Mark Thompson - CEO
Mark “the Shark” Edward Thompson will finish his Masters in International Development Administration from the University of Western Michigan, in Kalamazoo, this Fall. He is a musician and writer. He enjoys collaborating with friends and all entities that are interested in increasing human and non-human health.
Matt Lechel - Executive Board President
Matt Lechel is originally from Saginaw, MI, but has been a proud resident of the Kalamazoo community for the past 5 years. Matt received his Master’s of Public Administration- Nonprofit Leadership degree from Western Michigan University. He also received his American Humanics certification from WMU. Matt presently works as a Regional Development Specialist with Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan, a position he has held since 2008. Matt is currently a board member with The I.D.E.A. Association and The American Camp Association- Michigan Section, as well as President of the Rotaract Club of Kalamazoo. Matt is member of the 2009-2010 class of Leadership Kalamazoo. Matt is passionate about social problem solving and community development.
Jeffrey West - CTO
Jeffrey West joined I.D.E.A. in early 2009. Originally from Saginaw, MI, Jeff moved to Palatine, IL in 2005 and has lived there ever since. He has a Masters in Engineering Management from Northwestern University [Evanston, IL] and a B.S. in Computer Engineering from Michigan State University. His expertise is primarily in project and process management and technological decision making. He is currently serving as I.D.E.A.'s Chief Technological Officer.
Drew Tyner - CFO
Drew Tyner heralds from Saginaw, MI. Drew is currently serving as the part-time Chief Financial Officer. He oversees book keeping, expense reimbursement and annual financial report production. Drew's main goal is to ensure our scarce resource, money, is allocated as efficiently as possible.
Chris Broadbent - Executive Board Member