Staff & Board of Directors

The Livingston Diversity Council (LDC) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, consisting of community members from all walks of life who are strongly committed to embracing diversity and advancing equity, inclusion, and access, in Livingston County.

Photo credit - Cassie Glover

Executive Director

Nicole Matthews-Creech

Nicole Matthews-Creech (she/her) is the first Executive Director of the Livingston Diversity Council.  After serving as President of the Board of Directors for the non-profit, volunteer-run organization for 11 years, the Board unanimously appointed Nicole to the position of Executive Director in October 2022.  A graduate of Brighton High School and a parent of three students in the Hartland School District, Nicole has lived in Livingston County since 1985.  She received her Masters Degree in Family Life Education from Western Michigan University (WMU) and has since held various positions in Washtenaw and Livingston Counties in the human services sector.  Specializing in community organization, Nicole has always strongly believed in the power of education, prevention and of community coming together.  
The mission, vision, and work of the Livingston Diversity Council resonate personally for Nicole.  Growing up alongside her brother who has apparent disabilities, Nicole learned early on that differences often made people feel uncertain, uncomfortable.  She often thought that more exposure to differences (Diversity) and more understanding for what people need (Equity) would make for a safer and more welcoming experience for all (Inclusion).   For Nicole, her time and experiences at WMU only further highlighted her desire to be a part of the change.  There were so many opportunities to experience new and different things, to be exposed to learning from such a diverse group of people - these were the experiences she wanted her children to have someday within their own community.
For many, our Livingston County community is a safe, wonderful and caring place to be.  As our community grows, we have such a great capacity to work together and to create purposeful and sustainable change so that all feel safe and welcome.  

Jennifer boose

President

Affiliation: Civic Leader
Term: Jan 2023-Dec 2025

Why I serve on the Livingston Diversity Council Board: I became the vice president of the council in September 2021. I have devoted my 25 year professional career to children, families, diversity, and equality. I became the director of the Department of Health and Human Services in Livingston County in 2016. I have championed the diversity initiative in my department since the day I became the director. Being a contributing member to the Livingston Count Diversity Council is the next phase of my continued endeavor to promote diversity and equality. I am eager to forge and maintain long lasting community partnerships that will benefit children and their families within Livingston County for many years to come.

Sean Bajas

Vice President

Affiliation: Lake Trust Credit Union
Term: Jan 2022- Dec 2024

Why I serve on the Livingston Diversity Council Board: As a long-time member of this community, I have a great passion for making it a better place for everyone. I joined the Diversity Council to help make meaningful contributions to our community. I am passionately committed to creating a more perfect community in which everyone feels safe, respected, and included.

Sarah Neidert

Secretary

Affiliation: Civic Leader
Term: Jan 2023-Dec 2025

Why I serve on the Livingston Diversity Council Board: I choose to live, work and raise my family in Livingston County. I am a librarian, and as stated in the American Library Association Code of Ethics: "(Libraries) affirm the inherent dignity and rights of every person.” I believe we are better together, and am willing to work to make that possibility a reality.

Karen Hollins

treasurer

Affiliation: LM Manufacturing
Term: Jan 2023-Dec 2025

Why I serve on the Livingston Diversity Council Board: I count it an honor to serve in a organization dedicated to promoting education and positive change in the community that they serve. To me, this is about serving my neighbor and encouraging positive dialogue within the community and within our region.

Patricia Ajeje

Board Member at Large
Affiliation: Chem Trend
Term: Jan 2024-Dec 2026

Why I serve on the Livingston Diversity Council Board:
I am from Brazil and I started my position as Vice-President and General Manager for Chem-Trend North America in July, 2023. I have more than two decades of experience in the industrial sector and I am passionate about topics regarding Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Serving the Livingston Diversity Council Board is a great opportunity and honor. I believe that each one of us should embrace diversity in order to create an environment where all individuals feel included and valued in our organizations. Embracing diversity is also an opportunity to bring a positive impact on our communities and society.

Holly Ward Lamb

Board Member at Large
Affiliation: Civic Leader
Term: Jan 2024-Dec 2026

Why I serve on the Livingston Diversity Council Board:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion improve and enrich our world. I have worked and lived in Livingston County for a quarter-century and have witnessed first-hand this community's struggles with its past. I want to be part of the discussions and potential solutions to move into a more tolerant and inclusive future while acknowledging that we are all at a different stage of this journey.

