Carol Distel

Lead regional engagement initiatives that bring together farmers, food processors, educational institutions, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders to address opportunities and challenges within Michigan's food and agriculture industry.

• Convene and facilitate a regional Agribusiness Talent Council consisting of more than 300 stakeholders representing agriculture, food processing, education, workforce development, economic development, government, and community organizations.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with farmers, agribusiness employers, food processors, educational institutions, conservation organizations, extension professionals, and community leaders throughout West Michigan.
• Plan and execute stakeholder meetings, listening sessions, industry roundtables, conferences, workshops, and outreach events that encourage collaboration and gather feedback to inform program priorities and future initiatives.
• Design event scopes, develop project timelines, coordinate logistics, manage vendors, oversee budgets, and ensure successful implementation of large-scale regional programs and community engagement activities.
• Collaborate with organizations including MDARD, Michigan State University Extension, conservation districts, Farm Bureau organizations, educational institutions, and food and agriculture employers to develop outreach programs and strengthen stakeholder engagement.
• Develop communication plans, newsletters, presentations, promotional materials, social media campaigns, and educational resources that increase awareness and participation in agriculture-related initiatives.
• Collect and analyze stakeholder feedback, participation metrics, and program evaluation data to identify trends, assess effectiveness, and inform future planning efforts.
• Serve as a trusted resource and connector among industry leaders, community organizations, educators, employers, and government partners.
• Manage grant-funded initiatives supporting agricultural education, food processing workforce development, and community engagement efforts.
• Represent West Michigan Works! and regional agriculture initiatives at conferences, community meetings, career fairs, educational events, and public engagement activities.

Founded and led event and engagement company that designed and delivered corporate, nonprofit, and experiential programs for organizations including BDO, Nike, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Grant Thornton, Amway, Miller Johnson, and more.

• Built and maintained strong partnerships with corporate clients, nonprofit organizations, community groups, sponsors, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Designed and managed experiential learning programs, team-building events, networking opportunities, fundraising initiatives, recognition programs, and community engagement experiences.
• Led all aspects of business operations including strategic planning, marketing, sales, budgeting, contract negotiation, sponsorship development, logistics, and client relationship management.
• Utilized participant feedback, performance metrics, and client insights to continuously improve programs and increase customer retention.

Supported the planning and coordination of corporate, community, and special events by managing logistics, customer communications, and operational activities.

• Coordinated transportation logistics ensuring seamless execution and a positive customer experience.
• Managed scheduling, communications, billing, and stakeholder interactions while supporting day-to-day business operations.

Developed and implemented alumni engagement initiatives designed to strengthen relationships, increase participation, and enhance the alumni experience.

• Managed alumni communications, networking events, professional development opportunities, recognition programs, and engagement initiatives.
• Cultivated partnerships with employers and community organizations to support alumni networking and career development opportunities.
• Directed the Excellence in Business Gala, a 500-person fundraising event generating approximately $200,000 annually for scholarships.
• Managed the university's annual scholarship golf outing serving 288 participants.
• Developed communications, marketing materials, and engagement campaigns that increased participation and strengthened alumni connections.

Supported university recruiting and campus engagement initiatives for accounting, consulting, and MBA talent across leading universities.

• Built relationships with career services professionals, faculty members, student organizations, and academic leadership to strengthen employer visibility and engagement.
• Coordinated recruiting events, information sessions, networking programs, and candidate engagement activities.
• Served as a liaison between employers and university communities, fostering relationships and facilitating connections between students and professional services organizations.
• Supported campus engagement strategies designed to increase participation, strengthen talent pipelines, and enhance the candidate experience.
• Collaborated with hiring managers and leadership teams to support recruiting, workforce planning, and organizational objectives.