FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | December 9, 2024
CONTACT: J.J. Lewis, CEO | (517) 618-1874
Pinckney, MI – North Star Reach, the ninth U.S. residential camp in the SeriousFun Children’s Network founded by actor and philanthropist Paul Newman, is proud to announce the election of four new members to its Board of Directors. The new members bring a wealth of expertise and a shared passion for the mission of North Star Reach, which offers life-changing, year-round programs for children with serious health challenges and their families. These board members were unanimously elected by the Board at its most recent meeting.
“We are thrilled to welcome these exceptional individuals to our Board of Directors,” said Sheri Mark, Board Chair. “Each of them brings unique insights, valuable expertise, and a strong commitment to helping us fulfill our mission of providing joy and transformative experiences to children with serious health challenges and their families. We look forward to the contributions they will make in helping North Star Reach thrive in the years to come.”
Dr. Vanetta Cox Bonner
Dr. Vanetta Cox Bonner brings over 30 years of experience in healthcare and nonprofit leadership. She currently owns a specialty pharmacy and has worked extensively in healthcare operations, clinical management, and development. Dr. Bonner has also served on several boards, including those focused on governance and financial oversight. She holds a Doctorate in Nursing Practice and a Master’s in Nursing Leadership and Administration.
“I am honored to join the North Star Reach Board and contribute to a mission that brings so much joy and transformative experiences to children and families,” shared Dr. Bonner. “I am extremely excited to pay it forward in order to positively impact the lives of children and the communities that we serve.”
Clayton Maas
Clayton Maas is the Vice President of Supply Chain Engineering & ESG at SpartanNash, where he leads efforts in supply chain management, continuous improvement, and sustainability. Previously, he spent over a decade at Whirlpool Corporation. Clayton has also taught project management and operations management at Davenport University. He is passionate about creating sustainable and scalable systems to drive business success and social responsibility.
“I’m excited to bring my experiences in strategy and leadership to North Star Reach,” shared Maas. “Being originally from the greater Brighton area, I’m looking forward to giving back to an area that gave me so much!”
Nick Olexa
Nick Olexa is the President and CEO of Storyfi, LLC, a credit union service organization (CUSO) that designs and implements media solutions for credit unions. With nearly two decades of experience in the credit union industry and leadership roles in marketing, he is known for his expertise in digital storytelling and growth strategies. Nick is deeply connected to the Dexter-Pinckney area and is passionate about supporting organizations that empower children and families.
“I look forward to helping North Star Reach continue to thrive and bring life-changing experiences to children facing extraordinary challenges. Having deep roots in the area, I’ve always appreciated the unique environment and sense of community it provides,” shared Olexa. “It’s a place where kids can truly escape, connect with nature, and build friendships that last a lifetime. I’m honored to serve on their board and contribute to an organization that provides such a nurturing and empowering environment for children and families during challenging times.”
Mark Rigby
Mark Rigby is a seasoned business development and finance expert with over 40 years of experience in the energy and industrial sectors. He recently retired from DTE Energy and now consults in the energy and environmental sectors, with a focus on sustainability and the transition to renewable energy. Mark’s experience spans acquisitions, partnerships, project finance, and climate change initiatives. He holds an MBA from The University of Virginia and a Bachelor’s in Accounting from The Pennsylvania State University.
“I am excited to join the North Star Reach Board and lend my expertise in business development and finance to help further the mission of providing transformative experiences for children and families,” shared Rigby. “I am very optimistic on North Star Reach’s future and the impact it continues to have on its campers and the broader Southeast Michigan community.”
“We are grateful to have Clayton, Mark, Nick, and Vanetta joining our Board of Directors,” said J.J. Lewis, CEO of North Star Reach. “Their collective expertise in healthcare, business, sustainability, and community engagement will help ensure that we continue providing life-changing camp experiences for children with serious health challenges. As we grow our Board and expand our impact, we invite others in the community to join us in supporting this vital mission.”
North Star Reach is actively recruiting for its Board of Directors and various committees. If you are interested in supporting our mission, please contact J.J. Lewis, CEO, at (734) 680-8744 or jj@northstarreach.org.
