Leadership Team Bios

Members of the YUP leadership committee:

Kenny Nichols

YUP position: Community Liaison
Occupation: Full-time student, and Program Coordinator for the Urban League of Greater Muskegon
Education: BA in African Studies, Western Michigan University; Currently a Candidate for Masters in Public Administration and Affairs, from Western Michigan University’s College of Public Affairs and Administration.
Hobbies: Playing basketball, lifting weights, Reading and Research of Historical material, traveling, socializing, and meeting new people and challenges.
Favorite movie: Five Heartbeats
Favorite food: Anything home cooked
Ambitions: To continue pursuing my career in Urban Planning and Development and retire teaching African Studies/The Black Experience on a college level.
Also, to be prosperous and rich in all things that matters the most. Life, love, and money!!

Kelly Banks

Sponsorship Committee
Occupation:Development Associate, Muskegon Rescue Mission
Educational Background: Muskegon High School, 1997; Western Michigan University, 2002-BA in education
Hobbies/Interests: I spend most of my spare time with my 2 year old son, Christian. We read a lot and play basketball! I love sports, particularly football and enjoy doing anything that is sports related…attending games, watching them etc.
For fun: I love to socialize which is why I love YUP! I also love to be involved in the community…another plus for being involved with YUP! It is a great way to stay informed on community happenings and have fun while doing so.

Art Martin

Committee Facilitator
Occupation: Muskegon Museum of Art - Collections Manager/Assistant Curator
Education: MFA in Painting from Wichita State
University, Wichita, KS
BFA in Painting/Drawing from Drake University, Des
Moines, IA
For fun:In addition to his work at the Museum, Art is a
practicing fine artist and teacher, and knows just
enough about a large assortment of things to get
himself into trouble.