About Us

James O. Sawyer (LM VII) is currently serving as Provost and Senior Vice President for the Learning Unit at Macomb Community College. During his twelve years at Macomb, he has also served as the Dean of Engineering and Advanced Technology and Vice Provost for Career Programs. Jim has been the principle investigator on two successful National Science Foundation grants and has led numerous academic program modifications and student success initiatives. Prior to joining Macomb Community College, Jim held leadership positions in engineering, quality, and operations at companies such as Chrysler, Dana, Ancor, and a New Haven Foundry. Jim is an American Society of Quality Certified Quality Engineer and his education background includes a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Lawrence Technological University, Master of Science in Administration and Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Central Michigan University. He currently serves on the Boards for Leadership Macomb, St. John Providence Health System – Eastern Region, and the American Society of Body Engineers Foundation.

Dr. Glover serves as the Dean of Business and Technology for Baker College of Clinton Township and the Port Huron campus. Dr. Glover has more than twenty three years’ experience in higher education – associate professor of marketing and management; director of cohorts, director of MBA programs, associate dean, and currently a Dean. Dr. Glover received her Bachelor of Science and her MSA from Central Michigan University and her Doctor of Business Administration – Leadership and Management from Lawrence Technological University. Dr. Glover serves on the board for Hope Center of Macomb and Leadership Macomb.

Linda McGrail Belau (LMVIII) is an attorney and shareholder with the law firm of O’Reilly Rancilio where she concentrates her practice in business litigation, family law, probate litigation and property tax appeals. Linda graduated from the James Madison College at Michigan State University with a Bachelors of Arts in International Relations. She obtained her Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University Law School where she graduated cum laude and received the prestigious Order of the Coif. She also was an associate and assistant editor of the Wayne Law Review. Linda previously was elected and served terms on the Utica Charter Revision Commission and the Macomb County Board of Commissioners. She was an assistant prosecuting attorney and a shareholder at the law firm of Butzel Long, one of Michigan’s oldest and largest law firms. She has previously served on the Board of Directors for the Macomb County Bar Association and as President of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan—Macomb Region. She is rated AV (“preeminent”) by Martindale Hubbell for her legal expertise and ethics. She is also currently serving as a board member for the Hope Center, a non-profit food pantry available to individuals and families in need who reside in Macomb County.

Barbara W. Rossmann is the President and CEO of Henry Ford Macomb Hospitals. She joined the organization in 1999 as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and was appointed to her current position in 2004. In addition to her Leadership Macomb board position, Barbara serves as a board member for the Sterling Heights Regional Chamber, the Alliance for Advancing Nonprofit Healthcare, the Midwest Chapter of American College of Healthcare Executives (MCACHE), the Macomb Health Plan, the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine Statewide Campus System, the 5/3 Bank Eastern Division Board of Directors, as vice chair of the Southeast Michigan Red Cross board, and a member of the Michigan Hospital Association’s Legislative Policy Panel. Barbara received her Master’s of Science Degree in Nursing from Texas Women’s University and initiated doctoral studies. In addition to executive leadership roles within the Daughters of Charity Health System and Trinity Health, both leading health systems in the United States, Barbara served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps.

Kathryn Dimond (LM XVI) is an experienced project manager with expertise in marketing and community outreach. A docent at the Detroit Institute of Arts, she has extensive training in art history and the DIA’s teaching methods. In her current role as Vice President, Community Relations, Dimond manages the DIA’s efforts to engage members of the community using art experiences within and outside of the DIA. She played a key role in the museum’s successful millage effort in August 2012 and is now working to fulfill requirements set forth in agreements pertaining to millage support. She has a Bachelor of Arts in social science from Michigan State University.

Randall Wylin (LM XIII) works for Bank of America as a Vice President – Small Business Banker. He is responsible for providing personalized attention to small business owners and finding ways to streamline his client’s financial process. He has 20+ years experience in the banking field. Randy serves as a Board member for the Romeo Kids Foundation, Kiwanis and Leadership Macomb. Randy was instrumental in the development of Leadership Macomb’s Junior Leadership Macomb program. Randy graduated Cumma Sum Laude from Macomb County Community College with degrees in Management and General Business.

James O. Sawyer (LM VII) is currently serving as Provost and Senior Vice President for the Learning Unit at Macomb Community College. During his twelve years at Macomb, he has also served as the Dean of Engineering and Advanced Technology and Vice Provost for Career Programs. Jim has been the principle investigator on two successful National Science Foundation grants and has led numerous academic program modifications and student success initiatives. Prior to joining Macomb Community College, Jim held leadership positions in engineering, quality, and operations at companies such as Chrysler, Dana, Ancor, and a New Haven Foundry. Jim is an American Society of Quality Certified Quality Engineer and his education background includes a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Lawrence Technological University, Master of Science in Administration and Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Central Michigan University. He currently serves on the Boards for Leadership Macomb, St. John Providence Health System – Eastern Region, and the American Society of Body Engineers Foundation.

