About the Pleasant Ridge Foundation

Amber Herrick – President

Amber has been a proud resident of Pleasant Ridge for over 20 years. As a child, she dreamed of living in a neighborhood where she could walk to her friends’ houses to play, a dream she now fulfills by enjoying the close-knit community and friendly connections in Pleasant Ridge. Before joining the Foundation, Amber served on the Historical Commission for six years, contributing to the museum preservation and Home Tours.

With a professional background in market research management, Amber brings valuable analytical and organizational skills to her work. She is also pursuing a master’s degree in Genealogical, Palaeographic & Heraldic Studies at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland, further deepening her passion for history and heritage.

Karen King – Vice President

Karen is a retired Montessori educator who raised her three sons in Pleasant Ridge. With a strong commitment to the community, She has been a Pleasant Ridge Foundation Trustee for 19 years, and was previously the President of the Ferndale Schools Fine Arts Boosters.

Lauren Rentrop – Secretary

Lauren grew up in Pleasant Ridge, enjoying wonderful summers at the pool, fun Easter egg hunts, and block parties. She left for a while then came back to raise her two daughters in this amazing community. Community is important to Lauren and she wants to give back in any way she can. Lauren is a newer member of the Foundation and now serves as secretary. She loves being a part of the Foundation and looks forward to many more years of making Pleasant Ridge a place where residents feel connected through kindness and a genuine sense of belonging.

Jim Koeppen – Treasurer

A proud resident of Pleasant Ridge since 2010, Jim was Secretary for the Pleasant Ridge Historical Commission for 6 years. As of 2018 he resides as Treasure for the Pleasant Ridge Foundation. He loves giving back to a city that is small, but big in community volunteer work.

Carol Boyd

Carol Boyd has lived in Pleasant Ridge for over 64 years. She is Professor Emerita at the University of Michigan (UM)—Ann Arbor, and currently continues in a a role as a part-time research administrator for the Center for the Study of Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking and Health at the UM. Throughout her years in the Pleasant Ridge/Ferndale community, she led the Ferndale Public Schools in addressing issues related to adolescent substance use; moreover she has been active in Ferndale Educational Foundation, remains active in a women’s educational philanthropic organization (PEO), is a member of the PR Women’s club and has been a PR Foundation Trustee for 10 years.

Alexandria DeSano-Salvaggio

Alexandria DeSano-Salvaggio has been in the financial industry for over a decade and currently serves as the Director of Philanthropy at Oakland University’s School of Business Administration. Passionate about community engagement, Alexandria leverages her strengths and connections to help others. She has played a key role in linking companies with local charities in need of both volunteers and financial support.

She also serves as the Director of Thrilla Gives, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to uniting the Metro Detroit community in support of impactful causes. Thrilla Gives has raised close to $4 million for organizations focused on local Veterans’ Services, Friends of Foster Care, and medical charities such as Multiple Sclerosis Society, Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes, Leaders for the Blind, Face Addiction Now, and Henry Ford Health System. Its signature event, “Fight Night”, is an annual boxing fundraiser that brings together business leaders, philanthropists, and community members to champion these vital causes.

Jackie Huffman 

Jackie is a newer member of the Pleasant Ridge Foundation, bringing a deep commitment to the community and a wealth of professional experience. A 12-year resident of Pleasant Ridge, Jackie has a true passion for fostering connections within the city.

Professionally, Jackie has spent nearly 20 years working in digital advertising, honing expertise in strategic communication, running successful campaigns, and leveraging digital platforms—skills that translate well to the Foundation’s mission.

Before joining the Foundation, Jackie served on the Pleasant Ridge Historical Commission for six years, contributing to the preservation and celebration of the city’s rich history.

In addition to professional and civic life, Jackie is known for being the designated social coordinator for family, friends, and colleagues. This knack for bringing people together and organizing successful events translates perfectly into the Foundation’s efforts to build community support and successful initiatives.

Kyle Kubitskey

Kyle moved to Pleasant Ridge in late 2021 and currently serves as the Membership Chair for the Pleasant Ridge Foundation. He is passionate about building relationships and looks forward to enhancing our wonderful community.

George Lenko

George has volunteered to the Foundation for over 40 years, and this is his second turn as a Trustee. Starting with working Porch & Patio at the old Foundation rummage sale, he was a Trustee from 1997-2002 until being elected as a City Commissioner. His son Alex and then his wife Loretta served successive periods as Trustee, and George returned to this role in 2023. George is a retired health insurance executive.

Doug McElroy

Doug McElroy is a retired Accountant and CFO. He has spent his “Life 2.0” as a landscape artist, working from his studio at the Scarab Club in Detroit, winning several “Best of Show” awards and exhibiting in online exhibitions, at ArtPrize in Grand Rapids and at The Holy Art Exhibition in Paris.

Gina Onyx

Gina Onyx has been a proud resident of Pleasant Ridge since 2011 and is deeply committed to the city’s strong sense of community, generosity, and connection. She is the chef and co-founder of Komodo Kitchen, a culinary brand centered on cultural heritage and storytelling, and the Creative Director of Loudbaby, an IT and multimedia company she co-owns with her husband, Tommy Onyx. Gina serves as a Trustee of the Pleasant Ridge Foundation because she believes in investing in the people and experiences that make Pleasant Ridge a vibrant and inclusive place to live. She is especially passionate about bringing the community together and co-chairs the Foundation’s Food Committee, leading food logistics for fundraising auctions and community events. For Gina, food is a powerful way to foster connection, support philanthropy, and create meaningful shared experiences in service of the Foundation’s mission.

Conrad Stack

Conrad Stack has lived in Pleasant Ridge for 42 years and has been active in the Ferndale/Pleasant Ridge community; for many years he coached youth basketball at Roosevelt School and served two terms on the PR Historical Commission. He remains committed to community service.

Susan Telang

Susan Telang is the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Carhartt, Inc. In this role, Susan directs all global financial, accounting, and enterprise risk management activities for the company, including legal and social responsibility efforts. As a member of the senior leadership team, Susan contributes to the development and execution of the company’s strategy. Before joining Carhartt, Susan was a partner at Plante Moran, a regional certified public accounting and consulting firm in the Midwest.

Susan holds a BA with a major in accounting from Wayne State University. She serves as a trustee on the WSU Foundation Board and is a board member of University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Mercy High School.

Jessica Wright

Jessica Wright is passionate about serving her community and bringing people together. As a musician, artist, and dedicated mom, she thrives on creativity and connection. An avid traveler, she and her husband explore the world, gaining new perspectives that fuel her passion for innovation and service.

With a diverse professional background spanning therapy, design, and music, Jessica brings a unique, multifaceted approach to problem-solving. Her ability to think creatively and adapt to different challenges makes her a valuable asset to the Pleasant Ridge Foundation. She is excited to contribute her skills to initiatives that strengthen and enrich the community.