Page 14 - 2025 Samaritas Winter Our Hands

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Honoring Those Who Serve, Welcoming Those Who Will

The Ambassador Brick Award

The Grand Haven, Spring Lake, and Ferrysburg Chamber of Commerce hosted its
Early Bird Breakfast on October 17th, offering attendees a front-row seat to the latest
developments in the local business and community landscape. The event featured
updates from local and state lawmakers, a look ahead at regional initiatives, and
valuable networking opportunities with new Chamber members and area
professionals.

A standout moment of the morning was the presentation of the Ambassador Brick
Award to Samaritas, recognized for its outstanding contributions to the community
through The Landing at Spring Lake. Chamber Ambassador Stacey Ruwe
highlighted Samaritas’ impactful work and ongoing commitment before presenting
the award to Joel Lautenbach, Executive Director of Affordable Living Development.
Representing Samaritas at the event were Joel Lautenbach, Kelsea Wierenga, Alex
Wilson, and Sheila Morris. Samaritas was also proud to include two trusted partners
in attendance: Hadley Streng, President of the Grand Haven Area Community
Foundation, and James Lewis, Director of Development at Pinnacle Construction.

Welcoming Our New Board Members

Kimberly Burke Debora Matthews Kush Shaqiri

A financial integrity and compliance expert, With more than 45 years of executive Kush Shaqiri brings dynamic leadership and
Kimberly Burke serves as Manager of experience, Debora Matthews has devoted healthcare strategy expertise to the
Corporate Audit Investigations at Mercedes- her career to advancing behavioral health, Samaritas Board. As Vice President of
Benz North America Corporation, where she child welfare, and nonprofit excellence. As Government Programs & Business Services
oversees global audit processes and former President & CEO of The Children’s at Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana,
investigations to ensure transparency and Center of Wayne County, she led the he oversees operations serving more than 15
ethical excellence. A Certified Fraud organization through transformative growth million members across multiple states. With
Examiner and former Senior Manager at —expanding its impact from $10 million to prior leadership roles at Highmark Health,
Deloitte, Kim brings more than two decades $24 million in annual operations. Now Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, and
of experience in forensic accounting and risk President and Owner of Christian Deloitte Consulting, Kush has built a career
management. Beyond her corporate Accounting Services, Debora continues to focused on expanding access, integrating
achievements, she is a passionate civic guide nonprofits toward sustainability and care delivery, and driving sustainable growth
leader—serving as President of the Junior success. Her leadership is rooted in faith, in both public and private health programs. A
League of Detroit (2022–2023)—and remains community engagement, and a lifelong University of Michigan Ross MBA graduate,
deeply committed to empowering women commitment to improving the lives of he is passionate about building healthier
and strengthening Detroit’s communities. children, youth, and families. communities through innovative partnerships
and compassionate leadership.