News

Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan Rugby Foundation announced today the appointment of seven members to the board of directors. This brings the number of board members to twelve. 

In January the MRF welcomed Jamie Frech, current Head Coach of the UMWRFC and a part of the Ann Arbor rugby community for over twenty years. Her experience as a player, mentor, administrator, and accomplished coach is buoyed by expertise in digital marketing: Jamie is a managing partner at Frech and Wang, a digital marketing consultancy. 

The MRF celebrates Jamie Frech as the 2021 University of Michigan Club Sports Coach of the Year, having seen firsthand her tireless dedication to player welfare and the advancement of rugby in our community. 

Also joining Jamie in the role of Director, Jacque Passino entered the fold pursuant to the MRF’s January board meeting. Jacque is a proven leader, having been appointed CIO of the Michigan Department of Information Technology by Governor Jon Engler in 2001. Passino’s impressive professional expertise includes large-scale ERP technology programs, change management, and information technology solutions with industry leaders such as Hewlett Packard and Access Sciences Corporation. The MRF strongly believes this professional expertise will add positively to the diversity of the growing board. 

Several board members approved in 2021 step into new roles having previously held positions with the MRF. Those board members are listed below, alongside their current MRF Officer role:

Wesley Farrow: President

John Palladino: Vice President, Chair of Governance Committee

Neil Matouka: Secretary

The MRF February Board Meeting confirmed the addition of Tom Stulberg to the board, in the role of Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee. While many may recognize Tom as a player, on the pitch he should be recognized for his coaching and officiating contributions to the rugby community throughout the years and across competition levels. Off the field, Tom has ‘championed’ the cause of historical homes in many ways. Specifically, as Chair of Ann Arbor’s Historic District Commission, but also as co-owner of Champion Management LLC. 

Andrew Swain was approved in February for the role of Development Chair and Chair of the Development Committee. Having served as Club President for 2 seasons, Andrew brings special insight into the operational and administrative needs of undergraduate students. This rugby acumen has been experientially reinforced over a decade of aerospace manufacturing management. The MRF celebrates Andrew as a new father, sending best wishes to his wife, Chiara, and their two pets in Milford, MI. 

Also approved in February was Karl Seibert. As with all other board members, Karl’s achievements on the pitch are only outshined by his own professional experiences of the field. Karl lives in Ann Arbor with his wife and son, working in management consulting for McKinsey & Company. Importantly, Karl brings continuity to the board having served previously as a Club Captain and Student Advisory Councillor, and planning the alumni weekend in concert each year. Many know of Karl’s work behind the scenes, and the board welcomes his track record of service and accomplishment with the Club. 

Finally, in March the MRF welcomed its newest Director in Greg Rose. His achievements off the field include meritorious employment with Arthur Anderson, Grant Thornton, Deloitte Consulting, HP Enterprise Services, Cognizant, and, most recently, co-ownership of Ann Arbor Arms. On the field, Greg is a familiar face to many in the Ann Arbor rugby community, having played high school rugby in Chicago before playing and coaching in Michigan and beyond. Greg joins many on the board as a former coach, one who’s strategic vision will be appreciated by the MRF. 

The MRF marks this occasion with heartfelt thanks to the board members departing Officer roles. Michael Lacivita has transitioned to a Director role, following his service as Secretary. The current board would like to lead the Michigan Rugby Community in recognizing the service of Aaron Turk as MRF President. As Aaron also makes the transition to Director, the MRF applauds his dedicated leadership and collective approach to charting the course for the organization during a most formative time and in the face of most formidable circumstances. Thank you to Aaron, Michael, and all community members for your support during these first five years. The MRF looks forward to building on this collective success by achieving new benchmarks in sustainability and development.   

About Michigan Rugby Foundation

The sport of rugby provides an unparalleled leadership and character development experience: Its presence on campus enhances the standing of the University of Michigan. The Michigan Rugby Foundation works tirelessly to enhance, enrich, and ensure the continuous growth of rugby, and its positive impact on the current and future students of the University of Michigan.

Media Contact: 

James Wilber

MRF Communications Committee 

jwilber.pro@gmail.com 

https://www.michiganrugbyfoundation.org/