BOARD MEMBERS
Mitchell Shafer
President
Mitch is employed at Greenstone Farm Credit Services at their Grand Rapids location, a major supporter of Critter Barn. He serves at the board president.
Paul Pyle
Vice President
Paul is a sixth-generation dairy farmer who runs a 140 head dairy and maintains 265 acres in Zeeland. Paul serves as the board Vice-president.
Brian Terborg
Treasurer
Brian is the CFO of Zeeland Farm Services, a major supporter of Critter Barn. He has served on the board for over 8 years as Treasurer.
Chris Machiela
Secretary
Chris is the board secretary, and has been a friend of Critter Barn through providing hay for many years. He is a member of our new farm committee.
Brian Geerlings
Board Member
Brian is employed at Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch in Saranac, but finds time to serve on our board and assist with construction projects at Critter Barn.
Di'Shun Melbert
Board Member
Di’Shun serves on our new farm committee and brings both his experience from Louisiana and his employment with NRCS to our board.
Patrick Mitchell
Board Member
Pat is employed at Johnson Controls and runs his own farm with Dexter cattle and Katahdin sheep. Pat served as former board president for 5 years.
Jay Riggs
Board Member/Chairman Fund Dev. Committee
Jay is the Co-Founder of Critter Barn's marketing company iWear Solutions, and the CEO of Geared2Give.com. His experience and example make him a valuable asset to the Critter Barn board. With Jay's help we have raised the funds to break ground on our new farm and are growing better than ever.
Wayne Sall
Board Member
Wayne enjoys traveling, golf, grandchildren and serving as an advocate for Critter Barn. Wayne has served as vice-president and on our Fundraising team.
Doug Slenk
Board Member
Doug is the father of five children who are frequent visitors to Critter Barn. Doug has served on the board for 7 years, and is employed at Sloan Industries in Holland.
Laurie Wright
Board Member
Laurie is the Program Director of Veterinary Technology at Baker College in Muskegon. Baker’s Vet Tech students have participated in animal care and education at Critter Barn for 12 years.
Mary Rottschafer
Executive Director
Mary worked initially in music and elementary education after graduating from Hope College in 1974. Her passion for teaching and working with animals continues to grow because of the profound effect the whole farm experience has on children and youth.
