Staff

After graduating from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Community Action and Social Change, Hope joined the CCI team in the Summer of 2023. Her goal is to foster a brave space to build community for all to feel that sense of connection. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going on hikes, trying new things, finishing her research, along with educating and advocating for both Mental Health and Type 1 Diabetes.

Lisa joined CCI in 2024, after a career spanning over two decades in the entertainment industry. She brings her experience coordinating large scale events such as the Kids’ Choice Awards, BET Awards, Latin American Music Awards, and live concerts at Apple Park, as well as her expertise as the Lead Audience Producer for the late night television show, “CONAN”, to the University of Michigan’s diverse range of venues. She enjoys helping students produce their events and problem solve creative solutions to the unanticipated challenges of theater/stage production.

I am originally from Ypsillanti and did my college work at EMU. I am currently living in Tecumseh, and I am married with two adult kids. Prior to joining CCI/UM in January 2023, I spent the last 25+ years teaching high school Language Arts and the last 17 as the school's National Honor Society adviser; (retired in December 2022). I am a Detroit sports fan and enjoy especially going to Tiger games. Working here with CCI keeps me involved with students, and that brings me a lot of joy in my professional life.

Stella has been a part of CCI since 2021 when she started as a student ticket agent at MUTO. Since then Stella has been involved as a student employee, a UAC Student Org leader, and a CCI Advisory Board member up till her graduation in May 2024. As of Fall 2024 she began the full-time role as MUTO's Ticketing Manager. She loves all things art and frequently takes part in crafting activities such as whittling, painting, and ceramics.

Rigo is the Associate Director of the Center for Campus Involvement, a role which allows him to collaborate with a wonderful staff dedicated to cultivating a vibrant and inclusive Wolverine community. As an undergraduate student, Rigo was very involved with student life on campus, which was an impactful experience that shaped him as a person and gave direction to his passion of working in higher education. Rigo earned his M.Ed. in Student Affairs in Higher Education at Texas State University and a B.A. in Communication Studies at the University of Texas-Pan American.

Mark worked at Walt Disney World from 1984 to 1990. He started in the character department then moved into the Entertainment/Live Shows department. From 1990 to 1995 he was a co-founder for the Robot Works, a small entertainment company that made radio controlled robotic characters, which were sold to small theme parks throughout the world. Mark's function as Operations Manager was to operate and train others on the robot functions.

Originally from Lansing, MI Joel has lived the past 15 years in Terre Haute, IN before returning to the mitten. Joel is currently serving as the Student Development Program Advisor with the University of Michigan. Joel has a bachelor's degree with a double major in Youth Ministry and Bible Theology and a Master's Degree in Leadership Studies. This has helped Joel in his career where he worked in higher education first as a Hall Coordinator for Resident Life and an Advisor for Project Success both at Indiana State University.

Santone has been working with the University of Michigan since 2017. During this time he primarily worked with MDining, until 2022 when he began working with UU. He currently holds an associate's degree in Web Development and Design and is working on a bachelor's in Technology Management. Santone currently serves as the Digital Editor for the Washtenaw Voice. During his free time, he enjoys going to the movies and spending time with his family.

Max Preissner is an entrepreneur and professor of “Self Management for Working Artists” at Washtenaw Community College, with a Master's Degree in Music Business from Berklee College of Music. He believes that marketing, media production, and self-management are keys to success that many people are missing and strives to help others become more successful through consultation, production, and strategy development. 

Kaila works at the Center for Campus Involvement as the Manager for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. She is from Florida and attended Florida State University and Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina where she received a Master's in Mental Health Counseling. She loves musical theater, college football, socks, and being outdoors (especially in the fall). Kaila is passionate about social justice and working everyday to do better.
 

Nick joined CCI in 2007, seeing exponential advancement today in the programs, services, and spaces that CCI offers students, along with research data that indicates how CCI's work helps students build community at the University of Michigan. He loves working in CCI's dynamic, creative, continuously evolving organization that centers community building and student engagement. College students involved on campus, in whatever ways are important to them, are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and better navigate college life.

Jake is a graduate of Central Michigan University where he studied commercial recreation and marketing. Prior to his time at the University of Michigan, he spent almost two decades working in sports. Jake enjoys reading, cooking, TV, traveling, and being around family and friends.