On the Move features and celebrates Flint & Genesee businesses’ grand openings, staff promotions, new hires, recognition, and milestones
(Featured above) Hand of Hope Thrift Boutique, 5331 Corunna Road in Flint Township, May 2
LaFontaine Ford and Lincoln Grand Blanc, 2229 W. Hill Road in Mundy Township, April 10
Promotions, New Hires and Recognition
Genesee County Clerk/Register of Deeds Domonique Clemons has been appointed to the Michigan Community Service Commission by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The Michigan Community Service Commission uses service to address some of the state’s most pressing issues and utilizes its volunteers to strengthen communities.
Communities First, Inc. has hired Julia Zaher as fund development and events manager. Zaher is a Flint native with experience in broadcast and print media and the nonprofit sector. The organization has also welcomed Jelani Bransford as their new human resources manager. He joins their team with over 11 years of experience in workforce development, talent management, and employee relations.
Fessler & Bowman, Inc. has received three recent awards. The Cornerstone Award for Construction Training Excellence recognizes their commitment to training, resources, and opportunities invested in their employees. The Michigan Outstanding Safety Performance Award recognizes the organization’s dedication to maintaining a safe workplace. Finally, the Build Michigan Award for Excellence in Constructing celebrates the new Fessler & Bowman corporate headquarters for their new offices and their innovative space.
Flint Bishop International Airport has welcomed Kasey Posa as director of marketing and public relations.
Genesee County Prevention Coalition has promoted Anthony Nicholas to prevention manager. In this position, Nicholas will oversee the day-to-day activity of the programs of the coalition. He will also be responsible for recruitment, hiring, and staff training.
The Genesee District Library is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Michigan eLibrary Catalog (MeLCat). MeLCat assists libraries in sharing their catalogs with one another and began with just 12 members but now boasts 435. Among the items shared are books, movies, music, audio assets, and more. “Supporting the MeLCat infrastructure that helps hundreds of libraries borrow and lend over one million items per year to provide people in their communities the materials they need for learning, growth, and recreation has been, and continues to be, a great privilege for the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services,” said Scott Garrison, executive director of the organization.
Dr. Mona Hanna has been named one of USA TODAY’s “Women of the Year.” She received this honor due to the significant positive impact she has had on the community and her advocacy for Rx Kids.
The Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown has introduced Briana Crane-Jackson as their new sales and catering manager. She had previously been their front desk lead since 2021.
INC Systems of Genesee County has been recognized as one of the “50 Companies to Watch” by Michigan Celebrates Small Business, an organization that celebrates and supports small businesses across the state. This recognition is for businesses that have high potential, employ 6 to 99 full-time equivalent employees, and generate between $750,000 to $50 million in revenue and working capital yearly. This honor coincides with INC Systems’ new Grand Blanc facility.
Kettering University has been named one of the top Michigan universities by Research.com. They were ranked number four in the state.
Former General Motors president Vivian Rogers Pickard has been named to the Ruth Mott Foundation Board of Trustees. She had previously spent 30 years with General Motors and retired in 2015. Pickard is currently the president and CEO of the Pickard Group, a consulting firm helping public and private sector leaders develop diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies.
Kettering University’s Javad Baqersad, Ph.D, an associate professor of mechanical engineering, has been named the inaugural recipient of the D.L. Brown Award. This award, presented by the Society of Experimental Mechanics, recognizes outstanding research in experimental structural dynamics.
Kettering University has named Enza Sleva as their chief student experience officer. Sleva has over 30 years of customer experience work, culture building, and a background in operations at Ford Motor Company.
Kettering University has received national recognition as one of the top private colleges for return on investment according to a study by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. The university also ranked in the top 20 nationally for best graduate salaries as recognized by The Wall Street Journal in its 2025 WSH/College Pulse Salaries list.
Mott Children’s Health Center has been recognized for four prestigious awards. These awards include: 2025 Best Nonprofits to Work For by Nonprofit Times for the fifth consecutive time, Healthcare Innovation’s Top Companies to Work For in Healthcare, America’s Best Workplaces for excellence in the workplace, and the 2025 DBusiness Top Corporate Culture Awards.
Ruth Mott Foundation President Raquel Thueme has announced that she will retire by Sept. 30, 2025, or upon the naming of her successor. Thueme hired into the foundation in 2011 as a program director, became vice president of programs in 2016, and was named president in 2018.
Weichert Realtors, Grant Hamady has recognized several of their real estate agents for exceptional performances in 2024, based on gross commission income or units closed. Recognized agents are Kendalyn (Sheila) Ross – Executive Club, Amy Garza – President’s Club (Gold), Becky Roth – Sales Achievement, Mark Fisher – Sales Achievement.
Yeo & Yeo has welcomed Kevin Bouma as nonprofit consulting manager. Bouma has over 25 years of experience in public and private accounting, with a background in nonprofit financial management, strategic consulting, and internal controls.
Business News
Essential programs within the Flint community have been given a boost as the FlintNOW Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint announced $1.595 million in grants. The Fund was started by former county resident Tom Gores, chairman and CEO of Platinum Equity, to support immediate and lasting improvements For Flint. Grantees include Communities First, Inc., Michigan State University, Greater Flint Health Coalition, Motherly Intercession, Inc., InvolvedDad, Child Care Network Washtenaw Regional 4C, the Flint Institute of Music, R.L. Jones Community Outreach Center, and the Salvation Army.
Hurley Medical Center is partnering with Abridge, a leading generative AI platform that will make the healthcare experience better for patients. The tool will allow clinicians to focus more on their patients and less on computers.
Kettering University’s advancement of sustainable and clean energy innovation recently received a boost with a gift of $1 million from Windrose Technology, a Silicon Valley business working in the field of electric vehicle innovation. Part of the gift will be for a Sustainability Endowment that will allow the College of Engineering to expand sustainability initiatives.
McLaren Flint has expanded their breast care capabilities by adding the Volpara Risk Pathways software program to their assessment and care management protocols. The addition of this program expands the ability for them to better care for their patients and treat them as part of the Comprehensive Breast Care Program.
The State Bank has merged with ChoiceOne Bank and will change its name to align with the merger. Despite the name change, the company’s dedication to clients and expertise will remain the same.
Young & Young Law Firm, LLC has opened in Flint. This Black-owned law firm pairs law offices with a full array of psychological services. The firm also offers drive-through legal services to better serve all its clients. They specialize in criminal law, personal injury, civil rights, employment law, estate planning, and corporate law and contracts.