BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
Jamie Ward
As a competitive swimmer and triathlete, Jamie loves all things aquatic-related. It was no surprise when her two boys started playing water polo that she fell in love with the sport. Jamie has served on numerous boards in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. She is excited to help build this program and support and grow the sport of water polo.
VICE PRESIDENT
JR VanderWall
J.R. has been involved with water polo since the mid 90's. He played at Rockford High School, the University of Massachusetts, Grand Valley State University, and with several club teams, including being a founding father of the local 616 Masters Water Polo team. J.R. also has coached and officiated at various levels and now has 2 children playing water polo for both Grandville and the Great Lakes Aquatics Program. No stranger to the pool, J.R. has many connections in the water polo world and will serve this board in a great capacity.
SECRETARY
Ben Vandermeer
Ben Vander Meer has been actively involved in the GLA program for three years. Ben has two children currently in the GLA water polo program. Outside of GLA Ben holds a management position which he has been in for 10 years. Ben is an organized person who is looking forward to bringing new ideas to the program and helping the club grow.
TREASURER
Angie Huyghe
Angie has been a part of the water polo community for a couple of years now and absolutely loves it! She is committed to contributing her skills and dedication to further the success of our beloved water polo club. Her professional background includes many years of experience in financial management and budgeting. She’ll provide transparency, accuracy, and accountability in all financial matters for the board. Angie is excited to embark on this journey to ensure the water polo community thrives financially and athletically. Together, we can achieve our goals and continue to make a splash in the world of water polo!
MEMBER AT-LARGE
Michael Pierce
As the father of two teenagers, Michael has been involved in club sports since 2017, when his kids found competitive swimming. He's served as a member of the Rockford Riptide Swim Club in the past and now works to support Great Lakes Aquatics, all while cheering on his son and daughter as they compete in their club, Middle School, and High School water polo seasons.
MEMBER AT-LARGE
Tessa Valitutto
Tessa has only been a water polo mom for two years, when the youngest of her six children went to middle school summer water polo camp, came home and said, “I found my sport”. Watching her daughter learn and play this amazing sport is one of her new favorite pastimes. She’s been around Great Lakes Aquatics for only 1 year but is excited to bring fresh ideas and perspective to GLA. Tessa has coached, volunteered, and been a board member for multiple organizations over the years and is ready and eager to be a part of this great organization.