Judy: “Byline Betty” (Manager)
Marketing manager of The Betty Brigade of Ann Arbor, Judy DiForte graduated magna cum laude in communication arts from Oakland University. Her professional writing background includes two years as radio columnist and play reviewer for the Oakland Press . She also worked for 15 years as a medical, technical and public relations writer for clients such as Oakland University and the Detroit Medical Center. Having joined The Betty Brigade in spring, 2010, she enjoys creating fun ways to spread the Betty Buzz. Hobbies include crossword puzzles, Sudoku, fiction writing and painting. Her current favorite word: pithy. She lives in Highland with her teenaged son, Mitchell, also a writer, and their adopted terrier and muse, Luna.
Linda, “Organizer Betty” (Manager):
Linda Grudnicki is a business graduate of Alma College where she also minored in economics. After college, she began her career in bank auditing. While in this field, Linda did her share of number crunching and report writing; however, she did get to do a fair bit of travelling. Later, she changed her career focus and became a professional volunteer! From PTA Club to Scouts to her church—you name it, Linda did it all! In 2010, Linda decided to make another career focus change, which is a work in progress at The Betty Brigade! She is making a positive impact with a team of caring co-workers as a key account manager and an all-important “Organizer Betty.”
Christine, “ZipCar Team Leader” :
Christine Harris completed her bachelor’s degree in physics at The University of Michigan in April, 2012. She started at the Betty Brigade in May, 2011, establishing herself as “One Bright Betty,” and more recently, “ZipCar Team Leader.” Her favorite part about being at The Betty Brigade is the variety of projects it undertakes. When Christine isn’t visiting pets, helping organize, or washing Zipcars, she enjoys going for walks, listening to music, and reading books.
JoAnn, “Event Planner and Stager Betty” :
JoAnn Clarke began her career in Chicago with a degree in Computer Science. After working as a Scheduling and Computer Analyst for eight years, she tried her hand at entrepreneurship when she and her husband owned and operated an ice cream store. She has also worked as an independent sales representative for a gift manufacturer. JoAnn and her family of five moved to Cincinnati, then Ann Arbor. Her years as a mother and homemaker have equipped her with excellent multitasking, organizational and customer service skills that are now being put to good use at The Betty Brigade where she is now employed as “Event and Stager Betty”.
Stacy, “Organizer Betty” :
Stacy Lis is a business graduate of Central Michigan University, with a major in finance and a minor in economics. After being a stay at home mom for 10 years, Stacy joined The Betty Brigade in the spring of 2012. She’s been active in the PTO and her daughters’ Girl Scout troop. Before that, she worked in quality control in the mortgage industry. She also had a short stint as the office manager for the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce. In her spare time, Stacy enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with her family.
Christie Teliin, “First Impressions Betty”:
Christie Teliin joined The Betty Brigade in 2012 and is currently working on her master’s degree in accounting. Christie brings her administrative and bookkeeping skills to The Betty Brigade and says she is excited to gain experience, take on new challenges and work with the great team here. Outside of work and school, she is an avid reader and animal lover. Her furry babies include a Saint Bernard and three cats
Danielle VanDusen, “First Impressions Betty”:
Danielle VanDusen joined The Betty Brigade in 2012 and is currently completing her bachelor’s degree in Japanese language and culture at Eastern Michigan University, with a minor in Graphic Arts. In addition to her administrative duties, Danielle is assisting the marketing department with her technical and communication abilities. She also hopes to become more involved in the event planning arm of the Betty Brigade, helping companies and individuals plan, coordinate and execute successful events.
Tom Simmons, “ZipCar Assistant”:
Tom Simmons graduated from the University of Michigan in 2012 with a degree in physics. He is 22 and now lives in East Lansing where he helps maintain the Michigan State University fleet of Zipcars.
Conor Howe, “ZipCar Assistant”:
Conor is currently studying physiology at Michigan State University and plans to later attend medical school. He joined The Betty Brigade in the summer of 2012 as a ZipCar cleaner for the East Lansing fleet. In his free time, he enjoys skiing, drumming and producing and mixing music
