On the Move features and celebrates Flint & Genesee businesses’ grand openings, staff promotions, new hires, recognition, and milestones
(Featured above) Melli Cafe, 210 Reid Road in Grand Blanc, June 18
INC Systems, 9400 S. Saginaw Road in Grand Blanc, June 20
Promotions, New Hires and Recognition
The City of Flint has brought on Sydney Booth as an intern with their accounting team. Previously, she was a business analyst for Auto-Owners Insurance.
David McGhee, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, has been appointed to Central Michigan University’s board of trustees by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The board governs the university’s business and affairs.
The Flint & Genesee Group has welcomed Christiana Hawkins as their new digital marketing specialist, Teri Goza as administrative assistant for the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, and Azhar Muhammed as a grants & development data intern. Additionally, Teresa Pennington has been promoted to accounts payable & payroll manager, Terance Green to small business support manager of the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, and Bre’Asia Hamlin to small business coordinator of the Economic Alliance.
Margaret A. Ridley, a paraprofessional with Genesee Intermediate School District, has received the MAER Award from The Michigan Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired. The award recognizes her contributions to blind or visually impaired students.
Dr. Bobby Mukkamala is the new president of the American Medical Association. Mukkamala, whose specialty is Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, is a graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School and has a practice in Flint.
Miller Industries, LLC has welcomed several interns for the summer. They include Aidan Brzezinski, electrical engineering, Lawrence Tech; Owen Kummer, data analytics, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor; Andrew Skellinger, project management, Alma College; Kristina Dama, mechanical engineering, Michigan State University; Noah Roach, software engineering, University of Michigan-Flint; and Conner Kirkman, software engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
Tara Moreno of Serenity House Communities received the Advocate of the Year award from Faces & Voices of Recovery.
The Mott Community College (MCC) board of trustees has appointed Shaunda Richardson-Snell as the college’s eighth president. Additionally, Ryan Trevithick has been named MCC’s women’s basketball head coach. He previously served as head coach for the Powers Catholic High School girls’ basketball team since 2020.
Quantum Packaging Technologies has hired Mike Naddeo as their director of global business development. Naddeo previously served as the development manager at Genesee County Habitat for Humanity.
The University of Michigan-Flint has named Abby Parrill-Baker, who has a doctorate in chemistry, as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. Most recently, she was the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Memphis. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University, as well as a master’s and doctoral degree from the University of Arizona. Additionally, the University of Michigan-Flint has welcomed Shaun Bailey as their new communications specialist. He has 13 years of experience in marketing and communications with a specialization in editing, media relations, and website maintenance.
Uptown Reinvestment Corporation (URC) has welcomed Arionna Williams as a summer intern. She is a recent graduate of Mott Community College
Business News
Bunzl Distribution, Inc. has signed a lease agreement for 162,637 square feet in the Flint Commerce Center. They join Victory Packaging within the facility. Bunzl will use this space to ship non-food supplies to their customers in the food service industry.
The AGC of Michigan recognized Rhoads & Johnson with a 2025 Build Michigan Award for the construction of Fessler & Bowman’s new corporate headquarters. This is the highest honor in the industry, recognizing excellence in commercial construction throughout the state.
The Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance has awarded Moving Flint Forward grants to 26 small businesses thanks to a 2024 grant from General Motors. The cohort consists of 16 new recipients, who received $10,000 each, and 10 returning grantees, who received $5,000 each. New grantees include CKK Services, Inc.; Eaton Media LLC; Epic Technology Solutions LLC; EZ Awareness by Design; Happy Camper Ice Cream LLC; John L Financial Services; Leni Kei Photography; Lord Laird’s, LLC; Out of Line Collective; Paul’s Pipe Shop and Pipe Hospital LLC; PawPaws Pickles LLC; Pop Mod Photo; Queens’ Provisions; Slice Pizza and Pies; The N Look Hair Nail Salon; and Vaniawala Pediatrics PLLC. Returning grantees include 448 Saginaw LLC; 810 Comedy Improv; Adams Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation LLC; Elle Jae Essentials; Harris Family Health; I Love Pig INC; The Junk Pirates; Suggs Sweet Treats; Synergy Beauty Studio; and Tee’s Plentiful Salads.
Kettering University has launched an enhanced College of Engineering and Computer Science, a new School of Foundational Studies, and an expanded Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science. These changes stemmed from a multi-year assessment and growth plan informed by national trends in STEM, workforce projections, and extensive faculty and staff input.
“These changes are not just organizational; they are generative,” said Dr. Robert K. McMahan, president of Kettering University. “They position Kettering to be more agile and innovative, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and providing students with a transformative educational experience that mirrors the demands of today’s—and tomorrow’s—industries.”
NanoGraf Corporation was ranked No. 51 in TIME Magazine’s “World’s Top 250 GreenTech Companies” based on factors including positive impact, financial strength, and innovation. Companies in the list were noted for reducing environmental impact around the world. The company ranked No. 25 in the United States.
Motherly Intercession has relocated to 1188 Robert T. Longway Blvd. in Flint. Motherly Intercession offers services to children whose parents have been incarcerated. With a mission of empowering children to break the cycle of intergenerational incarceration, this new space location will also foster community partnerships and better serve the families they work with.
NorthGate Flint was recognized by General Motors as a 2024 Overdrive Award winner at their 33rd annual Supplier of the Year event. This award recognizes top suppliers who consistently exceed expectations, as well as demonstrate ingenuity and resilience.
The University of Michigan-Flint’s Office of Economic Development (OED) has become a regional hub for the Michigan Inclusive Training Technology and Equity Network program (MITTEN) thanks to a $746,000 grant from the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity of Michigan. The hub is set to serve Michigan’s Prosperity Region 6, which consists of Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, Shiawassee, Sanilac, Tuscola, and St. Clair counties. The hub will offer digital skills training, a device distribution program, affordable internet, and more.
“Closing the digital divide has many components: providing reliable and affordable broadband connectivity, access to technology, and digital literacy,” said Paula Nas, UM-Flint OED director.
The University of Michigan-Flint has been named a “College of Distinction” for 2025. This honor was given by Colleges of Distinction and recognizes a school’s commitment to providing high-quality undergraduate education focusing on hands-on learning, a strong student-teacher relationship, vibrant campus life, and successful outcomes.
The YMCA of Greater Flint has opened their new building in downtown Flint. The $41 million project is part of the LiveWell on Harrison project that also houses the Crim Fitness Foundation, the Hurley Physical Therapy Clinic, and 50 apartments.