Staff & Board of Directors
The Livingston Diversity Council (LDC) is a 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.
Sean bajas
President
Affiliation: Vibe Credit Union
Term: Jan 2025-Dec 2027
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.
Sue Swartz
Vice President
Affiliation: Civic Leader
Term: Jan 2026- Dec 2028
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, The Livingston Diversity Council and The Connection Youth Services Advisory Board.
I am married, with two sons, and moved to Howell in 1987.
Claire Donovan
Secretary
Affiliation: Civic Leader
Term: Jan 2026 - Dec 2028
Why I serve on the Livingston Diversity Council Board: As a member of this community for the past 50 years, I joined the Diversity Council to help promote more cultural awareness within our community and to advocate for community members who are underserved. Several of the community organizations I serve were seeking growth in these areas, so I’m hoping to intersect local organizations with the work of the Diversity Council.
Holly Ward Lamb
treasurer
Affiliation: Howell Carnegie District Library
Term: Jan 2026-Dec 2028
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 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 empathy, understanding, and action. By serving, I see an opportunity not only to broaden my own perspectives but to also 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.
laura sauer
Board Member at Large
Affiliation: Arc Livingston
Term: Jan 2025-Dec 2027
Why I serve on the Livingston Diversity Council Board: As a fourteen-year resident of Livingston County, educator, and advocate for people with developmental disabilities, I believe everyone thrives when there is a strong sense of belonging. Celebrating the diversity of experiences, abilities, cultures, and beliefs of those who live in, work in, and visit our community and fostering inclusion through knowledge, understanding, and growth are central to the strength of a community. I am passionate about working toward a more welcoming and accessible community for all.
Mona Shand
Board Member at Large
Affiliation: Community Leader
Term: Jan 2025-Dec 2027
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.
Kristen Sweitzer
Board Member at Large
Affiliation: Livingston County Public Defender’s Office
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.
marilyn Waxberg
Board Member at Large
Affiliation: Civic Leader
Term: Jan 2026-Dec 2028
Why I serve on the Livingston Diversity Council Board: Prior to retiring, I supported employee resource groups which included a diverse network to make my workplace the best it could be. Prior to my move back to Michigan I found the Livingston Diversity Council (LDC). When I returned, I wanted to continue my work, this time to improve my community.
I became a member of the LDC in 2023 and co-chair of the Pride Alliance of Livingston in 2024. To continue my impact I wanted to serve on the board of directors to add LGBTQIA+ representation.