Leadership Team

Executive Director—Alexis Robertson

Alexis started her journey in animal welfare when she began volunteering in shelters more than 15 years ago. She worked in rescues and animal hospitals through college until graduating from Grand Valley State University with a degree in Public and Nonprofit Administration. She became our Executive Director in 2016, and leads our organization passionately and strategically. She is newly married and has a rescue hobby farm that’s been growing year after year.

Email: BigLakeED@gmail.com

Shelter Manager—Velvet Lyght

Velvet is the Shelter Manager of Big Lake Humane Society. She joined the organization in December 2018 as a volunteer and foster.  Her passion for animal welfare found a place with us and that passion has continued to grow. Velvet is dedicated to finding homes for the animals that come into our care.

Email: BigLakeHumane@gmail.com

Clinic Manager—Leah Wetmore

Leah joined Big Lake Community Animal Clinic shortly after its acquisition. She has previously worked in animal hospitals and feels a calling to help animals in need. Leah has been instrumental in structuring our programs and helping grow our services. She has two kids and two rescue dogs. Her favorite breed is anything Pitty-mixed.

Email: BigLakeCAC@gmail.com

Board President—Chelsea Kirksey

Chelsea was introduced to the organization in 2019 as a volunteer. She became an adopter soon after, and most recently joined the Board of Directors. She has a BFA in Art Education and a background working in non-profit management. Chelsea currently works in community relations and organization administrative support for HealthWest, Muskegon County’s Community Mental Health. She is passionate about community education, public engagement, and animals of all types.

Board Vice-President—Matt Driesenga 

Matt first joined the Muskegon Humane Society as a volunteer in July 2012, and then later joined the Board of Directors in April 2018 serving as Treasurer until September of 2022 when he became Vice-president. He is a Certified Management Accountant with a demonstrated history working in a variety of industries specializing in Cost Accounting, Budget, and Forecast development.  Matt has three rescue cats that were all adopted from Big Lake Humane Society.

Board Secretary—Barb Rickard

Barb Rickard has been an active volunteer at the Muskegon Humane Society for eight years and currently serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors. Barb enjoys volunteering with the dogs at the shelter weekly and assisting with various fundraisers to help raise money for the shelter. She also works part-time as a freelance writer and editor, using her writing and communication skills in her current board position. Barb has served on numerous boards and committees in the Grand Haven area, including nine years on the Grand Haven Schools Foundation. Her passion and love for dogs led her to take on a more active role in our organization during the past few years.

Board Treasurer—Zach Westendorp 

Zach joined the Board of Directors as Treasurer in 2022. He has a degree in Accounting & Philosophy from Western Michigan University and works as an Auditor for SpartanNash. Zach has professional experience in nonprofit auditing, state and local taxation, and bookkeeping. Zach was inspired to join the shelter by his father’s village council position and his mother’s love for animals. In his free time, he enjoys trying new food, riding motorcycles, and buying his dog new sweaters.