Learn More About the Panel Here:

Mandy Sentieri is the Chief Financial Officer for Traverse Connect, a regional economic development organization focused on advancing the economic vitality of the Grand Traverse Region through the growth of family‐sustaining careers. Mandy has been with Traverse Connect (formerly known as the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce) since 2014 and was a key partner in the creation of Traverse Connect and the merger of the Traverse City Chamber Foundation and the Traverse City Economic Development Corporation, which was renamed Venture North Funding & Development. Mandy’s focus is on the planning, implementation, managing and running of all the finance activities of the organization, including strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting, negotiations, grant writing, and human resources. As the CFO, her role is to protect the company’s revenues and profits to achieve full financial control and sustainable growth, while maintaining mission focused activities.     
   
Mandy is a native of Traverse City and holds an M.B.A. in Accounting from Davenport University and a B.A. in Business Management from Davenport University.  She has 25 years of experience in accounting and business financial consulting. Prior to being hired by Traverse Connect she owned and operated Aace Accounting, which offered small business consulting services including establishing new businesses, accounting, financial and strategic planning, and human resource services 

Jessica Willis | Bio  
Jessica Willis, LMSW is currently the Director of Northwest Michigan Works, serving the ten county region in northwest lower Michigan. Prior to her role Director, Willis was the Chief Program Officer for Networks Northwest and for several years before oversaw the Northwest OS Reentry Services program as the Regional Director of Offender Success. 
 
Willis received her BA in Sociology from the State University of New York in Buffalo and graduated with her Master of Social Work from Grand Valley State University. She is a licensed MSW with the State of Michigan and a Certified Nonprofit Professional with the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. Since 2006 Willis has worked in non-profit administration and community development, volunteering with a variety of community-based agencies and other local non-profit boards. 

Christopher Staub | Bio 
Chris brings over 30 years of health care industry leadership and experience from his prior roles at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield/Elevance Health and CIGNA Healthcare. 
 
Chris graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois with a degree in Business and Music. He has enjoyed serving in a variety of community and leadership roles including Traverse Connect (Board member, Committee work and Leadership Grand Traverse), The Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce (DuoShare programs, as well as coordinating the Northwest Regional Child Care Coalition.

Norika Kida Betti | Bio  
Prior to joining the United Way team, Norika worked for eight years as a legal aid attorney representing parents and children in child welfare matters and coordinating a pro bono program for a statewide legal aid organization. Norika holds a BA in Human Development and Social Relations from Kalamazoo College and a JD from Vermont Law and Graduate School. 

Nick Jacqmain | Bio
Nick Jacqmain is the President and CEO of Springfield Roofing, where he's been a key leader since 2009. He began as a project manager and was named CEO in 2018, now overseeing daily operations, and working closely with the management team to drive company growth and performance. 
 
Nick holds a degree in Business Administration and Sports Management from Central Michigan University and brings a strong background in safety, leadership, and innovation to the roofing industry. He's a Level 1 Certified Thermographer, FAA-certified UAV pilot, and an alum of Leadership Grand Traverse. Nick has also served on several local and industry boards, including Traverse Connect as of 2025, and was recognized in the TCBN 40 Under 40 in both 2016 and 2018.