(616) 331-6901 • riccok@gvsu.edu

Kevin has been Director at the Muskegon Innovation Hub since 2014. He drives the vision of the Hub and is responsible for the overall management of the organization. His team-first attitude and extensive background in economic development give him the unique understanding of what it takes to help businesses and entrepreneurs thrive in Michigan. Prior to joining Grand Valley State University, Kevin served for 13 years as Allegan County’s Director of County Development, where he managed economic development, brownfield redevelopment, parks and recreation, and tourism. Kevin is a horticulturist at heart with a passion for business, holding a bachelor's degree in natural resource management from the University of Michigan and a master's degree in business administration from Eastern Michigan University. Outside of the Hub, you can find Kevin enjoying staycations with his family at the Lakeshore, conducting horticultural experiments in his yard, or raucously cheering on the Michigan Wolverines.

What is your vision for the Hub?

“My goal is to carry out the Hub's mission and empower our team to turn great ideas into successful business ventures. It’s much bigger than a single person’s vision for the Hub. It’s about impacting the region through our collective passion for entrepreneurship and innovation.”

(616) 331-6908 • hoppert@gvsu.edu

Tom serves as the Associate Director for Business Development at the Hub, helping businesses turn bright ideas into marketable products and services. He has been an entrepreneur, been co-inventor on several patents, brought successful new products to market, and developed new business processes that saved millions of dollars. With three decades of experience in innovation, Tom whips business visions into shape by bridging the technical side of development with big-picture business goals. Outside of the Hub, you can find Tom spending time with his family in Michigan’s great outdoors or reading up on the latest science discoveries and current events.

What advice would you give to entrepreneurs or startups?

“Focus on getting your product to market sooner rather than later. You generate income and deliver a better product only when customers are buying from you.”

(616) 331-6916 • dilea@gvsu.edu

Allison serves as the business incubator manager at the Hub, helping entrepreneurs navigate the ocean of resources available to support their business goals. With a rich background in communication, public relations, and business development, Allison connects entrepreneurs to customized resources that help them develop or expand their market reach. In addition to supporting Hub clients, Allison also leads the event planning. Prior to joining the Hub, Allison worked in various member relations and communication roles that helped her understand the pulse of the business community. Some of her past positions include corporate communications at Shape Corporation, the member relations manager at the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, a project manager at Revel, and the marketing and communication manager at Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore. She holds a bachelor of arts in public relations from Central Michigan University. Outside of the Hub, you can find Allison volunteering, hiking with Koda, her rescue border collie, or renovating her new home.

What are your favorite things about Muskegon?

“I love hiking at Hoffmaster State Park, the local food and craft beer scene, and all the festivals. I think it’s safe to say that I will be a Muskegon lifer.”

(616) 331-6905 • rayli@gvsu.edu

Linda serves as the Hub assistant, providing support to the administrative staff for the planning, coordination and implementation of projects, events, resources, services and systems, while overseeing front desk operations. Linda holds a Bachelor of Science degree from GVSU in Interdisciplinary Studies with emphasis in Leadership Studies. With over 12 years’ experience at GVSU, Linda has been the primary administrative liaison for various GVSU initiatives such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration and Teach-In steering committees. Linda enjoys spending time with her parents and granddaughters, traveling, attending summer concerts and walking on the beach.

What do you love about living in Muskegon?

"State parks, miles of beaches, summer festivities and relaxing in my backyard."

(616) 331-6906 • langlocy@gvsu.edu

Cyndi joined the Hub in March 2024 as Community Empowerment Manager, bringing her passion for education and connecting people to resources. Originally from Tennessee, she earned her Bachelor's and Master's (ABT) in Psychology from Austin Peay State University. She began her career counseling children and families before moving to Muskegon in 2000, where she shifted to education, earning a Master’s in Education with a Mathematics focus from Aquinas College. She worked in workforce development at Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids, managing the Michigan Prisoner Re-Entry and Pathways Out of Poverty Grant before overseeing all Youth Services. She later advanced into economic development as Associate Dean of Workforce and Talent Development at Muskegon Community College. She serves on the Board of Directors for Goodwill Industries of West Michigan and is a past board chair for Read Muskegon. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring Lake Harbor Park or planning her next adventure—preferably swimming with sea turtles.

What are your favorite things about Muskegon?

“Spring, Summer and Fall! The people, specifically the collaboration to make this community amazing.”

(616) 331-6907 • fleserdi@gvsu.edu

Diane joins the Hub as the Grant Program Manager and has extensive experience in federal grants management and program development and evaluation.  With over 17 years of non-profit experience and leadership, Diane is currently a PhD Candidate in the field of Interdisciplinary Health Science, researching socioeconomic and health disparities for marginalized populations.  She brings robust passion for elevating possibilities and seeking out solutions, using a data-driven and research based approach.  Prior to joining the Hub, Diane served as the CEO for a federally funded non-profit organization and taught part-time at Western Michigan University.  She continues serving as a Federal Grants Instructor for federal and non-federal entities across the country.  She is a veteran who was deployed in 2005 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and completed a 15-month tour in Balad, Iraq.  Outside of the Hub, Diane is an avid outdoor enthusiast, with a love for sea kayaking the Great Lakes and backcountry camping. 

What are you most looking forward to at the Hub?

“My background has always been rooted in serving vulnerable and marginalized populations.  I’m excited to influence grant objectives targeting these groups to expand the diversity and access to the incredible programming and services offered through the Hub.”

(616) 331-6900 • hullth@gvsu.edu

Tom manages maintenance and operations at the Grand Valley State University (GVSU) Grand Rapids and Regional Centers. He is the go-to person for all things facility-related at the Hub. He coordinates the set-up and teardown process for all events and makes sure that the facility is in tip-top shape on a day-to-day basis. Before joining GVSU, Tom worked as a baker for 30 years. He also enjoys giving back to the community through his volunteer work at Muskegon Area People and a local cat shelter. Outside of work, you can find Tom playing music on the weekends with the Carl Webb Band or teaching electronics to guitar makers at the Galloup School of Lutherie in Big Rapids.

What are your favorite things about Muskegon?

“The Lakeshore is a great Muskegon asset. The weather is perfect in the summer — there is no reason to travel anywhere else.”

Martha Colburn

(616) 331-6900 • mihubstu@gvsu.edu 

Martha has been one of the Front Desk Receptionists at the Hub since December, 2018. She greets and directs community visitors, Hub members and assists the administrative staff. Martha earned her Bachelor of Arts from Grand Valley and Master of Arts from the State University of New York, SUNY Binghamton. Prior professional positions include politics, corporate and nonprofit positions, owning a small arts entertainment business and founding The Colburn Insurance Agency. Outside of work Martha can be found spending time loving the Lake Michigan beaches, walking or in her kayak.

Sandra Briggs

(616) 331-6900 • mihubstu@gvsu.edu 

Sandra serves as a front desk support staff member, welcoming Hub members and visitors. Her responsibilities include directing them to events, meetings, or other support staff to address their questions and concerns. Prior to her current role, Sandra spent 11 years at GVSU’s campus, working in the CLAS Advising Center, where she collaborated with advisors to prepare students for upcoming semesters. Additionally, she has 25 years of experience as an office manager at Fifth Third Bank. Outside of work, Sandra enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also has a passion for camping, outdoor walks, and travel. When asked about living in Muskegon, Sandra describes it as a hidden gem. She appreciates the beaches, the beautiful scenery, and the summer activities the area offers.