Greater Ottawa County United Way & Volunteer Center Announces Joan Mack as Director of Development

The Greater Ottawa County United Way & Volunteer Center Board of Directors is proud to announce Joan Mack as the organization’s new Director of Development. Mack served as the organization’s Interim Executive Director over the past six months and will begin her new position as Director of Development on May 3, 2004.

“I am very pleased that Joan will be joining the United Way team.” Says Sylvia Geisler, President, Greater Ottawa County United Way & Volunteer Center. “She will be an asset to the organization, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge about our community and a sincere interest and commitment in wanting to improve the quality of life for all in Ottawa County.”

Mack comes to Greater Ottawa County United Way & Volunteer Center after 20 plus years in the Human Resource field, the last 13 years with Harbor Industries, Inc. in Grand Haven, as the Director of Human Resources. During her tenure at Harbor Industries, she was an integral part in getting the Harbor People Helping People workplace volunteer program started at the company. On behalf of United Way & Volunteer Center, she has mentored other company leaders in the area on how to begin and maintain dynamic employee volunteer programs. Prior to Mack serving as United Way & Volunteer Center’s Interim Director, she sat on the Volunteer Center Advisory Board and then on the Greater Ottawa County United Way & Volunteer Center Board of directors for the past two years.

“This move for Joan is bitter sweet for us here at Harbor Industries.” Says Tim Parker, Vice President of Operations for Harbor Industries, Inc. “We hate to lose such a valuable employee who has helped our company grow, but she is going to work at a very valuable organization to our community that we at Harbor Industries strongly support and have created a strong partnership with.”

Mack made the career change decision very recently. “We have a new and talented president, a newly merged board of directors and with the Ottawa County Community Assessment as a foundation for our continuing community solutions efforts, walking away now when so much good is on the horizon was more difficult than I had envisioned.” Mack said, “I truly believe that working at Harbor for Tim and the rest of the Parker family who believe in the United Way and what this organization can do for the citizens of our community, is the reason I wanted to stay with the United Way & Volunteer Center team. Tim has been incredibly supportive during this past campaign and has encouraged me to follow this career path.”

Mack was born and raised in Zeeland, Michigan and is currently living in Grand Haven with her husband Ron and granddaughter Briana. Together they have five grown daughters that are now living throughout the United States with their families. Mack is a graduate of Ferris State University.

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