Judy Ann Betts is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional and president of Sterling Financial Planning, Ltd. She is a representative of Cambridge Investment Research, member FINRA/SIPC, specializing in retirement planning and wealth management. Judy has been active in several community organizations. She currently chairs Leadership Macomb’s Community Service Day Committee. Judy attended Olivet College, Wayne State University and has a certificate from The College for Financial Planning.

Dr. Glover serves as the Dean of Business and Technology for Baker College of Clinton Township and the Port Huron campus. Dr. Glover has more than twenty three years’ experience in higher education – associate professor of marketing and management; director of cohorts, director of MBA programs, associate dean, and currently a Dean. Dr. Glover received her Bachelor of Science and her MSA from Central Michigan University and her Doctor of Business Administration – Leadership and Management from Lawrence Technological University. Dr. Glover serves on the board for Hope Center of Macomb and Leadership Macomb.

Bio Coming Soon!

Kathryn Dimond (LM XVI) is an experienced project manager with expertise in marketing and community outreach. A docent at the Detroit Institute of Arts, she has extensive training in art history and the DIA’s teaching methods. In her current role as Vice President, Community Relations, Dimond manages the DIA’s efforts to engage members of the community using art experiences within and outside of the DIA. She played a key role in the museum’s successful millage effort in August 2012 and is now working to fulfill requirements set forth in agreements pertaining to millage support. She has a Bachelor of Arts in social science from Michigan State University.

Melissa Jackson, CHSP, EMT-P, EMSIC, BHSA (LM XIV) is a licensed EMS paramedic instructor/coordinator and Manager of EMS Programs and Emergency Management for Henry Ford Macomb Hospitals. She manages the preparedness, response, and recovery of incidents/disasters for 3 hospital sites and multiple ambulatory care sites. Melissa is a Committee member for Macomb County EMS Medical Control Authority and the Region 2 North Healthcare Coalition. Melissa is the Treasurer for Michigan Fire Corps Executive Board. Melissa holds a bachelor’s degree in Health Services Administration and certifications in healthcare safety and healthcare emergency management. She chairs Leadership Macomb’s Health Day Committee.

Linda McGrail Belau (LMVIII) is an attorney and shareholder with the law firm of O’Reilly Rancilio where she concentrates her practice in business litigation, family law, probate litigation and property tax appeals. Linda graduated from the James Madison College at Michigan State University with a Bachelors of Arts in International Relations. She obtained her Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University Law School where she graduated cum laude and received the prestigious Order of the Coif. She also was an associate and assistant editor of the Wayne Law Review. Linda previously was elected and served terms on the Utica Charter Revision Commission and the Macomb County Board of Commissioners. She was an assistant prosecuting attorney and a shareholder at the law firm of Butzel Long, one of Michigan’s oldest and largest law firms. She has previously served on the Board of Directors for the Macomb County Bar Association and as President of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan—Macomb Region. She is rated AV (“preeminent”) by Martindale Hubbell for her legal expertise and ethics. She is also currently serving as a board member for the Hope Center, a non-profit food pantry available to individuals and families in need who reside in Macomb County.

Julie Dichtel (LM XII) is a higher education professional with more than 20 years in the field. She has worked in many sectors of higher education including community colleges, private universities, for-profit universities and public universities. Currently serving as the Executive Director, Macomb County Outreach for Oakland University in Macomb County, Dichtel provides leadership for Oakland University’s Macomb County operations. Julie holds an MBA from Wayne State University and Bachelor of Business Administration from Walsh College. Julie was instrumental in planning and facilitating Leadership Macomb’s Junior Leadership Macomb program and chairs the Education and Workforce Development Day Committee.

Patty Lopez (LM XIV).  is the President of Rose-A-Lee Technologies where she designs and builds optimized light-weight products.  She openly admits to being a Lawrence Tech Alumn with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Master of Engineering in Manufacturing Systems.  Eight years ago, Patty ditched her position as a Production Supervisor at Chrysler to build a business with her family making army parts instead of car parts. She empowers women to join in her plot to take over the world starting with her role as President of Women in Defense Michigan Chapter.  Also, in her spare time she is an Inforum Macomb Affinity Group Co-Chair, and Advisor for National Defense Industrial Association Michigan Chapter, and on the Program Counsel for Leadership Macomb.  Patty is the proud mother of one and a half and a total book nerd.

