Our Mission
The Grand River Connection seeks to develop a stronger network to support Lansing and East Lansing's young and vital workforce. We exist to bring together young professionals in our community who are in their 20's and 30's. Our diverse, non-partisan group provides fun, social, and professional connections that encourage economic growth and community involvement where we live, work, and play.
Our Board and Committees
The Grand River Connection is an
all-volunteer organization. All events and activities are
planned by members through a committee structure.
The GRC
Board consists of:
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Tom Ruis – President
After graduating from Michigan State in 2001, Tom decided to stay in the area and currently works for Independent Bank in their commercial lending area. He also is involved with the MSU Alumni Club of Mid-Michigan as a board member and the young alumni coordinator for the tri-county area. When he’s not working, Tom enjoys basketball, golf, movies, the MAC and anything Michigan State. |
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Brian McGrain – Vice President
Brian moved to Lansing 17 years ago to attend Michigan State University and has been here ever since.
Currently the Associate Director/Chief Operating Officer of the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan, he previously worked in political research and leadership training at Michigan State University. In 2008, Brian was elected to the Ingham County Board of Commissioners where he represents District #3, which includes the eastern portions of Lansing and Lansing Township. Aside from the County Commission, Brian serves on several other local Boards and Commissions, and is a frequent supporter of local political campaigns. In his free time he enjoys traveling, attending local festivals, supporting the local economy by eating out virtually every night, and karaoke.
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Marc Merritt – Chair of Sponsorship and Finance
Marc came to the Lansing area from South Lyon to attend MSU, and never left after graduation. He currently works as a financial advisor for Merrill Lynch and is a Certified Financial Planner. Besides his involvement with GRC, Marc sits on the East Lansing Technology Innovation Center Advisory Committee and is active in several local charities. A few of his outside interests include playing hockey, golfing, running and spending time with family and friends. |
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Tracey Shepard – Chair of Communications
Tracey grew up in Sterling Heights and moved to the Lansing area to attend Michigan State. Currently the coordinator, Public Affairs at the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, Tracey previously served as the Marketing and Communications Manager for the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce and as an intern with Michigan State University Athletics, Sports Illustrated, the Central Collegiate Hockey Association. In addition to her role on the GRC Board, Tracey is a member of the Fraser Eclipse synchronized figure skating team and volunteer at the Capital Area Humane Society. In her free time she enjoys playing with her dog, figure skating, traveling, waterskiing and spending time at her family's cabin. |
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Gabrielle Johnson –
Secretary
Gabrielle is a Lansing native and graduate of J.W. Sexton High School and Michigan State University. Upon graduation from MSU, Gabrielle spent a year in France teaching English and has worked for Senator Carl Levin, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and the Michigan House of Representatives. Gabrielle currently attends Cooley Law School and is active in the Junior League of Lansing, the Ingham County Young Democrats and St John Student Center. In her free time, she enjoys freelance reporting, trying to golf with minimal embarrassment, yoga and attending as many social events as she can.
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Jamie Davis – Chair of Membership
Jamie Davis grew up in a small town outside of Traverse City and attended Grand Valley State University, earning bachelor degrees in Economics and Finance in 2004. Jamie moved to the Lansing area in late 2005 to pursue a job promotion and hasn't looked back since. Currently, he works for Capitol National Bank as a commercial loan portfolio manager and senior credit analyst. In addition to his role with the GRC, Jamie serves as the financial advisor to his fraternity's undergraduate chapter and captain for a co-ed adult kickball team. In his free time, Jamie enjoys bowling, watching movies, attending sporting events, and the occasional trip "up north." |
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Brian Gallagher – Chair of Networking Programs
Brian grew up in East Lansing and graduated from Lansing Catholic Central High School. After a four-year hiatus at the University of Michigan, he returned to East Lansing to attend law school at Michigan State. Brian now works as an employee benefits attorney for Fraser Trebilcock in downtown Lansing. He also volunteers on the board of Highfields, a local nonprofit serving children and families. In his free time, Brian enjoys playing hockey, cooking, playing with power tools, and tailgating at a professional level.
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Naomi Burton – Chair of Special Events
Naomi Burton is a 2011 graduate of Michigan State University, where she earned her bachelors degree in communication with a specialization in public relations. Burton is in the rare position of being hired on at Martin Waymire Advocacy Communications, immediately after graduation from Michigan State University. The Ann Arbor native began an internship at the Lansing-based agency in May 2010. She was recognized in the spring of 2011 by the Central Michigan Public Relations Society of the America as Student Practitioner of the Year. When she's not at work she is scanning Mashable, learning how to cook and drooling over fashion blogs.
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Pat Firtl – Treasurer
Originally from South Bend, Indiana, Pat is a '05 graduate of Ball State University's Risk Management Insurance program and currently works as a Commercial Underwriter for Citizens Insurance in Howell. Outside of work, Pat volunteers as a board member for the Central Michigan Underwriters Association and also serves as a mentor in the Big Brothers Big Sister's Lunch buddies program for two elementary aged children. In his spare time, he enjoys keeping active through racquetball, golf, ultimate frisbee and spending as much time outdoors as possible. |
Day-to-day operations are handled by the
Core Committee. The Core Committee can be reached via email
at corecommittee@grandriverconnection.com.
The full Board can be reached via email at board@grandriverconnection.com.
Four committees operate to facilitate
planning. They are the Networking
Programs Committee (handles monthly 4th Tuesday events),
the Special
Events Committee (handles special events), the Communications committee (handles recruitment
of new members and communications to existing members),
and the Sponsorship
& Finance Committee (handles financial aspects of
the GRC). GRC members are welcome to inquire any time about
getting involved in a committee.
Our History
The Grand River Connection was founded in Spring 2005 to fill a gap in the community. Greater (East) Lansing is a great place for college students and a great place to raise a family, but for those in between there was no viable social network. With a goal of filling that gap in mind, the GRC was born.
Young professionals in their 20's and 30's in the Greater
Lansing area are welcome to join the group, and joining
is very simple. There are NO membership fees, and most of our events are FREE! Simply sign up for our monthly newsletter
by clicking the big button at the top right of this website.
Please keep an eye on the calendar for upcoming events.
Finally, please feel free to contact the Core Committee at corecommittee@grandriverconnection.com with questions or comments.
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