Nine Recently Appointed to Alumni Advisory Board

The nine recent appointees to the Northern Michigan University Alumni Advisory Board bring a diverse range of professional experience and perspectives. They represent decades of leadership across education, law, healthcare, engineering and public service. The recent additions are: Charlita Anderson White, Dan Blood, Cody Bonk, Alejandra Magaña, Ryan McAllister, Dan Miller, Jessie Neece, Kate Sartori and Josh Todd.

Anderson White '83 BS graduated from Northern Michigan University with a degree in speech communication. She went on to earn both a juris doctor and MBA in healthcare management. Her career began in law, culminating in her service as a judge, before she retired from the bench in 2022.

Blood '91 BS earned his degree in speech communication before completing a master's in education and leadership. He currently serves as vice president of the School of Underwriting at Zurich North America, bringing extensive leadership experience in the insurance industry to the board.

Bonk '19 BS graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering technology. He has built his career at Able Medical Devices, holding multiple roles. Bonk continues to stay connected to NMU by supporting senior projects and attending university job fairs.

Magaña '14 BS followed a nontraditional path to NMU and earned a degree in biology. Since then, she has dedicated her career to nonprofit work, first in New York City supporting homeless outreach and, most recently, in Chicago, where she continues her mission-driven efforts.

McAllister '10 BS holds a degree in biochemistry from NMU, along with both a master's and doctorate in pharmacology and toxicology. He has earned two internationally recognized biosafety credentials and authored five peer-reviewed publications. McAllister's scientific expertise and leadership experience will add valuable insight to the board.

Miller '96 AS graduated with a degree in criminal justice and completed the NMU Regional Police Academy. He served in law enforcement across the Marinette/Menominee area and Florence County, Wis., before retiring in 2025. Miller has since embarked on a second career, continuing his lifelong commitment to public service.

Neece '02 BFA earned her degree in art and design before completing a master's in college student development and administration. She currently serves as the marketing and communications manager for the associate provost of undergraduate education at Michigan Technological University, where she helps to advance academic and student initiatives.

Sartori '09 BS, '11 MS is a two-time NMU graduate. After earning her bachelor's in outdoor recreation leadership and management and her master's in psychology: training, development and performance improvement, she began a career in human resources. Sartori now supports charter schools across Michigan through an educational management company.

Todd '12 BS earned his degree in communication studies. He currently works as a Jobs for Michigan Graduates (JMG) specialist with Northwest Michigan Works. He mentors and empowers high school students across East Jordan, Central Lake and Beaver Island.

"It was inspiring to see the enthusiasm and energy these new board members brought when they returned to campus for Homecoming," said Michele Khouli, executive director of Development and Alumni Relations at NMU. "They represent a diverse range of experiences, industries and perspectives, all united by a deep pride in Northern and a genuine desire to give back. Their insights and creativity will help us reimagine how we connect with alumni across generations and geographies. I left our gathering feeling energized and deeply grateful for the talent and heart they bring, and I'm excited about the new opportunities their passion will spark as we continue strengthening our Wildcat community."

The NMU Alumni Advisory Board provides guidance, feedback and support to the NMU Foundation and Alumni Relations team, ensuring the continued engagement of more than 70,000 alumni worldwide. See photos and more biographical information on the nine new board appointees, along with existing members, here.