Staff
Elissa Hillary | Executive Director
Elissa Hillary has served as executive director at Local First since 2007, her tenure marked by a period of unprecedented organizational growth. A graduate of the Community Leadership program at Aquinas College, Elissa’s commitment to West Michigan is rooted in the belief that locally owned businesses are critical in driving the economy and supporting the community. Today, that philosophy has achieved significant results, as Local First’s membership has grown from just 150 local businesses in 2007, to nearly 600 local businesses in 2010. Led by Elissa Hillary, Local First has attracted national media recognition for its efforts, and is regarded as the premier organization advocating for local businesses in the Midwest.
When Not at Local First, You Might Find Elissa at: The Green Well, Art of the Table, Gazelle Sports, Celebration! Cinema, Kingma's Market
Amy Dubbs | Membership Coordinator
Amy joined Local First in August 2010 as Membership Coordinator with extensive experience in the nonprofit industry. A graduate of Grand Valley State University, Amy most recently worked in social services at the Child and Family Resource Council.
When Not at Local First, You Might Find Amy at: Amore Trattoria Italiana, Brewery Vivant, Schuil's Coffee & Tea Shoppe
Meghan Disselkoen | Program & Fund Development Coordinator
After working in nonprofit administration at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Aquinas College, Meghan Disselkoen joined Local First as Program & Fund Development Coordinator, focusing on event planning and donor relations. Meghan graduated from Grand Valley State University, and enjoys kayaking, backpacking, tennis, and cooking extravagant meals.
When Not at Local First, You Might Find Meghan at: Common Ground Coffeehouse, Fulton St. Farmers Market, Peninsula Trading Travel Gear, Bill & Paul's Sporthaus
Melissa English | Administrative Coordinator
Melissa English joined Local First in May 2011 as Administrative Coordinator. Melissa has a B.A. in English and Environmental Studies from Aquinas College, and enjoys reading, exploring Michigan, camping and studying wildlife.
When Not at Local First, You Might Find Melissa at: Literary Life, Wealthy Street Bakery, The Electric Cheetah
Seth Galligan | Communications Coordinator
After working as a humanitarian overseas, media producer in Ann Arbor, and a Graduate Assistant at Grand Valley State University, Seth Galligan joined Local First as Communications Coordinator, overseeing the organization's communications, media relations, and social media operations. Seth is currently pursuing his M.S. in Communications from Grand Valley State University, where he is focusing on communication and media production.
When Not at Local First, You Might Find Dan at: The Grand Rapids Symphony, Marie Catrib's, Schuler Books & Music
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