Speakers

Wyatt Lucas is the Founder and President of Hockey Mentors for Special Players, a Troy-based 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides free adaptive skating and hockey opportunities for individuals with disabilities, including veterans. Through monthly skates and annual events, the organization serves over 100 participants per session, creating an inclusive and supportive environment on the ice. Wyatt is an Eagle Scout, American Heart Association BLS Instructor, and a Paul Harris Fellow through Rotary. He is currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology at Lawrence Technological University, with plans to graduate in 2027. His work focuses on expanding access to adaptive sports and building strong community partnerships.

A former criminal prosecutor and civil rights attorney, Attorney General Dana Nessel is now serving her second term as Michigan’s 54th Attorney General. Since taking office in 2019, AG Nessel has spent her tenure using the resources of her office to safeguard consumers, protect public safety, and defend the rights of all Michigan residents. Here to tell us about her priorities and aspirations for her final months in office, please welcome Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.

Ron Rhynard has been around maple syrup production since he was a child.  Ron is past president and current board member of Shepherd Sugar Bush Corporation in his home town of Shepherd Michigan.  Shepherd Sugar Bush Corporation is a non-profit organization which utilizes all volunteer labor to produce maple syrup and other maple products, with all proceeds going back into the community.  Ron and his wife have been owners of Green River Maple Camp in Mancelona Michigan since 2019. 

Joe serves as the development director for Love for a Child.  He has been working with kids, students, and young adults in some capacity since 2013.  He is married to Taylor and they have 3 children together - Jaxon (boy 8), Blake (girl 6) and Crew (boy 1).  In his spare time, Joe enjoys grilling, trying new coffee shops, and watching all sports. 

Renee is a fellow Rotarian, Past District Governor and Rotary Relations Manager for ShelterBox. Renee is passionate about service and is involved with her community not only with Rotary but as an elected official, and in many other ways.  She is a mother of two and has two, soon to be three grandchildren.  Renee's mission is to be a positive impact to her local and global community; her vision is to be the change she wants to see; and her core values are belief, responsibility, life-long learning, empathy and service.

Fr. Tim McCabe joined the Pope Francis Center (PFC) as executive director in 2015 and was named president and CEO in 2023. A native of Ferndale, Michigan, he has spent more than 40 years advocating for people experiencing poverty and homelessness, shaped by his early involvement in the Catholic Worker Movement and Jesuit traditions. He holds degrees from the University of Detroit Mercy, Loyola University Chicago, and Santa Clara University, and was ordained a Jesuit priest in 2015. Under his leadership, PFC’s Day Center has grown significantly, now serving more than 230 individuals daily with essential services. He also led the development of the $40 million Bridge Housing Campus, a first-of-its-kind facility in Michigan providing housing and comprehensive support services.Fr. Tim McCabe joined the Pope Francis Center (PFC) as executive director in 2015 and was named president and CEO in 2023. A native of Ferndale, Michigan, he has spent more than 40 years advocating for people experiencing poverty and homelessness, shaped by his early involvement in the Catholic Worker Movement and Jesuit traditions. He holds degrees from the University of Detroit Mercy, Loyola University Chicago, and Santa Clara University, and was ordained a Jesuit priest in 2015. Under his leadership, PFC’s Day Center has grown significantly, now serving more than 230 individuals daily with essential services. He also led the development of the $40 million Bridge Housing Campus, a first-of-its-kind facility in Michigan providing housing and comprehensive support services.

Rich Wieske is a long-time beekeeper and president- emeritus of the Michigan Beekeepers Association (MBA) and bee advocate with Bee Curious, the children's educational project of the MBA. He maintains beehives for the Belle Isle Nature Center and Edsel and Eleanor Ford House.