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.

Fun Facts

Working in marketing since 2017, Jennifer has led social media engagement, graphic design campaigns, communication efforts and branding initiatives in a variety of industries including education, healthcare and agriculture. After earning her masters degree in Marketing Research, Jennifer pairs her background in design and communication with a data driven backbone. A Michigan native and lifetime U-M fan, she is excited to make her mark on this great university.
 

Fun Facts:

Kelly is CCI’s Associate Director who works with staff, students and campus partners to foster transformative engagement opportunities. She believes that college provides one of the most unique and influential opportunities for defining the difference you want to make in the world and loves working alongside folks to further their sense of meaning and purpose.

As a data-driven individual, Lauren seeks to utilize data to inform decision making and programming efforts. After finishing her masters degree in management in the spring of 2023, Lauren pairs her undergrad education in human behavior/decision-making with business to be an effective strategist, leader, and event lead. She is a Michigan transplant from Iowa, but bleeds Maize and Blue! She is looking forward to taking advantage of all the great opportunities to improve the student experience CCI provides.

Fun Facts

Vincent Ford, CCI Assistant Director, joined the CCI team in Fall 2022.  Vincent earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Theatre Performance from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science in Leadership for Creative Enterprises from Northwestern University.

Rigo is the Manager for Student Programs within the Center for Campus Involvement, a role which allows him to collaborate with a wonderful team of staff and students dedicated to cultivating a vibrant and inclusive Wolverine community through the University Activities Center (UAC) and other programming areas in the University Unions. 

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.

Tyler graduated from Rutgers University in 2015 with a degree in Sport Management. He has spent the previous seven years working in ticketing for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Coyotes, and Chicago Cubs. When not working, Tyler enjoys spending time with family, friends, and his corgi Carl. He also spends his free time golfing, hiking, and going to various live events.

Fun Facts

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 communication technology. Santone currently serves as the Digital Editor for the Washtenaw Voice. He also volunteers with HireMiVet (HMV) as an Admin Coordinator and Marketing Assistant. 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.

Fun Facts

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.

Devon Vaughn is a Program Manager for Student Development at the University of Michigan. He has spent the last five years working alongside student organizations as they recruit, develop new leaders, and create community on U of M’s campus. Devon’s background also includes positions within residence life, faculty development, and academic advising spaces. A native of Southeast Michigan, he also spent five years as a meteorologist in Houston, Texas and carries his love of all things weather into his student affairs work.

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.

Fun Facts:

• Favorite Food: Hot Wings
• Favorite Movie:
• Hometown: Saginaw, Michigan
• Favorite thing about UM/CCI: Working with students
• Fun Fact: I have worked for the Lions, Pistons, Red Wings, and Tigers (as part of Ilitch Holdings)