Board Member since 2003

Retired from General Motors
Married to Betty, 41 years; three children and four grandchildren

Larry Collier is passionate about education because he sees it as the only avenue for people, young and old, to better themselves and realize their life goals. "I have seen the challenge a lack of education presents and the reward it can deliver," he said. "I serve to give back to the community, for the blessings I have received." He is also a member of the Otsego Public Schools Foundation and the United Auto Workers.

Board Member since 2019

State Fire Marshal Inspector
Married to Lori with two children, Blake and Brandon

Rick Day has spent the vast majority of his adult life in service to others, from professional positions in the fire service to many board memberships and civic responsibilities. Some of those other responsibilities include Vice President of the Allegan County Fair Board, and serving as the Mayor of the City of Allegan for two terms and the Mayor Pro-Tem for three terms. He said, "I feel my background in leadership, strong passion for public safety and common-sense approach to issues will make me a great board member. I look forward to working to enhance the lives of the children and families the district serves."

Board Member since 2021

Retired Principal and Teacher, Hopkins Public Schools
Former Hopkins Village President

Mary Howard has worked in education for over 30 years with most of those years spent in Hopkins as a teacher and principal. She also served on the Hopkins Village Council for many years as a trustee and as Village President. She feels that being part of the AAESA board is an opportunity to continue being involved in public education.

Board Member since 2021

Retired from AdvancED Indiana Office
Former high school and college English teacher

Leslie Ballard taught English at the high school and college levels in Indiana for 26 years. Among many honors, she became a National Board Certified Teacher in 2000 and has been recognized as a Hoosier Hero for services to education in Indiana. She then served as the NCA CASI and then AdvancED State Director for Indiana for 16 years, where she was responsible for providing accreditation and school improvement services for 800+ schools and training for the organization as well as leading review teams nationally and internationally. She has published articles on writing instruction and giftedness in national publications and has presented at conferences on a variety of topics related to language arts and literacy, brain compatible teaching strategies, and school improvement.

Board Member since 2023

Parapro in Plainwell schools for 15 years
Married to Kevin with four children and 14 grandchildren

Cindy Smith grew up in Portage, MI, and came back here after living abroad.  Her family lived in Brazil for seven years, which gave her opportunities that have broadened her outlook on life and how people live.  She has been working in the Plainwell school district for 15 years as a parapro, working with kids who need help academically, physically and emotionally.  She feels that she has a grasp on some of the needs in our area and enjoys working with our kids.  They have her heart. She is looking forward to working with this team to enhance our kids' future.