Brett Rogers

Board Member at Large
Affiliation:  Cleary University
Term: Jan 2024-Dec 2026

Why I serve on the Livingston Diversity Council Board: I serve on the Livingston Diversity Council Board because I believe in the power of continuous growth, both personally and within our community. Diversity isn't just a checkbox to mark; it's an ongoing journey of understanding, empathy, and action. By being part of this board, I see an opportunity not only to broaden my own perspectives but also to contribute to the collective learning of our community.
Each interaction, discussion, and initiative presents a chance for me to learn, to challenge my assumptions, and to deepen my understanding of diversity and its importance. I hope that through my time on the board, I can share the insights and knowledge gained with others, sparking meaningful conversations and fostering a culture of inclusivity and acceptance.
Ultimately, serving on the Livingston Diversity Council Board is not just about what I can contribute, but also about what I can learn and how I can grow alongside others who share a commitment to creating a more diverse and equitable community.

Dr. Jill Griffin

Board Member at Large
Affiliation: Educator, Infinite Learnings LLC
Term: Jan 2023-Dec 2025

Why I serve on the Livingston Diversity Council Board: Dr. Jill's focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion is driven by a strong belief in the inherent value of every individual, regardless of their background or position in society. She recognizes that historically marginalized or overlooked individuals have faced systemic inequities and strives to actively contribute to addressing these issues. By serving in this capacity, she aims to be part of creating policies and initiatives that promote social justice and work towards an inclusive and welcoming community whereby everyone can feel as though they belong and are celebrated for their uniqueness. Her commitment to making a positive impact in Livingston County is through advocating for positive changes and ensuring that everyone's voices are heard and valued.

Anne Richardson

Board Member at Large
Affiliation: Disability Advocate
Term: Jan 2024-Dec 2026

Why I serve on the Livingston Diversity Council Board: Living in Livingston County for the past twenty-nine years and raising a family that includes a son with autism and an intellectual disability, has given me great insight into the inequities that still exist in education, employment opportunities, housing and community living supports for people with disabilities in our community.  Working for almost twenty years for The Arc Livingston has brought even more barriers to inclusion to light.  My work as a board member serves to move Livingston County forward to include, empower and respect every person that lives, works and recreates in our community. #WeAreAllBetterTogether

Mona Shand 

Board Member at Large
Affiliation: Community Leader
Term: Jan 2022-Dec 2024

Why I serve on the Livingston Diversity Council Board: As the child of immigrants who came to this country because of the discrimination they faced in their homeland, the "American Dream" is very much my reality. I am passionate about ensuring that the dream and the opportunities afforded to my family live on, and that the words on the Statue of Liberty ring true: "Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand a mighty woman with a torch, whose flame is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles." Livingston County has been my family's home for 14 years, and I am deeply committed to helping create a kinder, more tolerant, more inclusive community for my children and for all who dare to dream.

Sue Swartz

Board Member at Large
Affiliation: Civic Leader
Term: Jan 2023-Dec 2025

Why I serve on the Livingston Diversity Council Board: I left a 15-year career in business at Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI to pursue completion of a degree at U of M.

Instead of finishing, I became a ‘stay at home' mom, and through connections made through my sons’ Pre-School, I found myself working with various Civic groups and ad hoc functions.

I then moved on to PTO Administration, and served on the Howell School Board for eight years. During that time, I also became an active member of The Child Abuse Prevention Council (where I serve as Secretary), The Livingston Diversity Council and The Connection Youth Services Advisory Board.

I am married, with two sons, and moved to Howell in 1987.

kristen sweitzer

Board Member at Large
Affiliation: Livingston County Public Defender
Term: Jan 2024-Dec 2026

Why I serve on the Livingston Diversity Council Board:
I believe in a community where everyone feels safe and welcomed. I have lived in many, many states within our country both moving around as a child and as a spouse to an active-duty military member for almost 20 years. I want my children and all people to feel welcomed to enjoy all the wonderful things Livingston County has to offer and am passionate about assisting in and finding ways to support that mission.