Cleveland Manor announces new board leadership
MIDLAND, Mich. (March 20, 2026) – Less than a year after celebrating its 60th Anniversary, Cleveland Manor looks to the future under fresh board leadership.
A new slate of officers was elected at the annual meeting of the board of directors in February. Mike Schaller, who served as Vice President since 2021, was elected to the role of President. Joining Schaller as the new Vice President is Wilmer Lidke (AVP, HR Digital – Agilent Technologies). Ann Beck (Retired Banking Center Manager – Chemical Bank) and Heidi Wagner (Retired Nurse Manager – MyMichigan Health-Midland) were re-elected to their respective positions as Treasurer and Secretary.
The following people also volunteer their time to serve on the board of directors: Dan Beaudoin (Retired Chemical Engineer – Dow Chemical Company), Doug Cook (Owner – Doumel Tree Farms, and Site Supervisor – Three Rivers Corporation), Danielle Hoppe (CPA – Andrews Hooper Pavlik PLC), Allison Rossi Utter (Volunteer & Outreach Manager – Senior Services), James Sherer (Attorney – Baker Hostetler), Justin Vondette (Commercial Lender – Isabella Bank), and Erin Patrice (Creator and Founder – The Breaking Bread Village).
Schaller is a retired chemical engineer who enjoyed a 30-year career at The Dow Chemical Company. He grew up in rural, small-town Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Schaller moved to Midland when he started working at Dow in 1987. The company’s strong commitment to The United Way exposed Schaller to the wonderful organizations that make Midland and the surrounding communities better and help those who need it. Schaller and his wife, Carrie, also a Dow retiree, raised three children in Midland and benefited greatly from the outstanding resources the area has to offer.
After Schaller retired, a kind and wise friend recruited him to join the Cleveland Manor Board of Directors in 2019. Schaller has thoroughly enjoyed serving on the board, and he is looking forward to continuing to support the excellent work that Cleveland Manor does for low-income older adults and people with disabilities in Midland.
“It’s an honor to support [Executive Director] Trudy Laufer and the rest of the Cleveland Manor staff,” Schaller said. “I’m grateful to be a part of the community that the residents and staff have created. Cleveland Manor is truly a Midland gem.”
Schaller succeeds Mary Laffey, whose retirement from the board after nine years was mandated by the nonprofit’s bylaws. Laffey’s tenure as President of the Board of Directors continued a family tradition of service that spanned decades. Cleveland Manor’s mission is especially meaningful to Laffey, whose mother and father also served on the Board in leadership roles.
“Cleveland Manor is more than housing – it’s a place where older adults and people with disabilities can feel secure, connected, and truly at home,” said Laffey. “It’s been an honor to support a community that values dignity, independence, and care for our seniors.”
Laffey is the owner of Multi Media Communications Consulting, a marketing and communications firm. She enjoys being involved in organizations that bring people together and make a tangible difference in the lives of others. She serves on the Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership Advisory Committee, working to reduce stigma and improve access to high-quality mental health care. In her professional role with the National Network of Depression Centers – an organization dedicated to advancing a world free of stigma where everyone has access to effective, evidence-based care – Laffey contributes to national efforts to improve mental health outcomes. A lifelong Midland resident, Laffey is deeply committed to strengthening her community and supporting initiatives that help neighbors thrive.
Cleveland Manor, Inc. was founded in 1965 by Dr. Everett Luce and other advocates for older adult housing. It was soon followed by a sister organization: Cleveland Manor II, Inc. Officers and directors typically serve on both boards. The two nonprofits provide 196 apartments for older adults and people with disabilities living on low incomes in Midland. To learn more about Cleveland Manor and its affordable housing program options, visit www.clevelandmanor.org, call (989) 631-6480, TTY 711, or email info@clevelandmanor.org.
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