Anne is a firm believer in deciding what she wants and making it happen. As native Michigander from the opposite side of the state, she considers herself fortunate to have made her dream a reality in Grand Rapids. Anne’s last semester of college was dedicated to finding a health care public relations job in Grand Rapids. After visiting all hospital and health care related web sites it became clear that no such positions were available. But Anne was intentional about building a life in Grand Rapids and took a different approach. She introduced herself to area public relations directors as a potential employee  moving to Grand Rapids in seven weeks who wanted to know if they’d be hiring in the near future.

Long story short, Metro Health was looking for someone to work on a contractual basis. Anne began doing business as a DBA and worked on contract for one year. The job provided only 30 hours a week so Anne picked up a freelancing writing opportunity with Women’s Lifestyle Magazine. To fill in the gaps, she worked as a substitute teacher on Fridays to earn a full time salary. Though far from ideal, Anne found that she could do what she wanted to do – work in health care public relations in a city that seh wanted to call home. Now nearly 15 years later Anne still looks fondly back on the adventures that brought her to West Michigan.

West Michigan made unique work situations like Anne’s possible. She had the opportunity to make a move to Spectrum Health in 2005 and spent 10 years  with the region’s largest employer in a variety of roles including with system communications, human resources and Priority Health, the health plan arm of the system.. More recently, Anne has moved from Grand Rapids proper to the lakeshore having met her husband after graduate school at Cornerstone University.

Living in Grand Rapids afforded Anne the opportunity of a large city with a suburban feel. She finds her commute to work is a breeze; there are plenty of arts and culture events; there are ample nearby bike trails and fitness facilities. Anne now calls Norton Shores home and lives five minutes from Hoffmaster State Park. She’s discovering an entirely different side to West Michigan on the Lakeshore with beaches, live music venues and access to Lake Michigan beyond measure.  “I’m excited to have distinct perspective of living on the Lakeshore and working in the city at Cornerstone University,” Anne said. Regardless of interest or passion, there’s an outlet for it in West Michigan. “I never thought when I moved here in 2002 my life would have unfolded the way it has and I can’t help but wonder what’s in store next.”