Meet the Directors

Alan Priest retired in 1997 from the Bechtel Group, as President of Bechtel Power Global Industries, a multi-billion dollar business line. His Bechtel career spanned 35 years beginning as a Professionally Registered Engineer and the majority of his career was in management and executive management of large complex troubled projects. Following this Bechtel Group career, Alan engaged in part-time consulting for large troubled projects, worldwide.

Alan graduated from California State University Long Beach in 1968 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Alan attended numerous executive certification programs including Stanford, Rice University, the Wharton Business School, and University of Michigan Business School Executive Program.

Following retirement from engineering and project management, Alan focused energies on endurance sports, including numerous marathons and ironman endurance events. Alan qualified for the coveted Boston Marathon multiple times and will compete for the fourth time at the 2017 Ironman Hawaii, the coveted qualification-only World Championship.

Alan’s primary residence is Grand Rapids, Michigan where he resides with his wife Jan Brown. They now travel extensively and seek volunteer opportunities.

Jan Brown retired in 2012 from Market Strategies International, a research and consulting firm based in Livonia, MI. Jan was one of six initial founders of the firm. Along with the senior management team, Jan grew the company to become in the top 20 (by revenue) of global research companies. During her tenure with Market Strategies, Jan developed the healthcare business group, served as COO and then President, a position she held until her retirement. She continues to serve on the Board of Directors. Jan’s career with Market Strategies spanned 24 years. Prior to Market Strategies she was employed by Bechtel Corporation for 13 years, holding positions of increasing responsibility in operations and project management in Michigan and Texas.

Jan received her BA degree from Michigan State University in 1973. She attended an executive program at Stanford University. Since retiring, Jan has been involved in extensive travel as well as volunteer activities. She actively seeks volunteer opportunities that further the development of independent adults, focusing on education and healthy living. Jan’s primary residence is Grand Rapids, Michigan where she resides with her husband, Alan Priest.

Natalie Kik-Brown obtained her Masters Degree in Animal Science from Michigan State University and went on to work for twelve years in various laboratory-related positions, including a series of positions with the Muskegon County Wastewater Management System. While raising her family, she became involved in various non-profit organizations as a volunteer, including 4-H and PTL and also held leadership positions in Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Conklin, Michigan. During the last several years she has organized and directed two charitable race events raising funds for two separate charities. She has significant familiarity with the interface of athletic activity as a tool for change and development of young adults. As chief executive officer of Panthera Edge Foundation, Natalie is responsible for the general supervision and control of all business affairs of the organization. She provides over all leadership of the Foundation's operations in cooperation with the Board of Directors to collaboratively uphold the Foundation's mission.

The Sacred Valley: Cusco, Peru.