The Board of Directors of the Kent County Parks Foundation are community leaders who volunteer their professional expertise and time to oversee the Foundation’s many programs, funds and initiatives.

Robert C. Boylen, currently serves as President and Chairperson of Kent County Parks Foundation. He is a partner and investment advisor with Norris Perne & French LLP in Grand Rapids.

Dan Spalding, currently serves as Vice President and Chairperson of Kent County Parks Foundation. He is a partner and investment advisor with Seyferth Associates in Grand Rapids.

Chris Machuta, Foundation Treasurer, is also the Director of Finance for the Van Andel Arena, the 75 million dollar venue that has brought so much excitement and attention to Grand Rapids.

Lori Baker, Foundation Secretary, is a Tax Partner at Baker Spindler Holtz and devotes the majority of her time to tax planning and compliance. Lori holds board positions with several local non-profit groups.

Roger Sabine, Director, Kent County Parks Department, leads one of the most effective departments of its kind in Michigan.

Barbara Hoag, is stepping down as President but still serves on the Park Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Pam Spencer, Development Director of Kent County Parks Foundation is responsible for fundraising strategies and working closely with the Board of Directors. She may be reached at (616) 458-2080. E-mail: spencer@kentcountyparksfoundation.org.

Susan Waddell, Administrative Manager, tireless organizer and nexus of Foundation information. She may be reached at the foundation office at (616) 742-6594. E-mail: swaddel@smggr.com.

Robert C. Boylen, President, Chairperson
Dan Spalding, Vice Chairperson
Christopher Machuta, Treasurer
Lori J. Baker, Secretary

Board Members

Carrie Boer Michael Goyne Timothy Hillegonds David Kinsman Roger Sabine Mary Swanson

Jim Connor Marcia Haas Barbara J. Hoag Wayne Norlin John Schneider

Robert C. Boylen is a partner in the investment management firm of Norris, Perné & French, LLP which he joined in 1993. His principal responsibilities are portfolio management and new business development. A Grand Rapids native, Mr. Boylen graduated from the University of Michigan. Prior to joining Norris, Perné & French he worked for Dean Witter Reynolds, initially in investment banking in Detroit, and later as an Associate Vice President responsible for institutional fixed income, equity products, and portfolio management.

In addition to his duties as Chairperson of the Kent County Parks Foundation, Mr. Boylen is a member of the Board of Directors of the Economic Club of Grand Rapids. He and his wife, Patty, are the parents of three children: Madeline, Daniel and Christopher.

Pam Spencer has served in the nonprofit sector for the past ten years while serving missions dear to her heart (children’s and older adults’ services, hunger, music education, and higher education). The mission “to protect the natural environment and enhance the lives of the those in the community by preserving open spaces and creating access to beautiful parks and forests” is what attracted Pam to the Kent County Parks Foundation.

Prior to joining the Parks Foundation, she served at Hope College as the assistant director of corporate and foundation relations and later the director of prospect management and research.

Pam has a master’s degree in nonprofit management. While in the degree program in Philadelphia, she worked with a variety of organizations in strategic planning, fundraising, and communications, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, Bethanna, Eastern University, ArtReach, ElderArts, and PANO (Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations).

Pam may be reached at (616) 458-2080.
E-mail: spencer@kentcountyparksfoundation.org.