We are excited to officially welcome Zack Brown as the 2026 Executive Chair for Taste of Hope West Michigan.
As Chief Manufacturing Officer at Epredia, Zack brings a strong track record of leadership, innovation, and strategic growth. Epredia’s partnership with the American Cancer Society began through the Donald “J” Seelye & Steven Little Tyler Memorial Golf Outing in Kalamazoo and expanded to Taste of Hope in 2023, where they have continued to be a leading supporter of our mission. Zack’s passion for this cause, combined with his leadership experience, positions him perfectly to guide Taste of Hope into its next chapter.
As Executive Chair, Zack will lead our Executive Leadership Team in continuing to elevate the event, expand and diversify revenue, and strengthen corporate partnerships, all in support of the American Cancer Society’s life-saving mission.
Zack Brown | Chief Manufacturing Office, Epredia
Annette Repasch | Board of Advisors, Gifting Brands
Carter Pavey | Director of Player Development & Media Strategy, Delaware North
Amanda Hentsch | Senior Director of Membership, Grand Rapids Chamber
Jon Snead | Senior Vice President, Lockton Companies
Ken Jansen | President, Lake Michigan Insurance Agency
Olivia Urbanski | District Manager, Lake Michigan Credit Union
Matthew Cobb | Agency Principal, Avanti Insurance
Shawn Kohlhaas | President & Founder, Culinary Cultivations
Tony Beachler | Sales Specialist, EMP Defense, LLC
Chef Shawn Kohlhaas, a seasoned 30 plus year veteran of the food service industry, has been leading the way in new and fresh approaches in the food service industry. His passions have been in philanthropic works in our West Michigan Community. Currently, Shawn is the acting Principal of Culinary Cultivations, Chairman of the Board for the Grand Rapids ACF and Host of the Local Feed on WYCE.
Shawn has been a steady advocate for the American Cancer Society, winning the West Michigan Volunteer of the Year award in 2023. Shawn’s work on Taste of Hope in West Michigan has led the way to raising well over a million dollars for our mission in the last five years.
Justin Stermin | ServSafe Program Director, Culinary Cultivations
Nicole Walters-Heppe |Exhibit & Sponsorship Sales, ShowSpan
Marcy McMahon | Director of Client Services, HR Collaborative
Andrea Pierete | Travel Consultant, Amazing Vacations Costa Rica
Stephan VanHeulen | Corporate Executive Chef, Bissell Homecare, Inc.
Christi VanHeulen | AHC Sales Manager, AHC Hospitality
Kendra Higgins | Director of Sales and Marketing, Moersch Hospitality Group
Georgeta “Jetta” Smith | Director of Grants and Contracts, Community Rebuilders
Olivia Urbanski is a District Manager at LMCU known for leading with empathy, optimism, and a genuine commitment to elevating those around her. Her career reflects a strong record of innovation, strategic growth, and thoughtful leadership.
With three years of service as Board Treasurer for the Ada Business Association and co-chair of the Ada/Forest Hills Expo, Olivia brings firsthand experience in high level execution and community collaboration. She has also spent the past two years on the Taste of Hope Planning Committee, elevating the guest experience through innovation and collaboration. The mission holds deep personal meaning for her as a cancer survivor.
Supporting the American Cancer Society is profoundly important to Olivia, and she is honored to help shape an event that inspires hope, connection, and meaningful impact for those facing cancer.
Abby Duffy | Grant Administrator, Greenville Partners
Elizabeth Roersma | Licensed Massage Therapist, Self-employed
Erin Jewell | Co-Owner, The Hive Yoga
Debbie Verbrugge | Office Manager, Dorner Works
Allie Soave | Brand Experience Strategist, Meijer
Laura Vander Vennen | Enterprise Project Manager, PointClickCare
Betsy Jones | Territory Sales Manager, The Hanover Insurance Group
Mindy Beard | Account Executive, Verisk
MaryJo Domanski | Administrative Assistant, West Catholic High School
Joe Marino | Manager, Priority Health
Clay Purvis | Financial Advisor, NEST Capital
Jori Foutch | Strategic Account Manager, Pie Insurance
Joe Brennan | Commercial Lines Select Business Agent, OVD Insurance
Samantha Wiser | Owner, Seamless Planning
Lindsey Balcazar | Client Experience Manager, Grand Valley State University
Jenna Holtrop | Real Estate Agent, Compass
