Chamber Staff and Board of Directors

Ryan was born in Grand Rapids, raised in Saginaw, and earned his undergraduate degree from Saginaw Valley State University, graduating Cum Laude in sociology and physics. He continued graduate studies in geography at Michigan State University, focusing on human-environment relationships and demographics. Ryan has 10 years of experience in a family-owned business and is currently in his 21st year as MSU Extension Land Use Educator for Newaygo County. He works with government officials, nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders on planning, zoning, public policy, and community and economic development. Ryan serves as Chair of Michigan's Farm Markets GAAMPs Advisory Committee and the White River Natural Rivers Review Board. Locally, he serves on numerous boards, including Corewell Health, the Fremont Area Community Foundation, Heritage Museum of Newaygo County, and the River Valley Chamber of Commerce. He lives near White Cloud with his wife, Josette, and their nine children.

I am a top producing, full time Real Estate agent, with 24 years of experience serving the West Central Michigan areas buyers and sellers. I specialize in recreational, lake, and riverfront homes and vacant land and have my main office in Fremont and live on the White Cloud Side of Newaygo. Homes with water and/or acreage are my passion, I do a little bit of everything, but Newaygo Counties lakes and streams are what I really get excited about and that's what I focus my marketing efforts on. Whether you are looking to relocate, move up, or just have an amazing get-a-way place, or if you need to sell, I would love to have a conversation with you!

My name is Jennifer Espinoza, I am a co-owner of Newaygo Plumbing alongside my husband, Mike Espinoza. Together we have proudly served our community for the past 9 years, building a business known for dependable service and strong local relationships. I am also an active board member of the River Country Chamber, where I serve as the Grant Representative. I am passionate about community involvement; I enjoy volunteering and supporting local initiatives whenever possible. 

Hello,
My name is Deborah Kett, I am an Ambassador and Event Coordinator for The Hope Project. We are grass-roots, non-profit organization that supports the healing of girls and women who have survived sex trafficking and prevent further cases through mentoring and education.  We support women and girls that have survived sex trafficking and vulnerable youth from Muskegon and Newaygo county as well as surrounding counties in West Michigan by offering them client services, support groups and counseling, as well as any other needs they may need in their journey to healing.  

I have worked for Houseman's Foods for 14 years and currently serve as Store Manager. What I love most about my job is providing top-notch customer service. At Houseman’s Foods, we pride ourselves on treating our customers like family while offering the best possible products to our community.

I joined the River Country Chamber of Commerce Board in 2024 to be an advocate for the small community of White Cloud. I believe that providing support and resources for our members helps strengthen local businesses, and our community as a whole.

Rachael is the Director of Events with the River Country Chamber of Commerce of Newaygo County. She has resided in Newaygo since 2003. She has been very involved with the local public school, where her children have received their education at. Her favorite family community event has always been Croton’s Annual 4th of July celebration. Although she will be on the causeway instead of the pontoon, she is very excited to play a much bigger role in that specific event as well as others. 

As Member Engagement for the River Country Chamber, I spend my days bouncing between Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Google Business, cameras, captions, videos, and Mountain Dew while helping promote the Chamber and our amazing members. With a background in marketing, I work one on one with local businesses to spotlight events, specials, big announcements, and all the things happening around River Country through creative photo and video content.

When I’m not glued to social media or chasing the perfect content shot, you can usually find me working in my garden, birding, appreciating animals of all kinds, attending as many hockey games as humanly possible, or spending time with friends and family.