Grand Haven, MI — The Grand Haven Children’s Museum (GHCM) is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors: Cindy Anderson, Doug McNeil, and Sarah Meinel. Each brings a unique blend of expertise, passion, and commitment to the museum’s mission of engaging all children with hands-on learning experiences that spark imagination, pique curiosity, enhance creativity and develop problem-solving skills within a place of beauty, wonder and joy. Cindy Anderson, a longtime advocate for early childhood education and community enrichment, joins the board with a deep personal connection to the museum’s vision. “I have been excited about the possibility of a Children’s Museum in our community since my first conversation with founding member Rachel Dody several years ago and am honored to be part of its development,” said Anderson. “The museum will not only be of great value to our local families, but will also be a big draw for people outside our community to visit us and support our local businesses.” Doug McNeil, a Grand Haven-based attorney and co-founding partner of Saunders, Winter, McNeil, brings years of civic and legal experience to GHCM. McNeil, who has served in leadership roles for educational and youth development programs—including as President of the Spring Lake Junior Sailing Association—sees the museum as a crucial community investment. “As a community, there is nothing more important than investing in the education of our kids,” said McNeil. “That will be the primary mission of GHCM, and I am looking forward to contributing my efforts as a board member to help facilitate this mission.” Sarah Meinel, an attorney at the Grand Rapids law firm Honigman LLP, adds her professional acumen and regional insight as a lifelong Tri-Cities resident. “As a mom, I believe that children’s museums play a critical role in nurturing imagination, learning, and community connection,” Meinel said. “Families living in and visiting the lakeshore will greatly benefit from having a dedicated space that fosters exploration and discovery. I am thrilled to be a part of creating a children’s museum for our community.” To support ongoing growth and development, founding board member Jennie Nowak—Director of Population Health Activation at Priority Health—has assumed the role of Board President, bringing dynamic leadership to guide the museum into its next chapter. Meanwhile, founder Rachel Dody transitioned into a part-time Development role, and is focused on advancing key initiatives. “We are very fortunate to have Cindy, Doug, and Sarah join our team,” said Jennie. “They each bring a big heart for kids, a love for our community, and professional expertise that will help us lay a strong foundation for the up-and-coming museum. We are grateful for their leadership and commitment.” The Grand Haven Children’s Museum is engaged in community outreach, business planning, and fundraising efforts to turn its vision into reality. The organization invites support from individuals and businesses who share a passion for enriching children’s lives through interactive, hands-on learning experiences. To learn more or to get involved, please visit https://grandhavenchildrensmuseum.org.
Grand Haven, MI — The Grand Haven Children’s Museum (GHCM) is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors: Cindy Anderson, Doug McNeil, and Sarah Meinel. Each brings a unique blend of expertise, passion, and commitment to the museum’s mission of engaging all children with hands-on learning experiences that spark imagination, pique curiosity, enhance creativity and develop problem-solving skills within a place of beauty, wonder and joy.
Cindy Anderson, a longtime advocate for early childhood education and community enrichment, joins the board with a deep personal connection to the museum’s vision. “I have been excited about the possibility of a Children’s Museum in our community since my first conversation with founding member Rachel Dody several years ago and am honored to be part of its development,” said Anderson. “The museum will not only be of great value to our local families, but will also be a big draw for people outside our community to visit us and support our local businesses.”
Doug McNeil, a Grand Haven-based attorney and co-founding partner of Saunders, Winter, McNeil, brings years of civic and legal experience to GHCM. McNeil, who has served in leadership roles for educational and youth development programs—including as President of the Spring Lake Junior Sailing Association—sees the museum as a crucial community investment. “As a community, there is nothing more important than investing in the education of our kids,” said McNeil. “That will be the primary mission of GHCM, and I am looking forward to contributing my efforts as a board member to help facilitate this mission.”
Sarah Meinel, an attorney at the Grand Rapids law firm Honigman LLP, adds her professional acumen and regional insight as a lifelong Tri-Cities resident. “As a mom, I believe that children’s museums play a critical role in nurturing imagination, learning, and community connection,” Meinel said. “Families living in and visiting the lakeshore will greatly benefit from having a dedicated space that fosters exploration and discovery. I am thrilled to be a part of creating a children’s museum for our community.”
To support ongoing growth and development, founding board member Jennie Nowak—Director of Population Health Activation at Priority Health—has assumed the role of Board President, bringing dynamic leadership to guide the museum into its next chapter. Meanwhile, founder Rachel Dody transitioned into a part-time Development role, and is focused on advancing key initiatives.
“We are very fortunate to have Cindy, Doug, and Sarah join our team,” said Jennie. “They each bring a big heart for kids, a love for our community, and professional expertise that will help us lay a strong foundation for the up-and-coming museum. We are grateful for their leadership and commitment.”
The Grand Haven Children’s Museum is engaged in community outreach, business planning, and fundraising efforts to turn its vision into reality. The organization invites support from individuals and businesses who share a passion for enriching children’s lives through interactive, hands-on learning experiences.