
Leadership
Meet Rev. Chico Daniels, CEO, President and Visionary“I believe strongly in divine intervention,” says Rev. Daniels. “God rescued me, and now I’m in the rescue business. Working in full-time Christian service is all I know and is all that I want to do.”
Rev. Daniels’ faith was reborn during his six years in the Air Force, after which he attended a Bible Institute in Long Beach, CA and became an ordained minister. He has ministered around the world: from England, Greece and Sierre Leone, West Africa; to the toughest state prisons in California, such as the California Medical Facility, San Quentin and Soledad. In 2001, he found his way to Grand Rapids, MI to lead Guiding Light Mission. Under his guidance, the Mission became a far more effective and reputable institution.
Through his work, he met the man he would succeed as President of Mel Trotter Ministries, Thomas J. Meyers. With Mr. Meyers planning to retire, he applied for his job and was selected as “God’s man for the position” from a field of 60 candidates.
In addition to ensuring the effectiveness of Mel Trotter Ministries, Rev. Daniels endeavors to bring together black, white, urban and suburban business leaders and pastors through Jonathan David Fellowship.
Contact Rev. Daniels
Contact Rev. Daniels
Greg Alvesteffer, Vice President of Retail Operations / CRO
“I feel this is where God wants me. I am able to both help the ministry and bring some relief to those less fortunate in our community. I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with Mel Trotter through God’s wisdom and guidance.”
Greg began and continued his career in retail at Roger’s Department Store where he spent 24 years as a salesman, buyer, and then merchandise manager. When he left Roger’s in 1994, he ran his own business for ten years before getting burned out. After prayerful thought and consideration, he decided to close his business and put his future in God’s hands. As soon as he placed ALL of his trust in God he felt like a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He closed his business on November 30 with no prospects in mind, but he was confident that God would take care of him. In mid December, a friend called him and asked if he would consider talking to Mel Trotter regarding the opening of a thrift store. After speaking with representatives, he felt that Mel Trotter was where God wanted him.Greg began working for Mel Trotter in February of 2005 and became a vice president when retail became too large to operate under other departments. At the present time, he oversees their four retail stores and auto center.
Sandra Gaddy, Vice President of Marketing & Communications / CMC
"What great joy it brings me to see the hope and determination in the faces of the men, women and children we serve. Through the power of Jesus Christ, Mel Trotter is here to help those who have fallen regain their footing on a godly foundation."
Sandra's leadership journey began during a 15 year career in banking, in which she served as Vice President of Business Banking and Vice President of Wealth Management. Also an active leader in the community, Sandra has served as a facilitator for the Christian Leadership Student Track for South Christian High School and Word Up! Word Out! Diversity Youth Training. She was a board member for several schools and organizations such as New Branches Charter School and Catholic Social Services of West Michigan and was a YWCA Tribute to Women award recipient.
Sandra came to Mel Trotter Ministries in 2008 where she served as a Major Gift Officer. In 2009 she was promoted to her current position in which she oversees all marketing, communications and public relations for Mel Trotter. She also oversees all fundraising, volunteer services and special events such as the Golf Marathon of Hope.
CONTACT SANDRA
(616) 454-8249 ext. 300
Sandra's leadership journey began during a 15 year career in banking, in which she served as Vice President of Business Banking and Vice President of Wealth Management. Also an active leader in the community, Sandra has served as a facilitator for the Christian Leadership Student Track for South Christian High School and Word Up! Word Out! Diversity Youth Training. She was a board member for several schools and organizations such as New Branches Charter School and Catholic Social Services of West Michigan and was a YWCA Tribute to Women award recipient.
Sandra came to Mel Trotter Ministries in 2008 where she served as a Major Gift Officer. In 2009 she was promoted to her current position in which she oversees all marketing, communications and public relations for Mel Trotter. She also oversees all fundraising, volunteer services and special events such as the Golf Marathon of Hope.
CONTACT SANDRA
(616) 454-8249 ext. 300
Steve May, Vice President of Finance / CFO
After spending 27 years working for an agriculture co-op which provided individuals with financing to assist them in achieving their goals, Steve was given an opportunity of early retirement. He spent a few months asking the Lord to use his gifts for financial administration to assist in building His kingdom. In February of 2000, Mel Trotter posted a position for the Director of Finance for which Steve was hired. The Lord has consistently demonstrated His faithfulness by providing the funds necessary to meet Mel Trotter’s financial obligations. As the ministry has developed and grown, He has brought along new staff with the skills necessary to continue building up his kingdom work at Mel Trotter.
“The greatest benefit of being a part of Mel Trotter is seeing the Lord Jesus transform the lives of both the individuals receiving our services along with the staff and volunteers who provide that service."
Currently, Steve’s responsibilities at Mel Trotter are to first direct the financial affairs so that MTM can continue doing the ministry they have been called to for the next 100 years. He also works with the Human Resources Director to ensure that they have the necessary staff and compensate them appropriately for the work they do at Mel Trotter. Since computers have become a key part of doing this work, he ensures the mission has the technology necessary to complete their mission. Finally, he works with the other V.P.s to achieve the goals set by the Mel Trotter Board in their strategic plan each year.
Board of Directors
| Dr. Richard S. Koole Chairman of the Board Chapel Pointe Church |
Bruce Bush
Synergy Products Development |
| Wayman Britt Vice Chairman of the Board Kent County |
Renee Hampton
Spectrum Health
|
| Greg Heath Secretary of the Board Grace Bible College |
Tom Meyers
Past president, Mel Trotter Ministries
|
| James Kregel Treasurer of the Board Kregel Parable Christian Stores |
Jim Mitchell
Mitchell Intellectual Property Law, PLLC
|
|
Tonja Moyer
Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Metro Health |
Ronald VanHouten
Retired president of Chemical Bank |
|
Charles Damon
Assistant Secretary Legal
Damon, VerMerris, Boyko & Witte |
Bryan Zichterman Raymond James & Associates |
| Roger Bruins National Nail |
Mary Hollebeek
Registered Nurse |
| Richard Craig Craig Architects, Inc. |
Alan Simpson
Amway Corporation |
| John Damon Retired, Damon, VerMerris, Boyko & Witte |
Ron Snead
Retired corporate executive |
| Edward Elderkin Retired owner of Budres Lumber Co. |
Rick Velting
Concord Management |
| Jon Goad Change Parts, Inc. |
Did You Know?
Mel Trotter Ministries helps people in many ways. See for yourself how we are changing lives for the better throughout our community.
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Fellowship and friendship are just two of the benefits of getting involved at Mel Trotter Ministries. Get descriptions and contacts for our groups now.
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