Board of Directors
Nikki Byanski
Chairman of the Board
Roles
- Be the primary spokesperson for House of Providence to the media and the community at large in collaboration with the CEO & CLinical Director;
- Chair the Executive Committee (if there is one);
- Report to the board on the status of major programs;
- Signing authority on behalf of the board for financial and legal purposes;
- Provide leadership and direction to the board;
- In conjunction with the CEO, set the periodic board meeting agenda;
- Ensure board members receive agenda and minutes in a timely manner; and
- Adhere to general duties outlined in the board member job description.
Nikki Byanski has extensive experience in business and fundraising. She has a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from Baker College and a Master’s of Science Administration In Philanthropy and Fundraising from Central Michigan University. She is the owner of Xtreme Escape Rooms in Shelby Township and works as a Senior Procurement Manager for IAC Group. She has served on the board of House of Providence since 2012 in the role of secretary, is currently the board chair, and serves as a Chief Procurement Council Member for OESA. She has served in this role since 2010.
Emily Arredondo
Secretary
Roles
- Prepare and maintain minutes and records for all board meetings within seven days;
- Review/monitor and verify accuracy of the meeting minutes, and circulate them to all board members;
- Adhere to general duties outlined in the board member job description;
- Assume responsibilities of board chair in the absence of the board chair and the vice chair; and
- Provide notice of meetings of the board when such notice is required
As a former foster parent and now adoptive mother, with seven kids in total, Emily Arredondo would tell you her number one passion is seeing every child provided the care and love they deserve. She and her husband formerly pastored a local church that supported House of Providence and was very active in the surrounding community. Emily has served on the board of House of Providence for the last two years but has been involved in the dream of House of Providence providing a standard of excellence for Michigan’s most vulnerable and forgotten children since the beginning. She serves alongside key staff members on the Gala Committee, which is House of Providence’s largest fundraising initiative each year. She considers it one of her greatest privileges to be a part of such a trailblazing organization that is willing to advocate and believe for better for foster youth.
Andrew Hill
Treasurer
Roles
- Explain the periodic financial statements for other board members (in some instances, the ministry’s CEO may provide the explanation of the financial statements);
- Signing authority for certain financial matters, as delegated by the board;
- Ensure audited, reviewed, or compiled financial statements are presented to the board on an annual basis;
- Ensure that the board or its designated committee meets at least annually with the independent CPA firm preparing the financial statements and that the annual appointment of the independent CPA firm is formally approved by the board;
- Work with the chief executive and the chief operations officer to ensure that appropriate financial reports are made available to the board on a timely basis; and
- Ensure board development and review of the board’s financial policies
- Adhere to general duties outlined in the board member job description.
Andrew Hill currently serves as the Executive Pastor of Oakland Church in Rochester, MI. Within his duties, he leads the staff of Oakland Church along with serving as the Young Adults pastor at the church. He graduated from Oakland University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and also earned a Diploma with a focus in Biblical Studies from Rhema Bible College. He resides in Rochester, MI with his family including his wife Quela and his daughter Zara. Andrew enjoys music, namely playing the piano, and even serves as a part of the worship team at his local church.
Christi Giannetti
Board Member
Roles
- Attend all board and committee meetings and functions, such as special events
- Be informed about the organization's mission, services, policies, and programs
- Review agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings
- Serve on committees or task forces and offer to take on special assignments
- Aid in increasing the overall private and corporate financial contributions made to the organization
- Inform others about the organization
- Suggest possible nominees to the board who can make significant contributions to the work of the board and the organization while supporting the overall mission and team
- Keep up-to-date on developments in the organization's field
- Follow conflict of interest and confidentiality policies
- Refrain from making special requests of the staff
- Assist the board in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities, such as reviewing the organization's annual financial statements
- Engage in relationships with the residents in a meaningful way that supports the Board Member’s “why” and encourages the excellent relationships and care
Christi Giannetti attended Oakland Christian K-12 & studied business courses at Oakland Community College and Oakland University. She has worked in retail management for over 8 years before becoming a stay at home mom that raises her 4 children and home-schools them. Her hobbies include gardening, studying health and wellness, and traveling. Christi generously assists with the gala and other fundraising and friend-raising efforts at HoP.
Elijah Harrell
Board Member
Roles
- Attend all board and committee meetings and functions, such as special events
- Be informed about the organization's mission, services, policies, and programs
- Review agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings
- Serve on committees or task forces and offer to take on special assignments
- Aid in increasing the overall private and corporate financial contributions made to the organization
- Inform others about the organization
- Suggest possible nominees to the board who can make significant contributions to the work of the board and the organization while supporting the overall mission and team
- Keep up-to-date on developments in the organization's field
- Follow conflict of interest and confidentiality policies
- Refrain from making special requests of the staff
- Assist the board in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities, such as reviewing the organization's annual financial statements
- Engage in relationships with the residents in a meaningful way that supports the Board Member’s “why” and encourages the excellent relationships and care
Eli Harrell is a faithful supporter of HOP in so many ways, using his time and talents to connect with, encourage, and teach our kids.He is the Executive Pastor and Music Director of Revival Tabernacle Church in Highland Park, MI. As a former resident of the city, he has been a serving member of the congregation since 2008 with leadership responsibilities over office staff, facilities, and outreach events. Eli is a professional musician, and his love for music impacts every facet of his life with worship, teaching, and entrepreneurial endeavors. The years of investment and dedication to his craft have culminated in the establishment of his music production company, EH3 Productions.
Cherish Fields
Board Member
Roles
- Attend all board and committee meetings and functions, such as special events
- Be informed about the organization's mission, services, policies, and programs
- Review agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings
- Serve on committees or task forces and offer to take on special assignments
- Aid in increasing the overall private and corporate financial contributions made to the organization
- Inform others about the organization
- Suggest possible nominees to the board who can make significant contributions to the work of the board and the organization while supporting the overall mission and team
- Keep up-to-date on developments in the organization's field
- Follow conflict of interest and confidentiality policies
- Refrain from making special requests of the staff
- Assist the board in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities, such as reviewing the organization's annual financial statements
- Engage in relationships with the residents in a meaningful way that supports the Board Member’s “why” and encourages the excellent relationships and care
Cherish Fields is a remarkable leader who drives transformative change in the field of child welfare. With a personal journey from foster care to becoming a respected leader, captivating speaker, and Child Welfare Leader, Cherish's story is one of resilience and inspiration. Her engaging podcast, "Child Welfare Leaders," drives meaningful conversations about serving out most vulnerable children with excellence. A distinguished Master of Social Work (MSW) graduate from University of Michigan, Cherish has dedicated her career to enhancing the experiences of individuals within the child welfare system. Her written research on the significance of relationships has been published in the Michigan Social Work and Social Justice Journal. In 2015, she was honored with the House of Providence Survivor Award, which was later renamed the "Cherish Fields Survivor Award" in 2021. She has also received the Survivor Foundation Social Worker of the Year Award and the 2019 Dedicated & Deserving Social Worker Award. Beyond her incredible professional achievements, Cherish derives joy from her loving marriage and cherishes the blessings of being a proud parent to two children.
We exist to instill hope in children who have only known the intense instability of foster care by emulating the unconditional love of a healthy family to them.
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