Carrie Glick has been a Jackson resident for most of her life, and is a graduate of Jackson High School. Ms. Glick attended Eastern Michigan University. She earned a Bachelor of Elementary Education with an endorsement in early Childhood Education as well as a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Upon graduation from college, Carrie returned to the Jackson area where she began teaching at Napoleon Community Schools. Over the past 15 years, Carrie has been involved with various non-profit organizations throughout Jackson County. She is an Emeritus Trustee of the Jackson Community Foundation and continues to serve on several of its committees. She has also served as an early childhood consultant.

Jordan Levy-Poling, Customer Service Rep. for Industrial Steel Treating Co. - Board Secretary-Treasurer

Jordan Levy-Poling serves as the Customer Service Representative at Industrial Steel Treating Co, a third-generation family owned Commercial Heat-Treating company, where she proudly represents the fourth generation. Jordan has been a Jackson resident for most of her life and is a 2008 graduate of Jackson High School. Jordan also earned a Bachelor of Business from Grand Valley State University, and is currently enrolled at Spring Arbor University, working toward a master’s in Management and Organizational Leadership. Upon graduation from GVSU, Jordan returned to Jackson and joined the family business, working with her father and uncles at IST. Jordan currently serves on the Jackson Community Foundation’s Fund Development committee, volunteers at the Jackson Community Food Pantry, and as a mentor for Energizing Education. Jordan is married to Brad Poling and has two dogs, Lenny and Fletch.

Jeremy Frew, Executive Director of the Ella Sharp Museum - Board Member

Jeremy Frew has been active in post-secondary education for over 20 years. During his career, he has worked in student services and academics at both private and public institutions. Jeremy’s passion is creating new opportunities for traditional and non-traditional students.

Jeremy previously served as Vice President of Student Services at Jackson College as well as Assistant Dean of Community College Programs at Siena Heights University, where he was responsible for the oversight and expansion of five degree completion sites located on Michigan community college campuses. Jeremy’s responsibilities also included ensuring alignment of the 3 + 1 curriculum with the community college partners while maintaining the flexibility to award non-traditional students credits for work experience and credentials.

Jeremy worked as the Dean of Occupational Education at Jackson College from 2012-2017. Currently, he serves as the Executive Director of the Ella Sharp Museum, on the Michigan Works! Southeast Workforce Development Board, and as a member of the Jackson Community Foundation, Grant Committee.

Monica Pierce, Principal for Instruction of Jackson High School School - Board Member

Monica Pierce is a longtime educator who is married with eight children and eight grandchildren. Monica is passionate about educating the minds of young people and dedicated to helping her fellow educators become great leaders. She is an advocate for every student as a whole child and goes out of her way to ensure that each receives a fair and appropriate education in a safe environment.

Mrs. Pierce earned an Associate of Arts degree at Jackson Community College in 1997. She then received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Psychology at Spring Arbor College in 1999. Monica completed her Master of Arts in K-12 Educational Administration at Michigan State University in 2004. After eleven years of teaching English, she transitioned into the role as Associate Principal at Middle School at Parkside. In August of 2019, Mrs. Pierce was selected as Jackson High School’s first African-American, female Principal for Instruction.

Marla Sanford - Chief Marketing Officer and Interim VP of Enrollment for Spring Arbor University - Board Member

Mrs. Marla Sanford currently serves as Chief Marketing Officer and Interim VP of Enrollment for Spring Arbor University, which also happens to be her undergraduate alma mater. Marla holds a Bachelor’s of Communication from SAU and a Master’s in Strategic Communication from Michigan State University. Before taking her current role in 2021, Marla previously served as VP of Marketing & Communications at American 1 Credit Union in Jackson. She also serves on the board for Family Service & Children’s Aid and has previously served on the boards of Jackson MI Chorale, Rivertree Community Church, and Resale Depot. Marla has two daughters with her wonderful husband, Aaron.

Jeff Punches, Superintendent of East Jackson Community Schools – Board Member

With more than 15 years of experience in education and professional training, Jeff Punches has dedicated his career to supporting student success, staff development, and community engagement. Over the past 10 years at East Jackson Community Schools, he has served in multiple leadership capacities and currently serves as superintendent. Prior to his work in school leadership, Jeff also spent several years as a trainer in the healthcare field, where he developed expertise in communication, leadership development, and organizational training.

Jeff earned his Bachelor of Science in Education from Eastern Michigan University in 2007 and his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from University of Michigan in 2011. He is currently completing his Educational Specialist degree at Western Michigan University and is expected to graduate in December 2026.

Jeff believes strong schools are built through relationships, collaboration, and innovative thinking that keeps students at the center of decision making. As a member of the CCAC Board, Jeff is committed to representing local districts and the students they serve through proactive discussions, strategic leadership, and forward thinking solutions that support educational excellence.

Derrick Crum, State Administrative Manager of Special Projects - Board Member

Derrick Crum, an advocate of educational advancement for all, served 16 years in public school administration. Starting as an in-school suspension coordinator, he rose to the ranks of principal at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels. He also has 2 years of experience in the higher education arena with Jackson College and Spring Arbor University.

Derrick is now employed by the State of Michigan within the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). He began his career with the state of Michigan in 2017. Currently, Derrick serves as the State Administrative Manager of Special Programs. He oversees the Martin Luther King, Jr. - César Chávez - Rosa Parks (KCP) Initiative. There are seven unique KCP Programs designed to assist students along the academic pipeline from sixth grade through graduate study. Prior to his assignment with LEO, Derrick spent 5 ½ years as the Employment Readiness Instructor for the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) helping inmates nearing parole prepare for success as returning citizens.

Derrick is also a veteran of the United States Armed Forces. He served in the US Army’s 82^nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper. Derrick earned his MA from Western Michigan University in Educational Leadership, his BA from Spring Arbor University in Family Life Education, and his AA in Computer Systems from Microcomputer Technology Institute.

990 Public Disclosure for 2016

990 Public Disclosure
Copies of our Governing Documents, Conflict of Interest Policy, and other Financial statements are available upon request.