A Truly Dynamic Duo

A pair of local All Stars, "40 under 40" recipients L-R Julie Burrell and April Storms

Storms and Burrell honored for leadership roles

Two of Newaygo County’s movers and shakers were honored at a dinner for Crain’s Grand Rapids Business “40 under 40” on Thursday October 17th. The event celebrates 40 business leaders in the West Michigan area who have proven themselves as leaders in their field before the age of 40.
Julie Burrell, Senior Economic Development Director at Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership - Powered by The Right Place, (a truly lengthy title) and April Storms, City Manager of the City of White Cloud will be with 38 other 'movers and shakers' at that dinner.
April has been instrumental in helping to revitalize the town ‘where the North begins” securing grants for civic improvements, assisting in bringing new housing to the city and developing positive relationships with other entities.
Julie has helped provide traction to the county’s economic growth and has been instrumental in the development of a successful strategy aimed at promoting tourism in our county as well as being a catalyst for entrepreneurial efforts. 
And these are but a few of the accomplishments achieved by these remarkable young (under 40) women
Having had the privilege of knowing both this latest honor is no surprise. 
Leadership is a funny thing. Many more believe themselves to be leaders than are deserving of the title. But when it comes to these two talented and innovative individuals who continue to be recognized region-wide?
They wear the title well.

We caught up with them for a few questions.

When and how did you find out you were nominated and also when you were chosen? 
Julie: “I found out I was nominated back in April while at a conference.  The Crain's process is pretty sophisticated - I got an email immediately, asking to confirm a bunch of details and add more information.  I received the email on being selected about 2 months ago with a requirement of keeping the information confidential until October! So hard to do!!”

April: “I found out about the nomination in the beginning of May. The process for selection appeared to be rigorous and thorough.  After responding to their inquiries, I received notification that I was selected in July.  It was under strict embargo until October when Crain’s did their official announcement of the Class of 2024!”

What does it mean personally and professionally to be named to the list?
April: “Personally, and professionally, this nomination and recognition is an honor to receive.  I never expected to make this type of impact in our community this early in my City Manager career. It’s truly been an honor to accept this on behalf of the City of White Cloud.  There are many who contribute to this type of success and recognition which includes my family, staff, mentors, colleagues, and a city council who is progressive and supportive of new ideas and innovation. No one earns this type of recognition all on their own… there’s a team behind them and I’m incredibly grateful for mine!
“Many are unaware, but White Cloud is very special to me.  My dad grew up and graduated from WCHS and we spent many weekends at the surplus store downtown, stopped at Sallys for a large cinnamon roll and we often fished at the Mill Pond. When my dad retired 10 years ago, he moved to Southern Georgia.  In February of 2022, he passed (one month after I was appointed City Manager).  We made the decision to bring him home to a White Cloud Cemetery for his final resting place.  On tough days, it’s a comfort to have a place in the city that I can go to take a moment away from the office. I know that he would be very proud of this accomplishment.”

Julie: “As I began my career and started seeing that success was truly possible for me, I only hoped I'd be in a position to make an impact some day. I've been fascinated with lists like these but wasn't really sure I'd ever be 'important enough' to make one.  It is an enormous honor and I am so proud to be on this list with so many amazing people doing life-changing work in our region.”

You have both been exceptional at the art of collaboration. Can you tell us what has made you successful in this area? 
Julie: “It might not always be 'easy', but...more hands make light work.  In a rural area, we are most limited by our human capacity, so working together is a no-brainer.”

April: ”Great relationships build great communities.  We are very fortunate in Newaygo County to have such an amazing group of leaders who truly want to continue to build better communities in Newaygo County.”  

Good leaders usually have had good mentors along the way. Who has been important to you in your career?
April: “I have been mentored as a manager in many capacities over the past several years; In my previous employment, Kasey Hershberger, who was the Dental Business Operations Director at Family Health Care Dental was a great mentor for me throughout my young adult years.  I have treasured many of the values and lessons that she taught me. I have been very fortunate in this capacity to have Julie Burrell, Economic Development Director for the Right Place, Chris Wren, County Administrator, Todd Blake, Fremont City Manager, Ed Canning, WCPS Superintendent, Shelly Kasprzycki, FACF President and an absolutely amazing group of staff and city council members who have been incredibly supportive of new ideas and fresh perspectives!  It really does take a village!”

Julie: “Coming from a rural area, as a first generation college kid without any money, my eyes were first opened when I became a Laker.  Mid-Freshman year, I met this girl from Michigan's East-Side who had lived in so many places, including abroad! Her world was so different from mine, but it's where I first learned there was a chance to do things differently.  We've broached the 20 year friendship mark now, and she's an architect in St. Louis.  While this wasn't an official mentorship, of course, we have similar goals and career paths and bounce things off each other almost every day & I'm confident I wouldn't be the person I am without her.  In my career, I've worked for three main organizations, and have had influential folks at each one.  Nextel/Sprint: Andy VanderVeen.  Frontier: Ray Wright, Emily Simpson, Rich O'Brien. While at The Right Place, I've had the pleasure of working closely with several folks who have been instrumental, either in teaching me what it means to be a great leader or helping me navigate growth.  Travis Alden, Lola Harmon-Ramsey, Chris Wren, Shelly Kasprzycki just to name a few.” 

Balance is important in a professional career. What do you do for fun? 
Julie: “Jeep rides with my husband, hikes on the NCT, kayaks on the White River, getting artsy with my daughter & watching WWE with my son.” 

April: “I truly enjoy being ‘just mom and a wife’ at home.  I enjoy a night in for family game night, individual kid dates, walking, kayaking or a night out with friends.  I truly just enjoy the simplicity of taking off all the professional hats and just being ‘mom, wife, or friend.’  My family keeps me grounded and their support is what keeps me motivated to do the best I can for them and for the WC Community.”

How does your current career match up with your goals at a younger (say, middle to high school) age? 
April: “I didn’t know what I wanted to do as a young adult, but my education is in the medical field.  Looking back now, I’m very grateful for the opportunities that I have been given and am honored to serve as White Cloud’s City Manager.”

Julie: “Like most kids that age, I think I had no idea what I wanted to do. My goal in high school was to be a Nurse. (FUN FACT - April and I were both in the same class @ CTC, and we just discovered it last week! We even have a picture to prove it! LOL) When I was in college, my advisor said, "I think you'd make a great CEO".  I thought he was insane, but now I'm not so sure”

Any words for younger women who may be struggling in their profession? 
Julie: “Find your people that will inspire, challenge & support you.  You are who you surround yourself with.”

April: “Find the people who see the gold in you… truly… those are your people.  I have those people in my life both professionally and personally.  There will always be criticism, harsh rhetoric, and judgment… take what you can from it and learn from it, grow and each day commit to being better than the day before. We are all a work in progress; handle each situation with grace and authenticity.”

What inspires you? 
April & Julie both answered:  “My family.” 

Newaygo County Administror Chris Wren flanked by 40 under 40 honorees Julie Burrell (L) and April Storms (R) who both included him as one of their mentors