North Kent Connect recently appointed Cheryl Scales as the new chair of its board of directors.
Scales is a retired principal emeritus at Progressive AE and has been part of the North Kent Connect (NKC) board since 2019, previously serving as board secretary, a role in which she was instrumental in helping with the nonprofit’s expansion last year.
In addition to her role as secretary, Scales has a long project history with NKC as a longtime donor and building committee member.
Scales also is the former mayor of Rockford, having served from 2018-20.
Her community work includes her current involvement with the Rockford city council and the Rockford Board of Zoning Appeals from 2008-16, Rockford Sports Boosters 2011-13 program chair of Western Michigan Chapter of Professional Engineers President (twice) and serving as the State of Michigan Chapter of Professional Engineers secretary for two years.
“Cheryl is a valuable asset to the board in many ways,” said Claire Guisfredi, executive director of North Kent Connect. “She has great connections in the community as a city council member, former mayor of Rockford and her background in civil engineering. Cheryl brings extensive knowledge of the housing arena as well, an important focus for our mission to help people move forward and out of crisis. She has great passion and love for North Kent Connect and the people of this community.”
Scales has a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Michigan State University.
She said she is honored to have been chosen to lead the board.
“I have a heart for serving our community and I am blessed to be able to help move our clients forward toward a better life by supporting the NKC team,” she said.
Scales is joined by three new board members: Crystal Bravo, community development specialist for Mercantile Bank; Joshua Grimes, senior pastor at Blythefield Christian Reformed Church; and Mary Rangel, chair for the Sparta Area Migrant Resource Council.
North Kent Connect is a Christian organization committed to improving the lives of all people in northern Kent County by providing access to basic needs and promoting economic independence.
