Our strengths are gifts from God
FAITH Catholic is committed to a positive and rewarding work environment in which all team members are fully engaged, and where our team members’ strengths are recognized as God-given abilities that enhance their performance and happiness. Every member of the FAITH team takes the Clifton Strengths Assessment. See our top five strengths following our names and titles.
Leadership
Kayla Simon
President and CEO Achiever • Includer • Responsibility • Adaptability • Developer Kayla joined the design team at FAITH Catholic in 2012. In 2015 she was named art director and became the company’s Creative Director in 2017, overseeing the professional growth and development of FAITH's award-winning staff of graphic designers. In 2023, she was named Executive Director of Publishing to lead FAITH’s publishing division and serve its publishing partners, and in 2024, she assumed the role of interim president and CEO. Kayla holds a BFA in Graphic Design from Grand Valley State University and a Certificate of Catholic Theology in Catechesis from the University of Notre Dame STEP Program. |
Board of DirectorsMost Reverend Earl Boyea, Jr., Bishop of Lansing, Member Rev. Dwight Ezop, Chair Rev. Msgr. George Michalek, Vice Chair Rev. Timothy MacDonald Joe Towalski Annalise Laumeyer Lisa Kutas, Ex Officio George Landolt, Ex Officio |
Kris Conley
Chief Financial Officer Learner • Achiever • Relator Intellection • Futuristic Kris came to FAITH with more than 20 years of experience in finance and accounting and over 10 years of experience in a leadership role. Her career spans companies and business units at varying stages of growth, from small family-owned businesses to multinational organizations. Kris holds a BA in accounting from Central Michigan University.
Cynthia Vandecar
Director of Production Empathy • Developer • Achiever • Arranger • Relator Cynthia joined FAITH Catholic in 2010 after 20 years as a communications and production coordinator at publishing and advertising firms in Grand Rapids and Okemos, Mich. As Director of Production she is responsible for printing and client creative service projects. Cynthia holds a BA in Communications from the University of Michigan. |
Ann Jacob
Editorial Director Responsibility • Context • Developer • Empathy • Consistency Ann joined FAITH Catholic in 2013 to manage the publication of FAITH Catholic’s flagship publication, the Diocese of Lansing’s FAITH magazine. She also is responsible for editing the company’s two longtime products for parishes and priests, Daily Homilies and Daily Universal Prayer and Commentary. Formerly a senior editor at Public Sector Consultants, Ann maintained a longtime freelance editing practice and was a contributor to FAITH magazine since 2005. Ann holds a BA in History from the University of Notre Dame. Jenny Pomicter
Creative Director Adaptability • Maximizer • Includer • Activator • Strategic Jenny joined FAITH Catholic as a designer in 2012. During her tenure as a member of the design department, she has also served as Art Director and Studio Manager while providing award-winning graphic designs for a variety of diocesan and organizational publishing partners. She was appointed Interim Creative Director in 2024 to lead FAITH's team of talented designers. Jenny holds a BA in Journalism with a concentration in visual communication from Michigan State University. |
Marybeth Hicks
Director of Strategic Communications Strategic • Relator • Ideation • Belief • Activator Marybeth joined FAITH Catholic in 2015 to lead the marketing department after a dozen years as a columnist, author, speaker and freelance marketing consultant. Marybeth was a frequent contributor to FAITH magazine and also led the company’s strategic planning process in 2013. Previously, she was a marketing communications specialist in the educational, healthcare and corporate sectors. Marybeth holds a BA in English from Michigan State University. Michael Jones
Director of Digital Operations Input • Futuristic • Strategic • Relator • Learner Mike has spent 16 years working to build and grow FAITH Catholic’s digital products and services. As Director of Digital Operations, Mike oversees FAITH Catholic's web services, digital publishing, e-commerce, customer service and corporate IT. Mike holds a BA in Telecommunication, Information Studies and Media, and Technology Management from Michigan State University. |