Chemical Companies Creating Powerful Solutions in Lenawee County

Born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Jack earned his B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Michigan in 1983 and his B.S. in Biology and teaching certificate from Eastern Michigan University in 1987.  He began his professional career as a school teacher and from there transitioned into the human resources field working for Avis Enterprises, a holding company owned by Warren Avis, founder of Avis Rent-A-Car. 

In late 1996 Jack started a consulting organization specializing in “High-Performance Work Teams” and “Creative Collaboration.”  As a consultant Jack had opportunities to work on projects with the City of New York, the Third Circuit Court of Michigan, the Department of Environmental Protection, Daimler Chrysler, St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital, and Detroit Metro Airport, to name a few.

In early 2000 he transitioned to the Workforce Development field where he became a Business Solutions Manager for South Central Michigan Works! (SCMW!).  With SCMW! Jack gained experience working with many different industry sectors, helping match available talent with industry needs.  He also was involved in pioneering efforts to bring Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Education together to create a collaborative approach for retooling the workforce to meet employer demands.

In 2014 Jack reconnected with his roots in the education field by joining the Lenawee Intermediate School District and works there today as the Supervisor of Placement and Adult Learning Services at the LISD TECH Center.  In his current role, he oversees work-based learning, placement services, and the adult learning programs for the district and still works collaboratively with his Economic Development and Workforce partners.  

Jim brings solid skills to the economic development process. From his 30+ years in industrial manufacturing serving as VP and General Manager for K2, Inc. to his former role as Chair of the Lenawee County Board of Commissioners, Jim has an extensive background representing both businesses and communities. Today he is active in the community by serving as VP and Trustee of the philanthropic Sage Foundation along with numerous other local organizations and boards. He leads Lenawee’s participation in Michigan’s Region 9 Economic Development Collaboration, is the current county representative in the Governor’s Regional Prosperity Initiative, and keeps Lenawee Now’s focus on strengthening existing businesses and promoting entrepreneurial growth.

Mark Haag has served as the Superintendent of Lenawee ISD from September 1, 2016, to the present,  after serving nine years as Superintendent of Onsted Community Schools. His career in education began at Michigan Center School District where he served for 13 years as a social studies teacher, K-12 guidance counselor, Jr. High School Principal, and Athletic Director, and the last three years as Superintendent.

His background also included serving on many community and state organizations, such as School Equity Caucus (current President), Adrian Symphony Orchestra Board, Lenawee Now Board, Adrian Kiwanis, ProMedica Charles, and Virginia Hickman Hospital Board, Lenawee Cares Advisory Committee to name a few. He has also served as an adjunct faculty member in the graduate school for Educational Leadership at Siena Heights University. 

Mark holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Studies and English Language and Literature (Secondary Education) from Eastern Michigan University, a Master of Arts in School Counseling from Siena Heights University, and a Specialist of Arts in Educational Leadership from Siena Heights University.

Mark is married to Lisa, who is a teacher in Lenawee County. They have two sons, Collin and Lance.

He is an avid amateur wrestling and high school sports fan, and enjoys reading and spending time outdoors.

Mark Kramer serves as President and CEO of Anderson Development Company, a customer-focused innovator of specialty materials serving the coatings, elastomers, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductor industries.  Anderson Development Company materials are used by businesses worldwide to improve their products, whether it is to protect your car’s wheels from corrosion, to produce the fastest computer chips, or to make agricultural equipment more durable.  Since he assumed the role in 2013, Mark’s focus has been to grow the business organically as well as to lead the internal strategic and talent development efforts.

Mark has over 30 years of experience in the business of chemistry.  He joined Anderson Development Company in 1997.   Early in his career with Anderson, Mark held a series of plant and technical management roles with increasing responsibility during which he was responsible for transforming the company operationally and positioning it for increased growth.  Later, Mark assumed responsibility for the business management, sales, and research functions which significantly increased Anderson Development’s global market penetration.  From its headquarters and manufacturing in Adrian, Michigan, Anderson Development Company competes on a global scale, with over 30% of its products intended for export to Asia and Europe.

Mark serves on the boards of the American Chemistry Council and the Michigan Chemistry Council.    Within the local community, Mark has been very involved with increasing Anderson’s engagement and support for the local community and is working closely with the local schools for STEM education.

Prior to joining Anderson Development Company, Mark worked for Koch Industries and BP in a number of locations.

Mark holds a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Dayton.

Melissa McCormick is employed by Evonik Corporation (Silbond Corporation) as Director, Production and Technology North America for the Business Line Silanes.  Along with Evonik Corporation, Melissa has worked for other large chemical companies in the past including Akzo Nobel, Hoescht Celanese and Sterling Drug.  She started her career in quality control assuming various roles with increasing responsibility.  Melissa was originally employed by Silbond Corporation as Manager of Product Development and Technical Support prior to the acquisition of Silbond Corporation by Evonik Corporation.  Melissa holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and a master’ s degree in Business Administration.

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Shamar Herron learned very quickly that he had options.  He could let his unfavorable surroundings dictate his future, or he could forge his own path.

Shamar chose the latter and began working hard towards his success. After growing six inches in one summer, Herron knew his passion for basketball could help him achieve his goals. After a long process, Shamar chose to attend The Ohio State University, where he helped lead his basketball team to the NCAA Final Four in 1999. While he saw minimal time on the court, he was a consummate and dependable teammate.

That skill is one of his best traits in the business world. As the Executive Director of Michigan Works! Southeast, Shamar leads teams that focus on helping people craft and achieve their goals toward a career and connecting talent to business needs. Mr. Herron also serves as a liaison between executive thought and day-to-day outputs. His background in economic development, mentoring, and data analysis allows him to play in a variety of arenas. Shamar appreciates the opportunity to speak at the Elements of Collaboration event.

Sheila has spent the last two decades in workforce development, coaching, and training individuals of all levels, in technical and non-technical skills. She is a systems builder and certified project manager, educated in the study of Business and Psychology, especially as it relates to community upskilling and curriculum development and delivery. She is adept at managing large-scale workforce projects that tally $4.5 million annually. Sheila is a graduate of the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s TPM (talent pipeline management) Academy and holds a Master’s Degree in Industrial & Organizational Psychology.

Jemerson is a Talent Development Liaison, with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Sector Strategies Team.  Sector Strategies focuses on initiatives designed to engage employers, educators, economic development, and community-based organizations to comprehensively address talent needs with a focus on mid- and long-term talent development skills gaps in key industries.  Valerie has over 10 years of experience in state government and 10 years of experience in K-12 education. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan (undergraduate), Michigan State University (graduate school), and Olivet College (secondary education).