Amanda Lee has lived in Montcalm County nearly all her life. She is a graduate of Central Michigan University, where she obtained her degree in political science with a minor in journalism. She worked in the newspaper industry as a writer and editor before becoming the development director for Have Mercy. She joined MARC as Executive Director in January of 2022.
Question: Why did you want to be the new Executive Director of MARC?
Amanda: I have always had a passion for literacy. I also started tutoring with the Montcalm Area Council in 2016. When this job became available, I thought it was the perfect fit. I have experience in the development side of the nonprofit industry. It seems it all came together at the right time.
Question: Tell me a bit about your education.
Answer: I am a Greenville High School graduate. I am also a graduate of Central Michigan University. I received a degree in political science and journalism while there. I also worked for the student newspaper, CM Life. That helped me get my first “adult” job in journalism.
Question: What did you do upon graduation from CMU?
Amanda: I worked in Lansing as a staff writer at a newspaper and eventually made it back to Greenville at The Daily News. I was a staff writer and later a special sections editor at the paper. I then took several years off to be a stay-at-home mom before rejoining the workforce as the Development Director at Have Mercy in Greenville.
Question: What excites you as the new executive director?
Amanda: The mission of the Montcalm Area Reading Council is “MARC will advance literacy and empower our community through free tutoring, one learner at a time.” I love this. Our nonprofit makes a vital link to our community. The community is helping our learners, and in the future, our learners can hopefully help the community.
Question: Are you a member of any local clubs or organizations?
Amanda: I am on the Board of Directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Montcalm County, a Big Sister, and a Greenville Rotary Club member. And we can’t forget my prior experience being a reading tutor for MARC.
Question: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Amanda: The Montcalm Area Reading Council has flourished under the leadership of Kristen Kohn. I am excited to help the MARC grow and assist even more students to become successful readers.