STRATEGIC PLANNING COUNCIL

  • Amy Finley, President

    I was born and raised in Michigan and have been in Metro Detroit since 2001. I have a BA from MSU, Master’s from EMU, and Ph.D. from MSU. Currently, I serve as the Dean of Students at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where I’ve worked since 2003. I’ve been married to my wonderful husband and amazing partner Evan since 2013, and we are proud parents to a beautiful little boy named Ethan. 


    Most Embarrassing Moment: I was at a job interview and had my legs crossed. During the interview my foot fell asleep, though I didn’t realize it. At the end, I got up to shake the interviewer’s hand but lost my footing and immediately careened backwards into a chair with wheels which then rolled (crashed, really) into the wall behind me. Embarrassed, I apologized and tried to make a quick exit but fell flat on my face two steps later. Needless to say, I didn’t get a call back for that job.


    Favorite Bible Verse: Romans 12:15-18 “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

  • Kellie McKibbon, Director of Leadership

    I’m a native Michigander, a longtime member of Hope and have served as Secretary somewhere around 5 years.  I live in Farmington Hills with my husband Doug. We have two children, Ashley & Zach, who both attend Michigan State University. I work for Hella, an automotive supplier, as a tax accountant. We love being busy and active. I enjoy traveling and if we can experience nature and incorporate hiking, biking, skiing, or swimming, then even better!


    Most Embarrassing Moment: As teens, my kids loved to embarrass me in public! Once, on vacation, my son was being difficult so I told him, “I’m your mother, and you should treat me like a queen!” In the middle of a busy sidewalk, he proceeded to do just that. He became my “royal” escort with obnoxious gestures and loud, repeated exclamations of, “everyone, please make way for the Queen!” As a person who likes to blend in, I was mortified!


    Favorite Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for well-being, and not for calamity, in order to give you a future and a hope."


  • Dirk Beamer, Director of Finance

    I am a native Buckeye who traveled across the border to attend law school at the University of Michigan. My wife Jessica and I live in downtown Farmington and have attended Hope Lutheran Church since 1996. Our three adult children (Langston, Lawrence, and Anika Jane) were baptized and confirmed at Hope.  I’ve enjoyed being active in worship and music ministry, youth ministry, and leadership positions. In my spare time, I serve as the managing partner of Wright Beamer, PLC, and practice business and employment law.


    I am challenged by Jesus’ reminder in Matthew 25:40: “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”

  • Matt Tunnard, Director of Facilities

    Matt Tunnard lives in Novi with his wife Joyce.  His claim to fame at Hope was as Firefighter #2 with Wally Bishop in the play. Matt is a Professional Engineer who works at University of Michigan as a construction Senior Project Manager and has spent 30 years in facility management and construction.

  • Ashley Haupt, At Large

    I have been attending Hope since 2017. My husband Brian and I grew up attending Faith Lutheran Church in Livonia. Brian and I have been married for 4 years. We have 3 little boys, a 2 year old and 3 month old twins! I studied engineering at Michigan Tech and now work as a powertrain calibration engineer for Ford. I love to go for runs, enjoy the outdoors, and love to explore local parks with my boys.  


    My favorite bible verse at the moment is Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."


  • Rachel Taylor, At Large

    I grew up in Southeast Michigan and was raised in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. After graduating from Eastern Michigan University, I moved around for about 10 years, only to find myself back in Southeast Michigan. I am a Litigation Paralegal focusing my work on Transportation Law. My husband Michael and I have been members at Hope since 2017. We live in Farmington Hills with our daughter, Lucy, and son, Logan.

  • Ryan Nelson, At Large (Youth Representative)

    I am an incoming Junior (Class of 2023) at Farmington High School. I am a member of National Honor Society and I enjoy running Cross Country and playing baseball for my school. I began attending Hope for Confirmation classes and was confirmed in the Fall of 2018. Since then I have attended Leadership Lab in 2018 and 2019. I have also worked with Donnie Lehmann supporting the virtual worship services as well as other technical jobs.


    Verse: Hebrews 13:08 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

  • Secretary

    Coming Soon!