Michigan Colleges Alliance (MCA) recently announced the addition of several new members to the Board of Trustees, each elected for three-year terms. The new board members were selected based on their knowledge and expertise furthering the work of Michigan Colleges Alliance and its member colleges and universities.
Charles Ash, a partner with Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, is a trial lawyer with extensive experience representing businesses in complex litigation in state and federal courts. Dr. Vicki Baker, Ph.D., is an endowed professor and co-chair of economics and management at Albion College. Barb Runyon is Gentherm’s senior vice president and chief human resources officer. Claire Trainor, Julie Rasmussen, and Jake Jung have assumed the seat of the late Dr. Jerry Jung, long-time chair of MCA’s board. They will share a seat on the MCA Board of Trustees, continuing to advance the causes to which their late father was committed. David Wiltjer, director of talent acquisition at Eide Bailly LLP has held positions in public accounting, private industry and recruiting.
Reflecting on her election to the board, Vicki Baker noted her previous work with MCA over the last decade and said, “I am honored to serve in this capacity, and realize the responsibility that comes with being the first MCA faculty member to assume such a role. I am excited about the great work that MCA supports and am eager to take on a leadership role for some exciting MCA programs in the works.”
In 2022, Cyrus Mistry was elected as chairman of the MCA board. Cyrus joined the Board of Trustees in 2016 and has served our member colleges and students for the last seven years as an active member, notably leading a multi-institution course-sharing initiative that was the first of its kind in Michigan. A 15-year Google executive, Cyrus now leads education technology company, GoGuardian.
When asked about being on the MCA board, Cyrus said, “Having been at the forefront of both K-12 and higher education technology for more than 12 years, I’ve had the privilege of a front row view of what’s possible when stellar institutions, exceptional faculty, and eager students are willing to think big and try bold new programs. I’ve been fortunate to sponsor such programs with MCA and I’m incredibly excited for many more to come.”
We are deeply appreciative for the passion, expertise, and diverse backgrounds of our board members that strengthen the impact of Michigan Colleges Alliance.
