Program Associate

On the move. On the move features and celebrates Flint & Genesee businesses' grand openings, staff promotions, new hires, recognition, and milestones. Shaina Allen, a multi-unit franchise owner of Scooter's Coffee, has been accepted to Goldman Sachs' "10,000 Small Businesses" program. The program helps with access to support, education, and capital. Allen owns six Scooter's Coffee locations. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Flint has named Ashley Bond as its CEO. Bond most recently worked at General Motors, where she played a key role in budget management and community outreach. Previously, she worked with Catholic Charities in Virginia and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The Community Foundation of Greater Flint had several staff members accepted into the Lincoln Vibrant Communities Teams Program. Moses Bingham, Latrese Brown, Dr. Kenyetta Dotson, and Percy Glover join the October 2025 cohort, focusing on community safety. The program, presented by the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy and Claremont Lincoln University, is a 24-week experience for teams to develop sustainable community solutions. Crossover Outreach has announced that Tiffany Sommers will take over as its new executive director in January 2026, following the retirement of Denise Diller. Sommer's most recent role was development officer for Crossover Outreach. The Flint & Genesee Group recently hired Nick Newman as an intake coordinator for the East Michigan APEX Accelerator. Newman holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Michigan-Flint and previously worked at Penske. Fessler & Bowman, Inc. has announced Justin Park as its first chief operating officer. Park is a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in construction management and over two decades of experience in the industry. Park will oversee all operational functions across the company. Ayanna Davis and Jennifer Giddings- Essenmacher of the Flint Institute of Arts + Art School (FIA) have both received the 2025 LEAD Award for Emerging Leaders, presented by the Kennedy Center Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD). They are the founding members of the FIA's Accessibility Team, which has transformed the museum into a more inclusive and accessible space. Robert Florkowski has been appointed by the Flint Township Board of Trustees as Chair of the Civil Service Commission. The position was previously held by Don Rockwell, a former judge for the 67th District Court in Genesee County who passed away in July. The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan has named Nadja Kato as their new food sourcing coordinator. The position is made possible thanks to funding from a partnership with Dollar General. Genesee County Clerk/Register of Deeds Dominique Clemons has been appointed as the District 5 Chairperson of the Michigan Association of Registers of Deeds. Christina Kelly, director of Community Impact at the Genesee County Land Bank, has received the National Landbank Network's 2025 Dan Kildee Legacy Award. Santino Guerra has been elected to the Mott Community College Board of Trustees during a special election and will serve through December 2026. Guerra is a federal law enforcement officer and was previously employed by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office. He has also served as a member of the Flint City Council. The NAACP-Flint Branch honored Dr. Aisha Harris of Harris Family Health with the Celia M Turner Humanitarian Award at the 43rd Annual Freedom Fund Dinner. After nearly three decades in a variety of roles at Peckham Inc., Jo Sperry has retired as the organization's chief executive and inclusion officer. Taking over the role is Harry Pianko, who previously served as Peckham's chief financial officer. Before Peckham, Pianko held leadership roles at the Education Achievement Authority of Michigan and various positions at PricewaterhouseCoopers. The Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown has named Sheryl Champine as its new general manager. Previously, she served as the director of sales and was part of the team that helped open the hotel. Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton has been honored with the William F. Delhey Award by the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan. This is their highest honor for a prosecution official, recognizing the work and dedication to the office. Dr. Marc Moisi, director of neurosurgery at Hurley Medical Center, has been elected as president of the Michigan Association of Neurosurgeons. He will serve a two-year term in this position, leading the state's neurological society. McLaren Flint welcomed Dr. Mohamed El Nemer to McLaren Flint Women's Health South as an OB-GYN. Tammy Hannah, president and CEO of Origami Rehabilitation, will be recognized by the Brain Injury Association of Michigan for her work as a changemaker in the brain injury community. Hannah will be celebrated at the 2026 Spring Tribute Legacy Society Dinner. Dr. Nicole Franklin, assistant medical director at the McLaren Bariatric and Metabolic Institute of McLaren Flint, has been appointed as chair of the Integrated Health Section Multidisciplinary Care Committee of the American Society for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery. The committee provides evidence-based support for the role team members play in the long-term success of bariatric surgery patients. Michigan Association of Ambulance Services recognized five Patriot Ambulance Services employees with the Stars of Life Award. This award celebrates Emergency Medical Services professionals who go above and beyond in service, compassion, and commitment to the community. The employees honored include Douglas Williams III, Timothy Knott Jr., Cherie Cuttill, Charles (Chuck) Scott, and Crystal Seekings. The United Way of Genesee County welcomed Nancy Edwards to its team as AFL-CIO community liaison. Edwards recently retired after 24 years with the Genesee County Parks & Recreation Commission. Kettering University has joined the Michigan Colleges Alliance (MCA) to enhance its workforce development efforts. The consortium of independent colleges and universities is committed to producing graduates who will drive growth in the state. MCA facilitates programs that connect students with skill development and career opportunities. The Princeton Review has recognized Kettering University and the University of Michigan-Flint as part of its 2026 Best Colleges: Region by Region for the Midwest listing. Rankings are based on student surveys with questions about sports and athletics, campus life, academics, housing, student services, and the activities offered. Plante Moran has been named by People Magazine in their list of "Companies that Care." Refinery Head Spa has opened in Grand Blanc. Located at 2381 E. Hill Road, Suite 1A, the business specializes in Japanese-inspired scalp treatments. THA Architects Engineers was recognized with the 2025 AIA Flint Honor Award for Best Adaptive Reuse Project for their work on the Genesee County Administration Building. A new production studio has opened in downtown Flint. Uptown Creative Haus is located above the Flint Local 432 on 1st Street and offers recording, production, and film services. Yeo & Yeo has been recognized as one of Michigan's Best and Brightest in Wellness by the National Association of Business Resources. This recognition celebrates businesses that support the well-being and wellness of their staff. This is the 12th consecutive year that they have gained this recognition.

No Flint family left behind: City prepares to assist residents as SNAP benefits and federal paychecks face suspension. FLINT, Mich. - As the federal government shutdown continues, the City of Flint Administration is taking proactive steps to support residents who may soon face disruptions to essential income and food benefits. In partnership with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, the City of Flint is launching a food voucher program to assist households that could be affected if SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits or federal employee paychecks are suspended beginning November 1. Through this collaboration, eligible residents will receive vouchers redeemable for a 30-pound box of food from the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. Each qualifying individual or household will be eligible to receive two vouchers per month as part of the City's emergency support initiative. "Flint families and federal workers shouldn't have to worry about putting food on the table because of circumstances beyond their control," said Mayor Sheldon Neeley. "The City of Flint is committed to standing with our residents and ensuring no family goes hungry during this federal shutdown. We're deeply grateful to the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan for partnering with us once again to meet this critical community need." * Proof of current SNAP benefits and Flint residency, or * Proof of federal employment and Flint residency Eligible residents can visit Flint City Hall to receive their food vouchers. The City of Flint and the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan remain united in their mission to support families, workers, and individuals affected by the shutdown and to ensure continued access to nutritious food across the community. The full scope of the program will be announced in the following week. All Flint and Genesee County residents can visit the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan's website to find a distribution center near them. There are also Mobile Food Pantry dates at various locations throughout the month: