Debi Howe
Board Chair, Mentor
Debi Howe is a seasoned entrepreneur and community leader with a proven track record of fostering small business growth. After successfully building and selling a technology company with over 400 employees, Debi has dedicated her career to supporting entrepreneurs in Southwest Michigan. As the Board President of the South Haven Regional Business Hub, Debi is passionate about creating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. She has held leadership roles in numerous organizations, including SCORE Kalamazoo/SW Michigan, the Greater Kalamazoo Business Resources Network, and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Her expertise in business development, mentorship, and nonprofit management has benefited countless entrepreneurs and community members.
Steven Whittington
Board Vice Chair, Mentor
Steven Whittington is founder and CEO at LifeWorking Holdings, Inc & President, Community Innovation Collaborative. A 20+ year corporate veteran with Procter and Gamble, Steve has worked from office, home, hammock and coffee shops all over the world. He believes that a healthy work-life balance can best be achieved in environments that promote personal productivity and collaboration in locations that allow you to quickly pivot between work and life – no matter who you are or what you do.
Michael Neiss
Board Secretary, Leadership Subject Matter Expert
Michael brings a passion for leadership and organizational excellence that was formed during his years as a member of the management team at United Parcel Service, CMS Energy, and General Motors. Throughout his work with his own firm, Michael T Neiss and Associates, and his continued work as a senior consultant with the Tom Peters Company, Mike’s focus has been on helping organizations gain a competitive advantage through their people. Mike has been recognized as one of the original Master Consultants for the Leadership Challenge. Mike’s work has been focused on helping organizations develop their leaders and build the necessary systems and practices to insure a committed and focused workforce. He has had the opportunity to work closely with many of the best thought leaders. Michael is also one of the founding certified consultants of the Extreme Leadership Institute. Owner: Neiss and Company.
John M. “GB” Richmond
Board Treasurer, Accounting Mentor
John M. “GB” Richmond is the founder of Goodbye Money Stress, a company providing much needed financial literacy workshops for groups, as well as offering consulting services for individuals. A St. Paul moment led GB to a second B.A., this one in Theological Studies, and some new paths. He relished time he was given teaching high school theology, as general manager of a small Catholic radio station, and as North Region Manager with Mid-West Family SWMI. Each opportunity has been a stepping stone providing new experiences that he shares for the benefit of others. GB is also actively involved in serving his community, as an Ambassador with the South Haven Chamber of Commerce, in the South Haven Rotary, where GB is chair of the Youth Services Committee, and in many roles at St Basil’s Catholic Church. Owner: Goodbye Money Stress.
Trevor Brooks
Board Member, Marketing & AI Subject Matter Expert
Trevor Brooks is an AI-powered revenue engineer and business strategist with over 25 years of experience in marketing and sales consulting. As Principal Consultant at IdeaCloud, he helps SaaS startups and service-based companies automate processes and convert more leads into customers. Over the past three years, Trevor has become a leader in AI implementation, helping businesses harness artificial intelligence to streamline operations and accelerate growth. Trevor’s work spans strategic planning, system integration, and custom automation workflows that deliver measurable results. He is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs with innovative tools and strategies needed to compete in today’s rapidly evolving digital marketplace.
Marc Ugol
Board Member
Marc Ugol is a nationally recognized leader in Global Human Capital Management. He has served as the Chief Human Resources Officer of multiple Fortune 200 companies including Bechtel, United Airlines and Constellation Energy Group. He has provided critical Human Capital leadership on mergers and acquisitions involving more than 40 strategic transactions in industries experiencing transformational growth. Marc has served on numerous Boards including the Human Resources Policy Association (Washington, DC), the Center on Executive Compensation (Washington, DC), TalentGuard (Austin, TX), Skills for Chicagoland’s Future, Sapien Software, and the Human Resources Management Association of Chicago. He also serves as an Executive Advisor with Challenger, Gray and Christmas in Chicago. Marc holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University.
Scott Whiteford
Board Member
Scott A. Whiteford, J.D., works in his family’s business of Whiteford Wealth Management Inc. solving a wide range of finance, tax, legal, and real estate issues for his clients across the country full-time. In addition, he and his wife own the Historic Hotel Nichols, are partners in Kal-Haven Outpost, and a wide variety of long-term rental properties in SWMI. He is also the owner of South Haven Real Estate, a local boutique real estate brokerage and serves on the boards of Market One, Drawing Children Into Reading, YDC, the Mitten Children’s Museum, and the South Haven Rod & Gun Club. He and his wife, Karine, enjoy raising their 4 young children in beautiful South Haven where you can find them frequenting the local arcade, candy shop, rock shop, and all of the wonderful restaurants Michigan’s great Southwest has to offer.
