BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Brooke Culbreth
President & Interim Treasurer of the Board
Brooke's professional journey began at age 21 when she became the first female volunteer attack firefighter in Houston, Alaska, simultaneously launching her career as a litigation paralegal. This dual commitment to public service and legal advocacy would define much of her subsequent career path. After gaining substantial experience in the legal field, Brooke pursued a Juris Doctorate in 2019. She paused her studies when she and her husband learned they were expecting their first child together, prioritizing family while maintaining her commitment to making a difference.
In January 2022, Brooke joined the Michigan Gaming Control Board's Licensing and Investigations Division, focusing on charitable gaming compliance. In this role, she broke new ground as the first Native American hired in the agency's history. Her government experience is grounded in her work as a Criminal Justice Technician for the Alaska Department of Corrections, where she was hired to develop, implement, and lead a prisoner reentry program. Operating within Alaska's largest men's prison, Goose Creek Correctional Center, she designed a full-scope curriculum to prepare inmates for societal and workforce reentry. She directly supervised a caseload of approximately 500 inmates, extended her oversight to a sister facility, and provided them with critical skills and strategies for successful reintegration into society and the workforce.
After relocating to Michigan with her husband in 2021, Brooke has dedicated her time to nonprofit social welfare work and raising their son. She continues to apply her legal expertise by volunteering to fight social injustices both on Tribal Reservations and in Michigan communities.
Currently, Brooke focuses full-time on her leadership role with Citizens For A Better Macomb County, Inc., where she channels her extensive legal background and passion for community advocacy in our collective fight for meaningful reform.
Daniel VanDeKerkhove
Vice President of the Board
As a lifelong resident and proud father of Macomb County's next generation, Daniel is passionate about civic duty and responsible community stewardship.
Daniel was a founding member of Citizens For A Better Macomb County, formed in response to a contentious landfill proposal that ultimately led to several local officials serving prison sentences for corruption.
In addition to his work with Citizens For A Better Macomb County, Daniel has served on numerous local boards, including his municipal board of trustees, the school board, and the library board.
Daniel believes in honesty, transparency, integrity, and service to others, and he looks forward to working alongside those who share those same values.
Kellie Reimer
Secretary of the Board
Kellie Reimer is a lifelong Macomb County resident who was born and raised in the county and has called it home for more than 40 years. She is deeply invested in the future of the community, proud to be raising the next generation of Macomb County residents, and passionate about promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in local government.
Kellie has more than 20 years of experience in public education and holds a bachelor's degree and two master's degrees in education. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to serving students, families, and her community through education, leadership, and advocacy.
In addition to her professional experience, Kellie has served as Secretary of the board of a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, where she gained experience supporting nonprofit operations and community engagement.
As Secretary of Citizens for a Better Macomb County, Inc., Kellie is committed to encouraging informed civic participation to ensure residents have a voice in the decisions that shape their communities. Her strong roots in Macomb County, combined with her experience in education, nonprofit organizations, and public service, provide a valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the community today.
Arianna Welsh
Deputy Secretary of the Board
For Arianna Welsh, dedication to Macomb County is a profound family legacy. As a lifelong resident of over forty years who calls Bruce Township home, Arianna is deeply invested in the growth, transparency, and ecological health of her community. Leadership runs deep in her history. She is the granddaughter of lifelong Macomb County politician and former Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Thomas S. Welsh. Her roots in public service extend back to the 1930s when her great-grandfathers served the region, Stanton Welsh as a Michigan state representative in St. Clair Shores and Henry Beier as the Lenox Township supervisor. Inspired by this ancestral civic duty, Arianna has carved out her own path as a real estate investor, marketing strategist, and fierce advocate for municipal accountability.
On the business side, Arianna brings a practical and strategic approach to her work, combining real estate investment with digital commerce expertise. As an active property manager, she oversees property operations, asset management, and commercial renovations. In tandem, she works as an e-commerce strategist and marketing professional, driving brand growth while navigating complex regulatory compliance within the natural health and wellness sector. Successfully balancing marketing innovation with strict industry regulations has given her a sharp eye for detail and a results-driven mindset.
Beyond her commercial ventures, Arianna is a dedicated activist for both the planet and the public interest. Her commitment to the environment is rooted in a nonprofit background in environmental stewardship, which she puts into practice through sustainable initiatives. This passion for protection fuels her work as a community watchdog. Arianna has a proven track record of challenging established organizations, exposing inside dealings and institutional irregularities to protect the public interest. She is savvy in navigating Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act issues, utilizing these legal tools to monitor township agendas and demand government transparency. By pairing her sharp business and marketing acumen with a deep respect for the land, she stands as a voice for the residents and natural landscape of Macomb County.