Meet our Board of Governors!

Suzanne R. Jones

Chairman

Ms. Jones is the Founder of Girls on the M.O.V.E. and a human resource professional with a diverse human resource scope of management experience that combines the world of business, with the field of education. She has also instructed college-level courses in human resources and other related business coursework.

Ms. Jones has a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University and a master’s degree from Central Michigan University in Educational Administration. She currently holds her SHRM-SCP (Society for Human Resource Management-Senior Certified Professional) certification.

Ms. Jones created Girls on the M.O.V.E. TM©, a young women’s and girls' leadership program to help participants realize their full potential by teaching them important lifetime leadership concepts, including creating their own personal mission statement. The program is currently being offered at Columbia Schools (2016 - current), and has been previously offered to other area schools through Jackson Junior Welfare League, and has been hosted by the CMS (Community Minded Service) Club at Consumers Energy in past years.  Active in community work she was a past board member (2014-2017) and Warm the Children Chair (and Co-Chair) for Jackson Junior Welfare League (JJWL), currently serves as a Region 9 grant reviewer (6 area counties) for the Michigan Council of the Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) and is a regular volunteer for Sitting Tall Therapeutic Riding Camp. She was selected among national competition as a participant in the National Institute for Leadership Development—a leadership program for women in higher education.

Eric Beda

Trustee

Mr. Beda has a distinguished career in entrepreneurship, non-profit, and education leadership roles. Currently, he is the Founder and CEO at Beda Family Agency, a Farm Bureau Insurance agency with multiple locations in South Central Michigan. He is also a licensed minister and serves as Assistant Pastor at a local church in Jackson, Michigan, where he leads over seven ministries, including international work.
Previously, Eric served as Director of Diversity at Spring Arbor University, where he led diversity strategic initiatives and a team that organized 30 cultural heritage events annually, featuring keynote speakers such as U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young and the late U.N. Ambassador David Rawson. Mr. Beda began his career in wholesale fuel operations with Consumers Energy, where he ultimately led efforts in supplier relationships and supplier contract negotiations.

He holds an MBA from Spring Arbor University, a BS from Michigan State University, and is an insurance professional. 

In addition to his work and ministry, Eric serves on several boards of directors, including the Jackson County Planning Commissioners, Junior Achievement of Michigan, Christ Centered Homes, Advocate and Leadership for Police and Community Trust and the Student Statesman Institute. He also chaired the first Jackson County Commissioners Diversity Committee.

Eric is fluent in French and conversational in Japanese. He is married to his lovely wife, attorney Kristina, and they have five daughters.

Rubenn Lanphear

Trustee

Mr. Lanphear is a dedicated local business owner and entrepreneur with a strong commitment to the Jackson community. As the owner of RL Coatings, a custom powder coating business, he has played an integral role in supporting local industries and fostering economic growth in the area. His expertise in business operations, customer relations, and strategic planning has been key to his company’s success. 

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Lanphear has deep ties to the Jackson community. His two children have attended local schools, giving him a personal investment in the success and development of educational opportunities in the region. He is a strong advocate for the mission and vision of JPEC and is eager to contribute his business acumen and community-driven perspective to the Board. 

With a keen interest in student success and workforce readiness, Mr. Lanphear brings valuable insight into the skills and training needed to prepare students for future career.

Renee Novak-Arze, P.E.

Trustee

Ms. Novak-Arze, P.E., brings over 38 years of diverse experience in engineering and technical fields. She is a licensed Professional Engineer in Michigan and Nebraska, demonstrating her established expertise and adherence to professional standards. Her strong educational background includes a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University, a B.A. in Arts and Letters from Michigan State University, and an Associate in Science from Jackson Community College. Her professional affiliations include the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) and the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers (MSPE). 

Her technical specializations and representative experience span several critical areas, including project management (since 1998), transmission and distribution line design (since 1994 and 1990, respectively), other civil design work (since 1996), and technical writing (since 1986). Her experience includes working on projects across multiple states, such as Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Maine, and Alabama. 

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ms. Novak-Arzie has a demonstrated commitment to education and youth development through her significant volunteer activities. She has served as an Energizing Education Reading Mentor (2015-2020), a MathCounts Coach (since 2018), a FIRST LEGO League Jr Coach (2018-2020), and a FIRST Robotics Judge (2020-2021). These roles highlight her direct involvement in fostering student success and developing practical skills in young people.