Staff

Robert Dwan

Robert Dwan, CFO, SFO

Executive Director

(517) 327-2581
rdwan@msbo.org

Bio

With over 25 years in public education finance, including working in LEA and ISD settings, Bob brings a wealth of experience to MSBO’s Leadership Team. In his 15 years of service to the members of MSBO, he has assisted all levels of district staff to help them better understand school finance. As a strong communicator, Bob has never met a stranger in his work. Building relationships at the local, state and national level has put MSBO at the table for many strategic initiatives. Bob is supported by his wife Maria, three children, and two dogs. Outside of the office he enjoys hunting, fishing, and being in Northern Michigan.

Courtney Byam

Courtney Byam

Certification Coordinator

Certification
(517) 327-5937
cbyam@msbo.org

Bio

Courtney has served as MSBO Certification Coordinator for almost 20 years. Previous work experience includes selling advertising for the local NBC affiliate, as well as recruiting for a large CPA firm. She has a BA in psychology with a minor in sociology from the University of Michigan. In her free time, Courtney enjoys attending concerts, traveling with friends and anything that is adrenaline-based. The higher, the faster the louder the BETTER!!

Deneen Hansen

Deneen Hansen, CMP

Executive Assistant, Event Manager

Executive Office, Annual Conference, SCECH Coordinator
(517) 327-2585
dhansen@msbo.org

Bio

Deneen has served MSBO for over 26 years and started in education working part-time for MDE in 1984. She earned her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certificate in 2008. She was awarded the Planner of the Year Award in 2008 from the Michigan Chapter of The Society of Government Meeting Professionals (MiSGMP). She served on the MiSGMP Board of Directors and as Program/Education Chair for many years. While serving on their Board, she and Debbie Kopkau developed the MiSGMP Government Meeting Specialist (GMS) certification. Outside of work, she loves supporting and spending time with her family and “tribe,” especially her grandchildren.

Nancy Hawkins

Nancy Hawkins

Assistant Executive Director

Communications, Outreach
(517) 327-9254
nhawkins@msbo.org

Bio

Nancy has served in an executive role for numerous professional and trade associations for more than 20 years. She currently serves as assistant executive director at MSBO and has worked extensively in communications and public relations. Prior to joining MSBO, she served as a communications specialist and speech writer in the Michigan Senate, and editor/reporter for local newspapers. She enjoys working with MSBO members and the education community. Nancy has served in leadership roles as a board member for her local RESA and school district.

Jason Helsen

Jason Helsen, CPA, SFO, CFO

Associate Executive Director of Business and Finance

MILAF, Purchase Cards, PaySchools, Dynamic Budget Projections, Finance Workshops
(517) 376-3087
jhelsen@msbo.org

Bio

Jason has been involved in the school finance community for over 20 years. He serves as Associate Executive Director of MSBO, focusing on school finance issues and related programming. Prior to joining MSBO, he served in key finance roles for four West Michigan school districts. As an experienced finance professional, he uses his expertise to advise members and provide key support to MSBO members. He is an active member of ASBO International and is an adjunct instructor for MASB. Outside of the office, Jason keeps busy with his family as a married father of three. He volunteers his time as treasurer of Ravenna Community Educational Foundation and coaches youth sports.

Nancy Jungkans

Nancy Jungkans

Conference Registrar, Administrative Assistant

Conference Registration, Committee Meetings
(517) 327-5920
njungkans@msbo.org

Bio

Nancy has served as the Conference Registrar for the past 8 years. Before joining MSBO, she spent more than 20 years working as an Athletic Director/Administrator at a local Michigan public school. Outside of work, she enjoys mountain biking, hiking, camping and fishing.