Karen Smith (LM X) has been the Executive Director for Leadership Macomb, Inc., since 2007. She is responsible for all aspects of running the organization including recruitment, fundraising, curriculum development, operations and marketing. During her tenure the program has experienced substantial growth and has added an additional program for high school students.

Prior to joining Leadership Macomb, Inc., Mrs. Smith worked for the Henry Ford Health System for twelve years, most recently as the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Henry Ford Macomb Hospital – Warren Campus. While there, she successfully spearheaded a nationally recognized re-branding campaign and name change which resulted in increased volume and heightened brand awareness.

She has a Bachelor’s Degree in marketing from Oakland University and a Master of Science in Management degree from Walsh College. She has served as a mentor for teens through the Winning Futures Program, and served on the Board for All the World’s a Stage, a theater group for youth. She was an Athena Award nominee in 2005 and 2010. She is involved with the Sister City program through Clinton Township as a host family for Japanese visitors. She was appointed by County Executive Hackel for a three-year term on the Macomb County Ethics Board in 2011.

Diane Banks is the Program Director for Leadership Macomb. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Central Michigan University. After college she began working for the Macomb County Health Department and worked there for nearly 10 years as an Environmental Health Specialist and Program Administrator/Educator for the Surface Water Quality Education Program. While working for Macomb County she received her Master of Public Administration Degree. She began working for LM in 2015. She serves on the New Baltimore Downtown Development Authority and the planning committee for Run The Plank 5k community fundraising event in Macomb Township. She currently resides in New Baltimore with her husband Mike and their two children.

Julie Petkoff is the Administrative Assistant at Leadership Macomb. She received a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Calvin College. Julie’s previous experience includes being a mentor, fundraising and recruiting volunteers. In Julie’s free time she enjoys reading, bike riding and swimming. She currently resides in Sterling Heights with her husband Dan their two children.

Born and raised in Macomb County, Mark A. Hackel is a proud graduate of Warren Consolidated Schools, where he never missed a day of classes. He literally worked his way through college, earning an associate’s degree from Macomb Community College, a bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University and a master’s in public administration from Central Michigan University.

 

His career in law enforcement began in 1981 as a dispatcher with the Macomb County Sheriff’s Department. Over the next 20 years he worked his way through every rank and was ultimately elected sheriff in 2000. As sheriff, he was recognized for his innovative law enforcement practices and his fiscal discipline. Mr. Hackel was elected to serve as Macomb’s first-ever county executive in November 2010, finishing first in every voting precinct in the county. He ran on a platform of making County government more efficient and effective, and promised to be accountable, accessible, and a passionate advocate for Macomb.

 

As chief executive officer of Michigan’s third largest county, Mr. Hackel is aggressively focusing on both economic and community development.  He actively promotes the county’s strong automotive and advanced manufacturing capacity and is branding Macomb County as the “Defense Capitol of the Midwest.”  He is also championing the “Blue Economy” initiative, which supports clean water, tourism, recreation and economic development of Lake St. Clair and the Clinton River.  Recently, he unveiled “Make Macomb Your Home” which promotes the county as a great place to live, work, play, raise a family and grow your business.

 

Mr. Hackel is a forceful advocate for Macomb County on key regional issues and has been an effective voice with Macomb’s elected delegation in Lansing and Washington D.C.  He is committed to providing innovative leadership for the region while delivering services citizens and businesses expect.

James Jacobs, Ph.D.
President, Macomb Community College

James Jacobs assumed the presidency of Macomb Community College on July 1, 2008. Prior to his appointment, he concurrently served as director for the Center for Workforce Development and Policy at the college, and as associate director, Community College Research Center (CCRC), Teachers College, Columbia University, where he currently serves as a member of its board of directors.

Jacobs earned his Ph.D. from Princeton University and has more than 40 years experience at Macomb. He has taught social science, political science and economics. He specializes in the areas of workforce skills and technology, economic development, worker retraining and community college workforce development, and is widely published in these areas of expertise. In addition, Jacobs has conducted research, developed programs and consulted on workforce development and community college issues at the national, state and local levels.

He is a past president of the National Council for Workforce Education, a national post-secondary organization of occupational education and workforce development specialists, and a member of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Advisory Board of the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the National Assessment of Career and Technical Education. He is also a member of the Community College Advisory Panel to the Educational Testing Service in Princeton New Jersey.

