MEET THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
TEAM UP ACADEMY EXECUTIVE BOARD
Our staff forms the heart of Team Up Academy, turning the mission into action every day. Through expertise, leadership, and dedication, staff create programs, build relationships, and deliver training and support to transform lives and strengthen the community.
An engaged Executive Board guides strategy and accountability. Board members include leaders from industry, education, and local organizations. The board approves budgets, sets performance targets, and monitors outcomes. Governance covers safety, compliance, equity, and data privacy. Board partners open doors to employers, internships, and funding. Members meet with learners, visit labs, and review curriculum to keep training aligned with real jobs. The board tracks placement rates, credential pass rates, and 90-day retention, then directs improvements based on the data. Transparent reports go to funders and partners. The board protects long-term stability and growth.
Together, board and staff drive workforce results for Michigan.
John Bones
Executive Director of Team Up Academy
Team Up Academy was born from John’s desire to provide opportunities for people who seek to improve their education and employment outlook through training and guided job placement.
As a consultant and administrator for many large automotive equipment tear-outs, rebuilds, and sales programs, John has witnessed first-hand the phenomenon of newly hired employees quitting jobs that they had just been placed in. From that, the idea of a 30-day soft and hard skills training boot camp and job placement service began to grow and take shape.
Equipped with a mighty work ethic, Boy Scout Leader ideals, and an education from Northern Michigan and Michigan State University, John will use his business and entrepreneurial background to guide Team Up Academy forward.
Patrick J. Thompson
Banker (ret.) Team Up Academy Treasurer
Patrick J. Thompson is a retired banker who has served in many senior management positions. During my 50-year career, the bulk of my responsibilities were in the commercial construction lending arena. The final chapter of my formal employment history was with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
As a Federal Bank Examiner, I examined financial institutions for safety and soundness relative to depositor investments. In 2018, I retired from Federal Service and I am actively seeking to participate in community service development.
I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Business/Finance and Management from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan (1978).
Dr. Michael MacDonald
Former State Senator / MI Legislative Aerospace and Defense Caucus
Dr. McDonald is a business and political consultant primarily focused on aerospace, defense, space, and technology companies who work closely with a bipartisan group of state lawmakers within the Aerospace and Defense Legislative Caucus.
The former state senator who represented a district in Macomb county served in the Michigan Senate from 2019 to 2023 and played a key role in expanding the influence of the Aerospace and Defense Caucus in Lansing. He previously worked in financial planning and health services, and holds a bachelor’s degree from Oakland University, a masters in business administration from Oakland University, and a doctorate in health administration from University of Phoenix.
Pastor Brandon Andrews Sr.
Pastor of Living Rock Church
Pastor Brandon Andrews Sr. is a dedicated and compassionate leader with a heart for serving others. He has been the Pastor of Living Rock Church for 2 years, where he has overseen significant growth and development.
Pastor Andrews holds a Bachelor of Biblical Studies from Floyd H. Gayle Bible College, equipping him with a strong foundation in theology and ministry. His passion for helping others extends beyond the church walls, as he actively addresses critical needs within the community, including food insecurity, homelessness, and spiritual guidance.
He is a devoted family man, celebrating 13 years of marriage and cherishing his role as a father to four children. Pastor Andrews’ commitment to his faith, family, and community makes him an inspiring figure and a true pillar of strength for those around him.
ADVISORY BOARD
Justin Al-Igoe
Executive Director of the Macomb / St. Clair Workforce Development Board
Mariah Manuel-Berry
Founder and CEO of Knowledge Career Experts LLC
Cyndi Logli-Bones
Creative Professional
Dr. Barry David
Senior Pastor of Landmark Church
Tom Elkins
Attorney (ret.)
Torri Hicks
Owner of the StartUP Center Detroit | CEO at YouthNique
Dr. Tamara Jefferson
Co-Owner of Joyful Tots Childcare Learning Centers and Ology Kids
Brad Malear
Tax & Accounting / Enrolled Agent
Michael Relph
Technologist, Educational Development Engineer
Fred Wolf
Owner/President of Enterprise Capital Partners, LLC