Debbie Kopkau

Debbie Kopkau, MBA, CAE, CMP, GMS

Director of Certification

Certification, Business Manager Academy, Workshops, Technology
(517) 327-2587
dkopkau@msbo.org

Bio

Debbie has worked in the educational association community since 1991. She is currently the Director of Certification, and has been involved in the program since its inception in 1999. Debbie received her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) in 2001, her MBA in 2010 and Certified Associate Executive (CAE) in 2013. Debbie appreciates working with members through meeting planning and developing content in the educational industry for business officials. When she is not working, she enjoys classic cars, especially the convertible on warm sunny days, and gardening.

Patty Lenneman

Exhibit Coordinator

Event Sponsors and Exhibitors
(517) 327-2584
plenneman@msbo.org

Bio

Patty has worked for MSBO for over 40 years. Her career with MSBO began as an intern while attending MSU, Patty remained with MSBO upon graduation. Starting out in a clerical role, Patty grew into the position of accountant and exhibit coordinator for both of MSBO’s Conferences. After retiring in December 2021, Patty has remained as the exhibit coordinator working part time. With her many years of experience in this role, she finds it rewarding to assist MSBO in this capacity and loves working with the exhibitors.

Scott Little

Scott Little

Associate Executive Director, SNAM Executive Director

Bus Program, Facilities, Transportation, School Nutrition, MISEC, SNAM, Leadership Institute
(517) 327-2582
slittle@msbo.org

Bio

Scott has been an associate Executive Director at MSBO for 23 years. He works primarily with members in support service roles. He also oversees the MSBO Bus Purchasing Program and the MSBO Leadership Institute. Prior to coming to MSBO, Scott worked as a facilities director at Bridgeport-Spaulding Community Schools for three years. Before entering the school arena Scott served in the United States Air Force for 20 years traveling the world as a C-130 Cargo Loadmaster.

Morgan Messing

Morgan Messing

Graphic/Electronic Design Specialist

Graphic Design, Web Administrator
(517) 327-2588
mmessing@msbo.org

Bio

As a multidisciplinary designer with seven years of experience, Morgan has built a well-rounded base of knowledge across digital and traditional marketing mediums. Before joining MSBO, she worked in marketing for the automotive industry, as well as for a variety of healthcare organizations. As the graphic designer and web administrator for MSBO, she uses her expertise to help meet the needs of the association’s ever-evolving membership. Outside of the office, she enjoys working on her fitness goals and doing DIY remodeling projects around her house.

Lillie Rapelje

Membership Coordinator, Administrative Assistant

Financial and Support Services, Member Services, Listservs, Regional Groups
(517) 327-9222
lrapelje@msbo.org

Bio

Lillie has more than 20 years of experience in administrative support and customer service roles. Prior to joining MSBO she was an executive assistant for the Michigan 4-H Foundation. As an administrative assistant and membership coordinator for MSBO, she enjoys serving the needs of the membership and collaborating with colleagues. In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband and two daughters and reading fiction.

Erin Rommeck

Administrative Assistant

Food Service, Bus Program, Leadership Institute
(517) 327-5933
erommeck@msbo.org

Bio

Erin is a seasoned professional with 30 years of experience in customer service and marketing. She possesses strong skills in communication, event planning, and financial management. With over six years of expertise in managing high-volume educational contract negotiation and bidding processes, Erin has transitioned to overseeing conference logistics, professional development programs, project management, and administrative operations. In addition to her professional achievements, Erin enjoys activities such as traveling, hiking, kayaking, and indulging in culinary experiences.

Chris_Twitchell

Chris Twitchell

Accounting Manager

Accounting, Exhibits
(517) 327-5924
ctwitchell@msbo.org

Bio

Chris came to MSBO five years ago after retiring from Michigan State University, where he had worked for more than 30 years primarily in the Controller’s Office. He started at MSBO in a part time position providing help with the annual conference and working on special projects. Chris really enjoys working with the MSBO staff and members and he decided to put off retirement a while longer becoming MSBO’s accountant two and a half years ago. While MSU athletics and activities are still a large part of Chris and his wife Sharon’s life, their kids and three grandchildren are easily their number one priority.

Photos provided by:

Gayle Little Photography

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