The Right Place announces several executive staffing changes, most notably the retirement of economic development planner Rick Chapla.

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH (Jan. 2, 2018):  Today The Right Place, Inc. announced several key staff transitions and promotions.

• Rick Chapla, vice president, Strategic Initiatives, has retired from The Right Place.
• Tim Mroz, previously vice president, Marketing and Communications, will step into Rick Chapla’s position as vice president, Strategic Initiatives.
• Andria Romkema, previously digital marketing manager, has been promoted to vice president, Marketing and Communications.
• Cindy Brown, previously executive director of Hello West Michigan and vice president, Talent Initiatives at The Right Place, will step into the role of vice president, Talent Initiatives in fulltime role.

Rick Chapla, the vice president, Strategic Initiatives, retired from The Right Place Dec. 31, 2018. Chapla joined the organization 22 years ago, and has been involved in community and economic development planning for over 35 years. In his role at The Right Place, he was responsible for assisting local units of government and private development interests with economic development policies and programs throughout West Michigan.

“Over the course of his three-decade career, Rick Chapla has left an indelible impact on the West Michigan community,” said Birgit Klohs, president and CEO of The Right Place, Inc. “His spirit of collaboration and devotion to our community are exemplary, and we are thankful for his years of service to The Right Place.”

“While Rick Chapla’s absence will be felt deeply at The Right Place, we are looking forward to the future as several key members of the team take on new leadership roles,” said Klohs.

Tim Mroz, longtime vice president of Marketing and Communications at The Right Place, will step into the role of vice president of Strategic Initiatives at The Right Place. Mroz has been with The Right Place for over a decade, leading the organization’s marketing and communications strategy. Mroz’s deep understanding of economic development and the West Michigan region made him the clear choice to step into the position.

To fill the role of vice president of Marketing and Communications, The Right Place will be promoting Andria Romkema. Romkema has several years of marketing and communications experience in the economic development industry, including the past four years serving the West Michigan community at The Right Place. In this role, Romkema will provide overall leadership and direction for the organization’s communications strategy, including public relations, marketing and advertising.

The Right Place is also pleased to announce that Cindy Brown, previously executive director of Hello West Michigan and vice president, Talent Initiatives at The Right Place, will step into the role of vice president, Talent Initiatives fulltime. Brown has over 20 years of leadership experience in recruiting, employee development, training and facilitation. In this new role, Brown will provide strategic direction and overall leadership to the organization’s talent initiatives and collaborations.