About Us

Community Catalysts supports seniors, veterans, homeless and other low income people by funding and developing quality affordable housing and services. Our goal is to be the catalyst - to get a stalled project started, to fill a gap to keep a project going, to fund a project that others may not be willing to fund, or work with a developer/partner in a way that others will not. We are a small, nimble team and are able to move quickly to get a project approved. We care about the people and communities that our projects serve. We strive to serve more people in Michigan and throughout the Midwest through our collaborative partnerships. Contact us to discuss your project and how we might be able to serve you.

Mission:

We serve as a catalyst to our partners, and together we empower seniors, veterans, homeless and other low income people through quality affordable housing and services.

Core Values:

Collaboration with other community development efforts
Innovation in design and concepts
Integrity
Respect for the individual and the dignity of all people

Board Members

Board of Directors

Christy brings a people-first, strategic approach to every organization she works with. Known for her enthusiasm, collaborative style, and ability to bring out the best in others, Christy thrives on building strong relationships and helping teams reach their full potential.

With more than 15 years of experience in human resources, training, and organizational development, Christy helps organizations create engaged, high-performing teams. She is passionate about designing learning opportunities, coaching leaders, and fostering cultures where employees feel supported, heard, and empowered.

Christy Conn

Through her consulting practice, Christy Conn Consulting, LLC, she partners with organizations to address both business and human resources challenges, helping them grow and thrive. She also facilitates strategic planning workshops for school board members across Michigan through the Michigan Association of School Boards and previously served as director of human resources at EctoHR, supporting a wide range of private, public, and nonprofit clients.

Christy is deeply committed to community service. She serves on the Howell Public Schools Board of Education and is an active member of Rotary International, where she has been recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. As a board member of Community Catalysts, she brings her experience in building strong teams, fostering collaboration, and strengthening organizations to support the mission of creating and restoring affordable housing.

When she’s not working with clients or volunteering, Christy enjoys time with her family, connecting with friends, and supporting the people and communities around her.

Sandie Cortez

Sandie Cortez is a seasoned entrepreneur and community leader with over three decades of experience in the printing and marketing industry. Alongside her husband, Don, she co-founded First Impression Print & Marketing in Howell, Michigan, in 1989. Together, they’ve built a thriving business that now includes a second location in Farmington Hills.

A natural self-starter, Sandie’s entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 13 when she managed the largest newspaper route in Oakland County, earning opportunities in house sitting, dog sitting, and babysitting. After earning certification as a dental assistant, she pivoted to sales with

American Speedy Printing and later launched her own forms business before establishing First Impression Print & Marketing.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sandie is a dedicated community advocate. She has been a member of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce since 1989, serving on the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest Committee for over 30 years and holding various leadership roles, including Chair of the Chamber Board and Foundation Board. Her service extends to numerous organizations, including the Howell Rotary Club, where she has held positions such as Interact Advisor, Exchange Program Chair, and President of the Howell Rotary Foundation.

Sandie is also the Co-Chair for the Livingston County Walk to End Alzheimer’s, a Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) for Livingston County, and a past board member for LACASA and the Child Advocacy Council of Livingston County.

Sandie and Don are celebrating 40 years of marriage in 2025. They are proud parents to three daughters.

Laurie Helgren

Laurie Helgren brings over 17 years of experience in the commercial banking industry. As an Assistant Vice President, she implemented and manages the Commercial Finance Portfolio for First Independence Bank. She currently sits on the Compliance Committee and is an active member of senior management.

Prior to her current role, Laurie managed several portfolios at other financial institutions and held managerial positions in public accounting as well as in the retail marine industry.

Laurie holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Michigan State University. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and volunteering through her church, as well as spending time with family and friends. Laurie currently resides in Novi.

Suzy Murphy

As Vice President of Work Skills Corporation’s (WSC) staffing division, Action Associates, Suzy Murphy oversees the day-to-day operations of Action Associates by working with customers to find innovative staffing solutions in the areas of temporary, contract, and permanent placement of professional, skilled trades, administrative, and industrial candidates. She also directs corporate marketing and public relations and is a member of WSC’s senior leadership team and corporate human resources department. Suzy received her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Michigan State

University with her Masters in Human Resource Administration from Central Michigan University.

Suzy is the former President of the Livingston Area Human Resource Association (LAHRA) and former LAHRA Government Affairs Committee Chair. Currently, she is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), American Staffing Association (ASA), and the Chamber of Commerce Talent Management Pipeline (TPM) collaborative.

Suzy and her husband live in Hartland and together they have 5 children. They enjoy spending time with one another and with friends. She also enjoys traveling, hiking, and reading.

Becky Phelps

Becky Phelps is the founder of Capture Associates, an asset management and consulting service to a limited group of owners, overseeing over 2,000 units of senior and multi-family housing. Becky brings almost 30 years of experience in all phases of property ownership and development. She is experienced in acquisitions, sales, debt and equity financing and asset management services in both the senior and multi-family housing sectors.

Prior to founding Capture Associates, Becky worked as a

Development Officer of the P.M. Group, Inc. Her involvement

in the acquisition and construction development of over 2,500 multi-family and senior housing units, including the securitization of over $80 million in debt financing and placement of equity, contributes significantly to the expertise behind her successful ventures and ownership opportunities.

Executive Staff

Eileen Zilch

As the CEO and President of Community Catalysts, Eileen Zilch brings over 30 years of Corporate, Consulting, and Non-Profit leadership to the team. With an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, Eileen started her career at Ford Motor Company.

During her 11 years at Ford, Eileen served in several leadership positions including Finance Manager in Car Product Development, Plant Controller, and Director of Foreign Exchange Strategy in the Treasury.

Eileen moved into finance and marketing consulting for a decade and then into the Non-Profit sector.

As a Director at SpringHill Camps for 10 years, Eileen worked in both operational and support leadership roles. Her roles at SpringHill included Marketing Director, Regional Day Camp Director, and Central Services Director. Eileen's signature leadership style is creating high-performing teams and taking something good and making it great.

Eileen brings strong leadership skills, a diverse business background with both for-profit and non-profit organizations, and a get-it-done attitude to her role at Community Catalysts.

Eileen has four children and lives in Howell. When she isn't working, you can find her at her son's sporting events, at the beach, hiking, traveling, decorating, learning and teaching, watercolor painting, or laughing with family and friends.