Bridgman Foundation Welcomes New Trustee’s

The Bridgman Foundation for Educational Excellence would like to welcome Connie Babcock and Leslie Kroeze to the Foundation Board as our newest trustees. Their experience and dedication to education will surely make an impact on enhancing and enriching the lives of students within the Bridgman School District. Outlined below is a short bio of each.

Connie Babcock -- Connie, her husband Andrew, and 4 children, Odin, Kai, Nina & Max, moved to Bridgman from the Chicago area in 2006. She began her professional career as an engineering project administrator, and later moved into IT, first as a software trainer, then as a Support Specialist. Following a 2 year move to Beijing China, where she worked as an independent IT consultant, she worked as a Project Director for Allstate Insurance’s Investment Division, and later with the IT consulting firm, Xpedior. She is currently the Business Manager for her husband’s intellectual property law firm, Babcock IP. Connie was raised in the small town of Newark, NY and has a degree in Business Administration from Carthage College. For the past 8 years, she has actively volunteered at the Bridgman Elementary School, fulfilling roles as the PTO President, Treasurer, Vice President, and Trustee. She is part of the RMS Parent Advisory Committee, and was active in the school district’s infrastructure bond efforts, working on both the planning and bond passage committees.

Leslie Kroeze -- Leslie and her husband, Jim, moved to the Bridgman area in 2001 when Jim joined Southwestern Medical Clinic in Bridgman to practice family medicine. Married 22 years, they have 4 children. LaToya is a graduate of Western Michigan University, and Zander, Caleb and Ellie currently attend Bridgman Schools. Leslie has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Calvin College and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Grand Valley State University. For the past 10 years Leslie has dedicated herself to be a stay at home mom, but she is seldom home. Since her kids started school, Leslie has been in the classroom as a volunteer in many different capacities. She looks for opportunities to connect with both students and staff in all three schools. In 2013 Leslie received the Powerful Giving Award from United Way of Southwest Michigan. She was nominated by two Bridgman elementary teachers for working with the same student each week for four consecutive years. Leslie brings both work and volunteer experience to the Foundation. She and her husband were part of a core group that started a not for profit organization in 2004 called Well of GRACE Ministries, a ministry that provides group counseling to adolescent girls and adult women for free. Leslie continues to serve at Well of GRACE as Board President and volunteer staff. Combining her passion for people and her experience in the not for profit sector, Leslie is excited to be a part of the Bridgman Foundation and have the opportunity to continue to invest in Bridgman Schools.

Complete information regarding the Foundation can be found at www.bridgmanfoundation.org along with information about past and current projects, photos and volunteer opportunities. The Bridgman Foundation for Educational Excellence is a 501c (3) non-profit organization.

Information pertaining to this Press Release may be directed to Bill Crowder, Public Relations at info@bridgmanfoundation.org .