Board of Directors

Kathryn Boles, of Grand Blanc, retired as President and CEO of the Valley Area Agency on Aging (VAAA), and as immediate past-President of the National Association on Aging (n4a) Board of Directors. Kathryn continues her work with older adults by serving on various boards in her community and nationally. Her board affiliations include: Genesee Health Systems, McFarlan Charitable Corporation, National Caucus and Center on Black Aging in Washington, DC, and the Genesee County Chapter of AARP. Kathryn holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University. Ms. Boles was appointed in 2020 to represent the interests of older adults.

Michael Williams, of Westland, retired in 2023 after serving for 20 years as president and CEO of Orchards Children’s Services, Michigan’s largest foster care and adoption agency. Previously, he was president of Detroit-based Starr Vista Inc., and held various positions with Starr Commonwealth, in Albion. Williams is an adjunct professor at Albion College, and received the “Heroes” award from Michigan’s Children in 2007. He holds many professional memberships and is involved in several community organizations. Williams holds a bachelor’s degree from Albion College and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Eastern Michigan University. He represents the interests of minor children.

Henry Veenstra, of Zeeland, was the President of Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital, a position he held for more than four decades. During his tenure, Veenstra directed all strategic planning, construction of a new facility, and the transition of Zeeland Community Hospital to membership in the Spectrum Health System. In addition to being a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, he is a Life Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and serves on the board of directors of the Michigan Hospital Association Foundation. He was reappointed in 2020 as a nominee of the Senate Majority Leader.

Gilda Jacobs, of Huntington Woods, most recently served as the CEO of the Michigan League for Public Policy before retiring in 2021. She has a long history of public service, previously serving as a state senator, state representative, Oakland County commissioner, and mayor pro-tem of Huntington Woods. Jacobs started her career as a special education teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Master of Arts in Education from the University of Michigan. Jacobs has been involved with many different boards and organizations over the course of her career including the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit Women’s Division, ACLU Executive Committee, Triangle Foundation Advisory Board, the Anti-Defamation League Board, and the South Oakland NAACP Board. She represents the general public.

Elizabeth Boyd, of Lansing, is the owner of Liz Boyd Public Relations, where she provides communications advice and services to a variety of non-profit and political clients including the RACER Trust. She previously served in the administration of Governor Jennifer Granholm as the communications director and press secretary. Boyd has also worked for the Michigan Department of State, the Cabinet Council on Jobs and Economic Development, and the Michigan Senate Democrats. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Master of Arts in Advertising from Michigan State University. She represents the business community.

Lynn Chen-Zhang is the CEO of Zhang Financial, a leading Fee-Only Wealth Management Group in the nation. She is a CFP® and a CPA. She has been named to Investopedia’s list of the top 100 Most Influential Financial Advisors and the InvestmentNews Hot List, which includes 100 all-star wealth professionals redefining success in the financial industry. She is a member of the Western Michigan University (WMU) Board of Trustees — serving as President for two years — and also served as the President of the WMU Foundation for three years. She was awarded the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Invest In Others Charitable Foundation. Ms. Chen-Zhang received her MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University and her Master of Science in Accountancy from WMU. She was appointed in 2024 as a nominee of the House of Representatives Minority Leader.

Leila Kello, of Bloomfield Hills, is the director of development at the Chaldean Community Foundation, a position she’s held since 2014. Her focus areas include fundraising, accreditation, grant management, and educational programming. She previously served on the board of directors for Covenant House Michigan. Leila began her career as an elementary school teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Wayne State University and a Master of Arts in Education from Oakland University. She was appointed in 2024 as a nominee of the Senate Minority Leader.

Rev. James A. Womack, M.D., of Detroit, is a retired anesthesiologist and a former state representative and Detroit School Board member. He currently serves as the assistant minister of health and wellness for Plymouth United Church of Christ and co-pastor of the St. John’s-St. Luke United Church of Christ. Rev. Dr. Womack earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Dillard University, Master of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary, and his medical degree from Meharry Medical College. He serves on the Advisory Boards for Harper-Hutzel Hospital, Detroit Receiving Hospital, and the DMC Heart Hospital. He represents the general public.