board of directors
The Board of Directors is comprised of teachers, school administrators, business professionals and community activists who are committed to the education and future of our local students in need. Michigan Friends of Education-Operation: Kid Equip is a mostly-volunteer organization that is managed and operated by members of the community.
The current Executive Board of Directors are:
Executive Board:
President & CEO:
Menachem Michael Kniespeck
OKE Visionary & Founder
Chairman of the Board:
David Lingholm
Managing Partner, Answer Santiago
Vice President, School Communications:
Meredith Baker Burtch
Teacher, Fitzgerald Public Schools
Vice President, Community Outreach:
Pam Kies-Lowe
25+ years outreach experience to underserved populations
Vice President, Public/Media Relations:
Nikki Little (Stephan)
Social Media Strategist, Identity Marketing & Public Relations
Vice President, School Outreach
Deana Pankotai
Teacher, Mt. Clemens Schools
Vice President, Book Distributions:
Donald H. Porter
Founder & Director Emeritus, Michigan Friends of Education
Vice President, Community Engagement
Lauren Weber
Freelance Writer & Blogger at Mrs. Weber’s Neighborhood
Operation: Kid Equip Advisory Board
Chair: Cheryl Priemer, Ed.S. & RTC, Principal, Warren Consolidated Schools
Advisory Board Members:
Kelly Bartashnick, Teacher, Inkster Schools (Advocating for Inskter and Westwood)
Stasi Earl, Teacher, Roseville Schools (Advocating for Roseville)
Jill Ellis, Teacher, Mt. Clemens Schools (Advocating for Mt. Clemens)
Renee Howarth, Co-Owner, Raindrops n Polka Dots, Inc.
Carol Kirkland, Executive Vice President, AVE Office Supplies
James Knapp, Principal, Hazel Park Schools (Advocating for Hazel Park)
Gary Leach, Director of Retail Lending & Business Development, Affinity Group Credit Union
Pamela St. Onge, Teacher, Pontiac Schools (Advocating for Pontiac)
Cheryl Szymanski, Teacher, Lamphere Schools (Advocating for Madison & Lamphere)
Ann Tocco, Teacher, Mt. Clemens Schools (Advocating for Mt. Clemens)
Joshua Tokoph, OKE Director of Operations
Emeritus Advisory Board Members:
Terry Bean, Author & Chairman, Motor City Connect
Stephanie Puertas, President, Stay & Play Social Club
Erin Rose, Founder and Editor in Chief, Positive Cities Non-Profit Inc.