Jacobs is currently serving on the Governor’s Talent Investment Board, which advises Michigan’s governor on job creation, and talent development and retention. He is widely known for the Macomb County Economic Forecast, which he has presented annually for 29 years for the coalition of county’s chambers of commerce. Jacobs serves on a number of local boards, including the Center for Automotive Research, Metropolitan Affairs Council and the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Dr. Albert Lorenzo began his career in public accounting and then joined the Macomb College staff as an Assistant Professor. He later served as the college’s Business Manager, Controller and Vice President for Business. He became President in 1979 and served in that position for 29 years. Under his leadership Macomb evolved into one of the nation’s largest two-year colleges and the leading grantor of Associate Degrees in Michigan. Following his retirement from Macomb, he served for six years as an Executive in Residence at Oakland University.

 

Dr. Lorenzo is a highly respected civic leader and has shaped educational, workforce, and economic development policies on the local, state and national level. He has extensive experience in organizational policy and governance and has served on numerous professional, civic and corporate brands. Al grew up in Detroit and studied finance and management while in college, earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting, a master’s in business administration, and a doctorate in administration. He has taught in the fields of accounting and management and has lectured at more than a dozen universities around the country. His many civic and professional contributions have brought him national recognition, including fourteen major leadership awards and two honorary doctoral degrees.

 

Al and his wife Katherine live in Clinton Township and both are actively involved in civic and volunteer programs. They have four children and eight grandchildren.

Barbara W. Rossmann is the President and CEO of Henry Ford Macomb Hospitals. She joined the organization in 1999 as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and was appointed to her current position in 2004. In addition to her Leadership Macomb board position, Barbara serves as a board member for the Sterling Heights Regional Chamber, the Alliance for Advancing Nonprofit Healthcare, the Midwest Chapter of American College of Healthcare Executives (MCACHE), the Macomb Health Plan, the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine Statewide Campus System, the 5/3 Bank Eastern Division Board of Directors, as vice chair of the Southeast Michigan Red Cross board, and a member of the Michigan Hospital Association’s Legislative Policy Panel. Barbara received her Master’s of Science Degree in Nursing from Texas Women’s University and initiated doctoral studies. In addition to executive leadership roles within the Daughters of Charity Health System and Trinity Health, both leading health systems in the United States, Barbara served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps.

 

Roy Rose serves as the President at Anderson, Eckstein & Westrick, Inc. He started at Anderson, Eckstein & Westrick, Inc. as a Project Manager in 1985 then was promoted to Vice President in 1994. Roy received his BSCE in Structural and Construction Engineering from Michigan Technological University.

Donald R. Torline was born in Detroit and raised in Flint, Michigan and graduated from Ainsworth High School in 1965. Donald served in the Army Security Agency, as a communications intelligence specialist from 1966-1970. Donald earned his undergraduate B.S. Degree from Oakland University and Graduate M.A. Degree from Eastern Michigan University in Educational Leadership and State of Michigan Teacher Certification in Business Vocational Education, University of Michigan.

 

Donald served as President of Baker College for thirty years before retiring in 2015. He currently serves on the Focus Macomb as Co-Chair, Macomb County Food Program, Henry Ford Macomb Hospital Strategy and Growth Committee and as an advisor to the Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel.

 

Donald enjoys spending time with his wife, kids and grandchildren.

Sheriff Anthony Wickersham began his career at the Macomb County Sheriff’s office in 1986 as a Correctional Officer.  Over the years, he has served in every rank of the department until he was appointed to his current position as Sheriff in 2011.

 

Early on, Sheriff Wickersham was promoted to Deputy Sheriff and assigned to the Macomb Township Substation; during this time, he also served as a member of the County of Macomb Enforcement Team (COMET) as a narcotics investigator. With his hard work and dedication to the department, he was quickly promoted to Sergeant 1 and assigned to the afternoon shift until his promotion to full sergeant.

 

As a full sergeant, he was reassigned to the midnight shift; before long he was selected to be the Administrative Sergeant for the Detective Bureau. Sheriff Wickersham was promoted to Lieutenant and spent a short time on the midnight shift until he became the Detective Lieutenant in charge of the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau.

 

Sheriff Wickersham is a Firearms Instructor and Hostage/Crisis Negotiator at the Sheriff’s Office.

 

Sheriff Wickersham obtained his Associate Degree in Law Enforcement from Macomb Community College, a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Wayne State University in Interdisciplinary Studies and graduated from the Northwestern University Center of Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command. He also attended the 208 th Session of the F.B.I National Academy in Quantico, Virginia; as well as, the United States Secret Service Dignitary Protection School in Washington D.C.

 

Sheriff Wickersham is committed to maintaining the vital services that are needed to keep our community safe; while administrating plans to cut costs and save the dollars.  He was born in Detroit and raised in Warren and now resides in Macomb Township.